We started our ride at Woolhampton, near Thatcham. We cycled up to Brimpton Common, Ashford Hill, Greenham Common, Thatcham, Upper Bucklebury, Chapel Row and back to Woolhampton. 24 miles.
The weather was misty and cool, but soon brightened up and by the end it was pleasantly warm.
Most of this ride covered new territory. The church at Ashford Hill was interesting - very tall and slender, which is not evident in the photos, as I do not have a wide angle lens on my compact camera. Quite a few Celtic crosses in the graveyard - might have to do some research into that one day.
It was a somewhat surreal experience cycling on the old runway at Greenham Common. 30 years ago this would have been occupied by the US Airforce and their nuclear weapons. It is now a nature reserve.
The Douai Abbey at Upper Woolhampton is now a private school and is probably worth a lot more interest than one shot. Somewhere to return to, I think. Opposite the school are some charming cottages, built in 1684.
Tea stop was at Chapel Row, next the the Bladebone Inn. They had a very tempting selection of cakes and savoury dishes. Perhaps next time. Until recently this cafe was the local butchers shop.
| 
Love it John, keep it going!
ReplyDeleteThanks John. I'm glad to find that there are a few souls out there who read it.
DeleteCycling again tomorrow. Watch this space, although I'm not sure if my brain can cope with all this effort in trying to use my imagination!