Stoke Row to Whitchurch, Goring & Back

Today we decided to go on a new route, taking in the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs.

Here is a  MAP of our route (it takes a few seconds to open). We covered 27 miles and managed to climb over 1300 feet

Lovely pastoral scene at Path Hill.

Also at Path Hill.

Some Push-me, Pull-me's near Whitchurch.

Inquisitive & extremely comical.

She looks so attractive with a bit of rim lighting.

Ears pinned back.

Interesting Front Door at the Farm.

Beautiful spring colours & light.

Spring Blossom appearing on the left.

Whitchurch, part of the structure of the newly renovated bridge.

The bridge at Whitchurch, which was reopened last September, having been closed for approx. 12 months.

Quintessentially English scene.

The Thames at Pangbourne.

Near Aldworth on the Downs.

The Thames at Goring. Always a beautiful scene.

Artist at work in Goring.

Waiting for their tea in the whicker chairs and tartan blankets.

The best Eccles cake in the world.

On the return leg, through the Beech Woods

Bradfield to Chieveley

Today we decided to start at Bradfield, cycling through Stanford Dingley, Bucklebury, Chieveley, Hampstead Norreys, Yattendon and back to Bradfield - 22 miles covered. The weather was chill, with a north wind and generally bright, with featureless skies, but some lovely recession. The landscapes had to be in mono in these conditions. Some real evidence of Spring with an abundance of Daffodils.

The church at Stanford Dingley.

Stanford Dingley

Stanford Dingley

Lovely recession near Hermitage

The Church at Chieveley, I've not been to this Church before. Chieveley has some really interesting old buildings, which I''l have to capture some time in the future.

Chieveley

Chieveley.

Nice horizon a few miles north of Chieveley.

On the way to Hampstead Norreys.

.....and turn 180  degrees to get this group.

Tea stop at the community shop at Hampstead Norreys. Nice Chelsea Bun to go with my cuppa.

The road up to Yattendon, with the Pang valley in the background.

Nice bit of rust & decay. The sharp eyed will recognise the two trees from the previous image.

Wargrave to Freith & Marlow Common

We had a full compliment of 3 riders today and were rewarded with a lovely sunny and warm morning.

We covered a total of 26 miles and managed a few hills enroute, climbing a total of 1350 feet, with a couple of steep 1:4's thrown in the mix.

Gentle backwater near Hambleden Lock.

An old post with moss and a bit of light. Photographer's joy!

More old posts in the Thames.

My attempt at Wildlife photography. I think the Willow is more impressive.

A couple of old boys on the bridge.

"My" barn at Hambleden. This has been done by a few of the club photographer's recently and this is my chance to claim it back.

The Village

One of the cottages at Hambleden, with a line of smalls.

This was one of a group of pigs who ran (trundled) across a field to meet us at the fence. I tried to get a group shot......

Fingest - signs of Spring in the Cottage garden.

Another attractive cottage at Fingest.

This lovely Beech near Freith caught my eye.

And then the Daffs with a nice flint wall.

Farm near Bockmer.

Back over the Thames and cycling back to Aston.

It feels like Spring

At last it feels warmer and there are signs of Spring around. Today's ride started at Stoke Row and took in Nuffield, Ewelme (Tea Stop) Ipsden & Checkendon. 

Looking across the grounds of Swyncombe House

A steep climb awaits.

Looking out towards Didcot.

Swyncombe Church with Snowdrops & Aconites.

I like the Farmbuilding here and the sweep of the road, but the harsh light does the image no favours.

Leading lines & circles. I tried it in monochrome, but the verdant green works best.

The cows seem to be feeding along the lines in the field.

Timeless scene......

Whenever I pass these trees I am tempted to get my camera out.

Farmyard near Checkendon.