Bluebells
Out through Beausale and Chadwick End heading towards Hockley Heath. Part of the way is through Tapster Valley, a local beauty spot that runs parallel with the M40 motorway. Error of judgement to wear shorts and cycling top! It is only mid May after all. Chilly old wind out there today. Cycling along Bushwood Lane, we noticed these bluebells growing in the trees. An added bonus was, you can see it in the distance, a white horse trotting through the trees. Had to get the camera out quick to snap him before he disappeared.
The Olde Pounde Cafe
At the end of Bushwood Lane turned left towards Henley in Arden and at the top of Liveridge Hill is this cafe. It has been here for years in one guise or another. With some other friends, we often come here for our Wednesday Morning Breakfast Club. Can recommend it for a cheap, quick snack, especially the breakfasts. This is about the half way point so time to head back through the valley.
The Fleur de Lys Inn
Took a different route back, going through Lowsonford and Shrewley. The Fleur de Lys Inn, Lowsonford, made its mark in the 60s and 70s by making superb meat pies. Folks travelled for miles to eat here and I can recall, in the 60s, it was usually packed, especially in the evening. The pies were so good that the owners branched out and set up a factory in Warwick and mass produced them. Not sure, but I think they are still going somewhere.
The Durham Ox
Another well known pub at Shrewley. Another place that had a good reputation and was often packed in the summer months. I think of late, this one has gone off the radar, possibly because there are so many country pubs following the same lines of converting from local pubs to restaurants.
Thanks to Graham for choosing a good route today, a few hills but nothing too demanding. The weather was kind as well, despite being a bit chilly, the sun shone and the only time it rained was when we were having tea and toast. A comfortable 25 miles today.
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