Breeze Warren Row Loop (to lunch) - 23 miles

on

We have a run of family staying atm, swapping over today. But yesterday afternoon, I spotted a window of opportunity this morning to sneak in a bike ride. So with a very late decision to advertise the ride, I was delighted that 4 ladies were free to join me. There is a big group going out tomorrow with other leaders, so I wasn't expecting anyone to come today, but 2 of the ladies are doing tomorrow as well. 

Louise was busy until 11.30, so I agreed a late start which worked out well for 2 reason. 

  1. It was cold at 9am!
  2. I had time to strip all the beds and get two washings on before I went out, and clean the bathrooms. The next lot of visitors arrive today at 2.30.😉


By 11.30 it was a cool, calm, but beautifully clear day.  As we peddled over the motorway bridges, we could see for miles.  We stopped to turn right at Hurst Pond.  I loved the soft winter light on the white cottage.


Up Broad Hinton to Ruscombe Church,  then along Castle End Road to cross the A4 at Hare Hatch. I was feeling too warm by now, but didn't bother to remove a layer. We stopped briefly for a nose blow stop at Gill's normal resting point at a gate on Highfield Lane, enroute to Holy Cross. 

So clear today.  Highfield Lane. 

Lynne, Clare, Gill, Louise. 

same spot different direction. 

100 yards further on. I always admire this Willow tree. 

As we parked up at Sip and Spoke, Gill recognised a bike already there, as her husbands.  It was pretty empty as we arrived, but I found out later from my hubby (who had been earlier), that a huge group of "U3A" riders or similar had been there earlier. 

Since it was now around 12.30, most of opted for either Carrot
or French Onion soup. Which came with  some cheese on toast. 😄

Gill's husband joined us, and took the team photo. 

We left, all downhill of course to the A4, with Gill and I at the front. I suggested it was probably dry enough to cross through the woods, so off we went, with Gill ahead. What I had in mind was to cross the A4 onto the tracks but take the first left, which soon links to Bottle Lane.  Gill had other ideas, and since she was at the front and I was at the back ( and no route to follow today), we peddled off road all the way to Waltham St Lawrence.   The track was about the best I've experienced over the years, so not a problem. It can be a mess, either too muddy or really hard with dry soil in summer.   So, I forgave her. 😂 

Clematis seeds heads catching the sunlight, as we crossed
on the tracks to W.A.Lawrence. 

Looking back and where the track is now a good surface.

I had noticed some beautiful Golden Deer last week at Hall Farm on Halls Lane, so we stopped briefly as we passed by. 

Halls  Farm Deer, and also wreaths on every window. 

It was now 2ish, so shortest route home, before it got dark, and also before my family arrived. I made it. 

Thanks for your company everyone. We certainly got the best of the day by starting later. See you in the New Year.