11th June 2013 ESCC to The Alnes

A ride out today with the ESCC (Emergency Services Cycling Club). We started from Graham's house, with a cup of tea of course, and made our way over to The Alnes near Alcester before tea and a cake and return. There were four of us today, Myself, Graham, Andy and Alan.

I dont know if this will work but you can check the route by going to the link http://app.strava.com/activities/59691011

Long Thatch Norton Lindsey

Starting out from Leamington, through Warwick to the Henley Road and climbed up into Norton Lindsey. Just leaving Norton, there is this very attractive thatched cottage on the right hand side. Typically English countryside view, down to the water pump in the garden.  It wasn't a very nice day for photographs, or cycling, for that matter. Very overcast, and at this point, is was very fine drizzling rain.

The Golden Cross at Bearley

Leaving Norton, carried on west, into the wind and crossed the A3400, the main Stratford to Birmingham road. Never been here, but some ratings on Trip Advisor where not altogether complimentary. A mixed bag really so suck it and see.

Yew Tree Farm Complex

Going into The Alnes, the villages of Great Alne and Little Alne. These are named after the nearby River Alne, Alne being the Celtic word for bright and clear. Interestingly the Mill at Great Alne, now converted into luxury apartments, was valued at 5 shillings in the Domesday Book. That wouldn't buy a newspaper now! This was the point that was furthest from our start point and Graham's maxim of 'head into the wind' paid off as the wind was now behind us.  Thankfully, the light rain had stopped by now. Time to stock up on energy so called in at the Yew Tree Farm Cafe just north of Wootten Wawen.

Fed up!

This is the group, from the left, Alan, Andy and Graham. We were fed up in more ways than one. a) we had eaten, well most of us had and b) Andy was not happy with the service. Along with Andy, I had ordered a cream tea and they forgot to bring it! Graham and Alan had eaten their meals and we were still waiting. Andy decided not to have anything, and when I checked, it was obvious that the waitress had forgotten them. We had heard about the poor service from other cyclists so may give this place a miss in the future. To quote Andy as we rode away, "An ideal place to come if you are on a diet".
The complex itself is made up of about 16 different shops and looks an interesting enough place to visit and have a mooch round. There were all sorts of outlets there ranging from antiques, pets and tack, clothing, craft supplies etc.

A very enjoyable ride today, despite the hills! Thanks to Graham for sorting out the route. For me it was just under 39 miles. Pity the weather was not more Juneish.