Last year at May half term and with two grandkids, we had driven to the John Lewis Water Gardens, at Lockstock. A beautiful, unique garden. I had ridden past it a couple of times on Monday rides previously, but it's shut on Mondays. I thought it would make a great day out with friends, so of those who were free, today we were 5. Sadly Linda C pulled out last minute, unwell. What a shame you missed it Linda. I am sure a return visit will be organised. I particularly wanted to go at this time again, since I remember the beautiful candelabra Primulas being in flower.
Rose drove independently since her route was faster on M3, and I took 4 of us to meet up at 10.00. We arrived bang on time. (Its half term, so traffic was no problem.) A forecast for high 20's into 30's again today, so we had come prepared with 2 water bottles, sunhats and cool towels too for later.
(I used my mobile phone today, with new camera arriving at home whilst I am out.)
Route link screenshot at end.
We left St Marybourne with so many thatched properties (and parked cars!), and an easy start to our ride towards Hurstbourne Priors passing under the viaduct. Straight on at a junction where we have parked a couple of times if no space in St Marybourne. (We would emerge at this junction on our return.)
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| All very flat and easy as we pass Hurstbourne Priors church, and over the B3400 towards Longparish. |
As we arrived in Longparish, I continued straight on, with Gill shouting "it's left here". But that was where we go later on our return loop to pass the old Millhouse.
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| Longparish, also has loads of thatched properties, and not many parked cars! |
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| Rose, Amy, Gill and Hazel. Passing through Longparish, This long wall wraps around a substantial property. |
So far we had been at river level. Our first tiny bit if climbing now, as we leave the village to climb over the A303, and soon are dropping down again to pass over the River Test in Wherwell.
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| Before we reach Wherwell, this field full of a white crop, which was unknown to us. But also lots of foxgloves in the foreground. |
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| How pretty is that. Just before the bridge in Wherwell. |
Amy's shot of the others on the bridge.
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| Fisherman on the riverbank in Wherwell. The water crystal clear, and lots of trout fishing here. |
At a fork we soon take a right turn, towards Chilbolton. (Later we will cross the bridge from the opposite direction, and continue straight on at the fork). Our coffee stop was at Chilbolton Stores. It was hot already, and with no shade at the tables, we sat inside.
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| joined the Test Way old rail track. |
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| Passing through pretty Stockbridge |
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| the test river running through Stockbridge. |
I had mentioned to the ladies that I wasnt sure if we could get to the road called "the Bunny" once on the track, but could access it after we left Stockbridge, as it was worth a quick visit. Whilst I had stopped for a photo as we left town, the others all carried on.
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| A little rise as we leave river level from Stockbridge. |
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| Cattle getting a drink . |
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| A bit further, and higher. |
I felt sure that Rose would stop at the church coming into Longstock, but no sign of anyone, then I saw Amy had waited for me. I said I hope they remembered to turn right at "the Bunny".
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| Coming into Lockstock, Amy's bike on the left, as she took a photo at the church. |
Amy and I then took the turn called The Bunny, but no sign of the other 3.
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| Where are the others? How could they miss seeing this? |
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| Eel fishing baskets seen from The Bunny. |
I called Gill to ask where they were. "Top of the hill".
I suggested they should come back. I explained where we were, and Gill did come.... alone. They other two couldn't face dropping down the hill to climb it again. It wasn't that bad.😉
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| here they are!!! Hazel's face a picture.😂😂😂 |
We had almost reached our lunch stop at the John Lewis farm shop, which is tucked away at the end of long tarmac drive, with plenty of tree shade. ( a gradual climb). Rose had been before (her son works for JL), but not the others. It was busy, but with almost no one sitting outside. (too hot!)
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| 4 of us had the Coronation Chicken Salad. Very nice . |
Amy disappeared to the Ladies ..... an emerged wearing a dress! lol. (We still had a short ride downhill again to the garden.) She wore this for lunch and garden visit, and changed again before we left the garden. Rose, who had been before, found a shady tree at the garden car park, and had a snooze.
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| A teenager took this for us. Amy wearing my spare hat. 3 of us wearing our wet "coolmax scarves" too. |
And of course lots of garden photos.......
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| Right here into Church Street, Wherwell for a little detour. |
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| nice and cool inside! |
Once across the river, we followed the road towards Newton Stacey. I couldn't remember much about this next couple of miles, except that there are signs warning of "firing ranges". I hadn't heard sounds on previous visits, but definitely today, with the RED warning flag up.
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| no shade as we climb to the top but then a nice downhill into Barton Stacey. |
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| A trig point at the top here, and a long downhill to follow. |
A bit of slow burner of a gradual climb next over the A303 before dropping down ito Longparish, and taking a right turn into Nun's Walk. A left turn over a bridge, and "its a FORD", shouted Rose.
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| Rose, wetting her shirt to cool her down. |
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| Then she just went in. 😎😎😎 |
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| Gill and Hazel paddling. Gill in bare feet, struggled a bit with the stones. The others had sandles on. |
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| Around the back of the old Millhouse , looking a bit sad. The river runs right alongside the lane now for a while, and a few families having picnics etc. Rose had said earlier in the day, that we pass through Whitchurch. I said no, not today. Lol. We did. I had planned the route a while back, and since there are many ways to go, had forgotten that it was that way. I had expected to turn off before reaching Whitchurch, to come back to Hurstbourne Priors. So.... not a problem, but from Whitchurch, you have to climb OUT. Not steep just a gentle slog, before a fast ending on Harrow Way, with just 2 more miles retracing our route to the start. It was 4.45!! |
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| St. Marybourne |
Hazel suggested a drink at the pub, but Rose needed to head for home. So since I was the driver, pub it is then!
A wonderful day out. Thanks for joining me. Lots more lovely rides in this area, so I'm sure we will do a revist.
My blog is 24 hours late since I was completely knackered last night. 😂
