The Mother Huff Cap
On the road between Wootten Wawen and Alcester, this pub is at Great Alne. It was built in the 18th century as a coaching inn on the main road between Stratford and Bridgenorth. The name comes from the 16th century term for strong beer as it would 'huff ones cap', or make the head swell! The mother is likely to be the dame that brewed the ale. Although the pub sign displays The Huff Cap, the internet pages add the Mother.
Austin Cottage
As our close friends, John and Sandra, are Austin, could not ride past this cottage on the road out of Little Alne without including it on the blog.
St Nicholas Church Alcester
Alcester is a typical English market town, seven miles west of Stratford. On the River Arrow, its medieval street pattern survives almost intact, along with many ancient properties, including the church of St Nicholas with its 14th century tower. At the end of the main street, the church clock is set at an angle so that it easily visible. The history of Alcester dates back to Roman times and has been the subject of many archaeological digs. Well worth a visit if you are in the area of Stratford.
Olympic letter boxes
One of the Olympic gold medallists was Nick Skelton, a show jumper (with his horse of course). As he lives in the town, he has been honoured with the main post office letter boxes being painted gold.
Mission accomplished
Tea and cake at the Orangemabel Tea Rooms. At the end of the High Street is this delightful little restaurant. Very chintzy with pleasant, welcoming staff. A good choice of food was available and I plumped for the home made bakewell tart. It was delicious and gave me the sugar lift I needed after nearly 19 miles. No change from a fiver though, so a bit pricey.
Returned back home on a slightly different route and covered 38 miles in total, the second half made easier with a following wind.
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