Hail Stones and Big Stick

Date:                    18th February 2021

Weather:            9 °C  Hail  and Sunshine

Destination:     Circular route 

                            Templecombe, Milborne Port, Stourton Caundle, Stalbridge 

Duration:         4 hours very leisurely ride with lots of stops

Distance :         17 miles approx

                             (measured using a piece of  thread and a map)

One of the Girls!

 I thought I had allowed plenty of time to get ready for our trip today,  however I was about five to 10 minutes late meeting JC for the start of our ride due a lack of forward planning on my part.  With temperatures  10°C warmer than the previous week I wasn't wearing a hat,  so had to adjust my helmet straps; there was a quick last minute dash back upstairs to change my socks as  one of the pairs I'd chosen to wear were so thick I couldn't put my boots on;   I had remembered to pre-charge the action camera batteries, but I hadn't actually fitted the camera to my bike;  I had downloaded Map My Ride onto my new phone but hadn't thought about needing to log  in and although my bike was ready by the backdoor already loaded with bike pump, tyre repair kit, tangerines and a bottle of water,  where was I going to store my waterproof trousers for the forecasted hail showers? 

Apologising for being late, we started cycling out of Templecombe towards Bowden.  Infuriatingly and not surprisingly the combination of an uphill climb and changing down from front 2 to 1 gears, resulted in my chain coming off.  (This is becoming such a common occurrence that I really must get it sorted!) Not much further along Bowden Road it started to hail.  With my waterproof trousers stored in my saddle bag I stopped to  retrieve them and put them on, teetering around  as I  endeavoured to quickly get them on over my walking boots.  I was wearing cotton tracksuit bottoms and the prospect of cycling for the next few hours in wet trousers was not very appealing.  JC was more suitably attired in Gore-tex trousers, which are waterproof and breathable. 

Come sunshine or hail!

We cycled on through Bowden and down Wheathill Lane,  not dawdling  at the top of the lane to take in the views over Milborne Port, but instead stopping in the middle of the village to admire a fast flowing River Gascoigne rushing under Rosemary Street, on its way to join the River Yeo, just before Sherborne Lake.  The Yeo  eventually feeds into the River Parrett, which ultimately empties  into Bridgwater Bay and the Bristol Channel.

River Gascoigne, Milborne Port

We crossed over the A30 into Goathill Road, this time cycling over the River Yeo.  At the end of the following clip you can just see the river on the left.

Cycling into Goathill 

 

Fortuitously we found some good excuses to stop en route up the steep hill of Rue Lane .  Our first sighting of new born lambs in 2021 necessitated our first stop.  

Our first sighting of lambs in 2021

A little further up the hill we came across some unusual cattle sporting a white stripe along their backs, our second stop.  Comparing my photos with online images led me to deduce that they are Riggit Galloways, a Scottish breed of  cattle able to live outside all year round and renowned as beef cattle.  

Riggit Galloways

At the top of the hill and along the ridge we found a gap in the trees with a north facing aspect across to Purse Caundle in the distance, another stop.

Normally at the crossroads north of Stourton Caundle we turn left into Stalbridge Road, however my plan this time was to turn right for a quick cycle through the village. We only got as far as St Peter's Church where we stopped for our first refreshment break, sitting in the sun on a wall at the back of the church, before turning back and heading northwards towards Stalbridge. 

St Peter's Church Stourton Caundle

For our next refreshment break we sat on a bench located in a recess in  Stalbridge Park's surrounding wall, with views  towards Bulbarrow on the Dorset Downs.  

View from Barrow Hill over to Bulbarrow

We then cycled down Barrow Hill through Stalbridge crossing over the A357 into Station Road and on towards Gibbs Marsh industrial Estate.  

Cycling into Stalbridge down Barrow Hill

Normally we cut through Henstridge Airfield from Landshire Lane to avoid industrial traffic, but much to our consternation  our route was blocked by a recently erected fence, forcing us to rejoin Landshire Lane.  As we crossed the A30 into Park Lane we lamented the departure of "The Girls."  I tried to find a collective noun for group of alpacas and  somebody online brilliantly suggested  a spittoon of alpacas!   

The Girls

Further along Park Lane we negotiated a long large puddle, disturbing reflections of roadside hedges and a solitary tree.

Cycling through one long puddle Park Lane, Yenston

Approaching Whitchurch Lane  a tall man a little way ahead of us, reached down to hold onto one of his dogs, or so I thought.  Imagine my surprise and concern when he turned around with  a large stick held aloft in his right hand ready to throw in my direction!   Fortunately he spotted me and quickly lowered his arm before I took evasive action.

Our final section involved cycling along the A357 from Yenston to Templecombe,  timing the traffic lights correctly so that I could get some downhill speed  to propel me someway up the following steep incline.  I couldn't risk my chain coming off along a busy road so had to continue in front 2nd gear, knowing it would be difficult to get to the top.    I made it three quarters of the way up and nipped into a small drive where I jumped off my bike and manually changed the front gears down to 1 whilst stationary, then continued on my way. 

Arriving back in Templecombe

Numerous stops added to our journey time this week, but we would not have it another way.   We always like to take in and enjoy our surroundings rather than charging on by.  

