Wargrave to Marlow & Hambleden - 28 miles

on

I always enjoy visiting Hambleden when the Hollyhocks are in flower around the village. It's a Monday ride, and we are just back from cycling in Croatia in mid 30's degrees. No L, D or D free today so just John and I. We decided to drive to Wargrave to start.

Route link

Crops on Highfield Road just after the start.


We climbed initially to Crazies Hill, then down passing Velolife to cross on use the Knowl Hill circuit into Littlewick Green.

Lovely colours from the wild Mallow, as we join the Knowl Hill path.

Orange Hemerocallis in flower at Little Stubbings Property
as we approach Burchetts Green.

We climb towards the Dew Drop Inn, then drop into Honey Lane to Hurley, and through the dark tunnel to Temple. 

Temple Village

Tea stop at the MCafe in Marlow.
I thought the Wisteria looks amazing......

... turns out they are silk!  the foliage is real, but not the flowers. 
Had me fooled. 😄

The exterior of the MCafe in Marlow. I love it's Veranda.

It's all been a bit too easy so far, and now we have to climb out of Marlow. We had ebikes in Croatia last week, where it was quite hilly at times, with lengthy climbing, but mostly the heat was what would have made it hard work without power. So, here we go. It's only 16 degrees as we  climb out of Marlow, so can't use that as an excuse!  It was easy. 

I normally just continue along the road, all flat, all the way to Freith X Roads, but John had other ideas. We climbed an immediate uphill on Chislebridge Lane, then a right turn towards Parmoor. Its all gradually up hill now into Frieth, before dropping downhill into Fingest .

The left turn towards Fingest, after dropping down from Frieth.

Along the Hambleden Valley, where it is STILL flooded just beyond Skirmett. The water comes from the underground stream, and has been flooded for months.  John took the "high road" into Hambleden, and I opted for the low road. 

Coming into Hambleden. A film crew are here, so to drive through the
village, a diversion across the field!


The shop beyond the Hollyhocks has green paint.  The window frames
are normally white! I assume they will paint it white again when
filming is finished. 


Boarding going up on the end elevation of the house to hide something
out of keeping for the film.

A butchers shop has appeared too. 



Chaos!  Filming starts tomorrow.  Hugh Jackman I understand. 

There is normally a picket fence around the shop, which has gone.


Across the weir, where at long last, all the debris which has been washed down in spring flooding, has now been removed.  Up Aston Lane and back to the start. Several roads today had new coverings of the loose chipping style. They are not great for cycling, and definitley cause more resistance when peddling. 😡😡😡