Over the hills to Ilmington 35

Out to Wilmington today on the Warwickshire/Gloucester border.  Meeting up with Grajham and Mick in Leamington and the three of us will take on the challenge of some hilly bits!  Basically, the route is south from Leamington, Wellesbourne, Halford, Watcote and into Ilmington where, hopefully, the Community Cafe and shop will be open.  The forecast was not bad at all, sunny at first with the possibility of rain later.

The Fuzzy Duck

This was at Whatcote, a short distance from the A3400.  Nothing too special about the place, the name appealed to me that's all.  It does have a mention in the 2015 Michelein Guide but more for the decor than the food.

In the Cotswolds

Well on the edge of them.  This was the view from the cafe at Ilmington.  A pretty village is Ilmington, has a couple of decent pubs and some big hills around it.  This is supposed to be the highest village in Warwickshire.  At one time it was called Elmington because of all the elm trees that grew there. That evolved to Ilmington and all the elm trees have been killed off by Dutch Elm Disease in the 70s.

The Token

With the three of us out together, it was time to hand over the token that signifies whose turn it is next to pay the bill.  Looks like it is my turn next!  

Cyclists Fighting Cancer

On the way back, went through Alderminster, Loxley and Wellesbourne again.  At Alderminster, stopped at the Cyclists Fighting Cancer shop and HQ to have a chat with the manager and check out some bike racks for Mick.  The charity exists to enable children and young people living with cancer across the UK to regain their physical fitness, strength and confidence by giving them new bikes, adapted trikes, tandems, other equipment and support.  Check out their website at cyclistsfc.org.uk

With a couple of decent hills remaining, picked up the return route to Leamington and just made it back as the rain started.  Covered 35 miles today.