A bright but slightly chilly spring morning greeted the half dozen who turned up at the Square for the 8:30 ride to the Broadway Tower. We set off, only to be blocked almost straight away by the roadworks at the Northgate St/London Rd junction, and had to negotiate our way across via the pedestrian crossing .We headed out via Old Cheltenham road and the nice green cycleway with its dodgy kerbs. For those who don’t regularly use the route, there is some confusion about how some of the junctions should be tackled, but we largely managed to make progress, helped by the welcome lack of traffic at this time on a Sunday morning.
Proceeding through Churchdown, via Albemarle Road, we crossed the M5 and headed up Cold Pool Lane and past the tiny Badgeworth Nature Reserve. Then we took the quiet route via Greatfield Lane, Farmfield Road, and Kidnapper’s Lane to Leckhampton then over the old railway at Pilley Bridge. Forging on we traversed the old centre of Charlton Kings and were warming up nicely. So much so that a pause was made to allow for the shedding of layers before tackling the main road climb up to Whittington.
Safely back into the lanes we enjoyed some undulations (and a field of rabbits, which at first were taken to be hares – maybe they were?) before tackling the big climb up through Brockhampton. Here the Captain and the leader discussed their differing opinions on how hard it was going to be; eventually it was decided that it was quite a pleasant climb for the most part, a bit tough nearer the top and overall probably not deserving of an arrow – reflected on the OS map. Ultimately all in the group breasted the top without undue strain, and we were then able to enjoy some flat riding for a while with great views to the west.
Heading downhill and through the picturesque village of Hawling we were treated to some welcome sunshine and then plunged at speed along the lovely valley road towards Guiting Power, wildflowers burgeoning on either side, and through the farm where the Captain spotted a peacock lurking behind a parked car. On we went through the village where lots of cyclists and walkers were in evidence around the two cafes. As it was already about 10:30 it was clear we would be rather late at Broadway Tower – and unlikely to find room inside. Particularly as the road via Kineton and on beyond Temple Guiting, whilst very nice, does not lend itself to easy wheeling – well not in that direction and with a headwind as well. Reaching the Toddington-Stow road at 10:51, and with the forecast promising rain after midday we decided it would be prudent to descend to Didbrook and along to Hayles Fruit Farm at Hailes (not confusing at all). This we duly did and for once it was not rammed with cyclists and we were able to sit inside.
The return leg was via the tried and tested route of the 3 Gs (Greet, Gretton, Gotherington), on through Cheltenham Racecourse, and towards some very dark clouds. These duly dumped their cold, wet contents on us as we sheltered under a tree putting on raincoats, and continued to rain down as we headed for home. Two brave souls headed for the House in the Tree for refreshment whilst the remainder pressed on for home. Hands were very cold at the end and the sunshine of mid-morning was a fond but distant memory! But a cracking morning’s ride.
Around 55 miles from the Square.
TB