OK, so it was actually the day after the longest day, but no material difference to daylight. Except the day was somewhat overcast compared to previous overheated passages of time. A good thing for the six riders taking up the challenge. With the official leader being away, it fell to the Captain to take control.
A prompt departure at 8 a.m. saw rapid progress up to Birdlip (relatively) and then the quiet lanes along the tops to Woodmancote. Across the grain of the landscape for a while: down to North Cerney; up and down to Calmsden; up and down to Coln Rogers, nestled in the Coln valley. Here the undulating road took us through classic Cotswold villages to the honeypot tourist attraction of Bibury. Arlington Row could just be seen under a swathe of tourists, mainly from the far east. Interesting how this row of houses has gained world-wide attraction.
We did not stay long: time was pressing on and more miles were required. East with an increasingly helpful tailwind, to Coln St Aldwyns and its café. The group felt we should press on to the official destination, so to Hatherop and then the magnificent Eastleaches. Numerous raptors had been observed on the ride, in particular Red Kites, floating in the wind with seemingly effortless ease – a wonderful sight.
Crossing into Oxfordshire on a very minor lane of difficult surface, we were welcomed by newly laid tarmac – a delight! But it lasted 200 yards before running out. Back to the rough track, which certainly reduced the speed of progress. No matter, we were soon at Filkins (sadly not a cider farm, that’s Wilkins in Somerset) and had the sight of another monster bird – this time a beast taking off from Brize Norton. Quite a sight – and noise. We were getting close to Carterton and The Lynwood Café, duly reached at 11.15am, 40 miles.
Successfully fed and ‘watered’ (note: no beans on toast at this coffee chain) it was once more into the saddle – and a cross / headwind return. The general route back across the Cotswolds was more NW. First up, the scenic ford at Shilton, a slippery affair and taken with care by three brave (foolish?) riders. No fallers. The stiff climb out included an arrow, which the unhelpful wind certainly made difficult – but the classic buildings made for a distraction. Then past the Cotswold Wildlife Park, quaint tiny villages of Holwell and Westwell, and an impressively large set of entrances to a massive country estate. Crossing the A40 took a while; the descent to Little Barrington was fast and we all most likely (certainly) and inadvertently exceeded the speed limit on entering the village – another classic Cotswold establishment. We were back in our home county now – and the clouds were gathering.
We were now in the delightful Windrush valley, heading west – through Windrush village and on to Sherborne. We missed the Tempo boys on their speedy way home, but caught the same shower on our ascent to Clapton-on-the-Hill. Shelter in a wood avoided a proper soaking. But just a mile further on, dry roads. The steep descent to Bourton-on-the-Water was sketchy and demanded extensive use of the brakes. Thankfully no rain here. The village was packed full of tourists, quite a change from the empty villages previously encountered.
A final climb up towards the Cotswolds Farm Park, to then descend into Guiting Power and a well earned rest at the wonderful Farmer’s Arms. 2.15pm; 62 miles. One rider took off for home.
Refreshed, the remaining four set off into a strong wind and up to the source of the Windrush at Hawling. We hauled ourselves to the top and enjoyed the super descent to Brockhampton. The ford at Sevenhampton had to be included and was taken successfully by three, one rider opting for the bridge. (Note: the President, on a solo ride, took a little tumble here and incurred a wet hand but no other damage.) The final route home was windy in the extreme, as was the traffic in Charlton Kings / Leckhampton: a ‘welcome back’ to the urban area!
All in all, a grand day out in the Cotswolds and a reminder of what’s on our doorstep – a destination point for people across the globe. Let’s not forget what we have. 85 miles.
TW