Route

 

 

Stalactites and Fly Past

 Destination         Kington Magna

Date                    11th February 2021

Duration:             2 hours 20 minutes

Distance:             14 miles

Temperature:       1°C (Wind Chill factor -5°C)

With such low temperatures ( -5°C including the wind chill factor ),  I planned a much shorter route than usual for this ride and also ensured I was dressed appropriately for the cold weather.  I wore two pairs of socks, walking boots, leggings and tracksuit bottoms, vest, top, two fleeces, raincoat, scarf, hat and two pairs of gloves.  JC seemed to be similarly attired.  

We headed off across the Blackmore Vale  from Templecombe turning right at Buckhorn Weston towards Kington Magna. Little sunlight had filtered through the overhanging trees and onto the road , with much ice in evidence and stalactites hanging from nearby twigs and leaves.

Stalactites

We arrived at Kington Magna  turning left into South Street and then left again into West Street.  It is great to see the old red telephone box, adjacent to the Village Hall, of benefit to the community.  Shelves, full of books, line two sides of the kiosk.  A poster on the rear of the kiosk invites us to phone  for further information on the village "Book Exchange".  Further on I spotted a hedge in the process of being laid.  I asked if I could take a photo but was advised that there was still some work to do before it was completed.  I suggested taking a photo another time and we cycled on.  I shall check on progress next time we cycle past.

Telephone Box Book Exchange Kington Magna

We continued up Church Hill to All Saints Church, Kington Magna for our refreshment break. Two benches either side of the south facing door afforded us panoramic views across the Blackmore Vale.

Two benches at All Saints Church, Kington Magna

In the distance we could see sunlight reflecting off the lines of cars stored at Henstridge Airfield.

Sunlight reflecting off cars at Henstridge Airfield

 

In all the years we have been cycling around the Blackmore Vale and sat on the benches at All Saints Church, we never realised we were looking down upon a medieval fish pond, until I recently read  an article about Kington Magna by Rodney Legg.

https://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2006/12/kington-magna/

Medieval Fish Pond at Kington Magna

Not wishing to stay still for too long, we continued on our way.  A little way up hill from the church our nostrils were assaulted by a very strong unpleasant smell.   Given that there are a few large barns with silos adjacent to the road, we can only assume the smell emanated from that direction. 

At the top of Church Hill we turned left heading north towards Sandley.  Last weeks ride took us  over the main London Waterloo to Exeter railway line at Bugley Bridge, east of Sandley tunnel.  This week saw us above the other end of the tunnel facing west.

On top of Sandley Tunnel looking west

Access to the tunnel is from the western side, where Network Rail have fixed an Access Point Information sign to the fence.

Access Point to Sandley (Gillingham) Tunnel

Not wishing to climb up any more hills than necessary we  avoided Vessey's Holehill and Shutes Lane, taking the third left towards Cucklington.  Due to the cold weather and as planned we  headed back towards Buckhorn Weston  via Wayclose Lane, rather than continuing to Cucklington.

We sped down Weston Hill turning right into Templecombe Lane and back towards Templecombe.  En route an helicopter, probably from Yeovilton Air Base, flew across the road in front of us, behind the trees to our left, then circled round behind us and back alongside us to the right before veering northwards. Our very own "Fly Past."

Helicopter Fly Past

Just before arriving back in Templecombe we stopped at a gate to chat to a friend  By this time my toes were numb and I had to stamp around and wiggle my toes quite a bit before I got some feeling back. 

With the constantly changing landscape through the seasons, we always experience new sights along the way and our ride this week in very low temperatures was no exception. My only regret is that I forgot to charge the batteries for my action camera, consequently there aren't any video clips for this trip. 

Route 

Oldest Tree in Dorset and Bike Issues

Destination:           Wyndham's Oak Tree, Silton, Dorset.                     

Date:                       3rd February 2021

Distance :               20 miles circular route.                        

Duration:                3 and 3/4 hours!

Wyndham Oak Tree, Silton, Dorset

Trying to operate my action camera when it was situated on my helmet proved to be difficult last week and resulted in videos taken when I hadn't intended to and vice versa.  Before we set off on our long bike ride today, I therefore fixed  the action camera to my handle bars.  Having the camera in front of me meant I soon worked out that I had to press the video or photo button twice in order for any images to be taken.  Once to activate the camera and the second time to take a video/shot.  

Within the first few minutes of setting off we stopped at the side of Temple Lane to chat to a bird watcher with a large telescope pointed towards an expanse of water in the middle of a large field.  We were intrigued to find out what species of bird he was observing.

In the distance resting on the water was a flock of about 200 lapwings,  also known as peewits because of the sound they make. The twitcher was also hoping for a sight of  a Merlin, a small bird of prey, which had recently been sighted in the area.  If seen this would have added to his tally of 104 species of bird spotted in and around Templecombe so far.  

After a very interesting conversation we continued on our way towards Buckhorn Weston and started our climb up Hartmoor Hill.  As I changed from front gear 2 to 1, my chain came off, forcing me to stop, take my water bottle out of it's holder and my gel seat cover off the saddle, turn the bike upside down and put the chain back on.  A task I've had to do a few times over the last four years as this seems to be a common occurrence when shifting between front 2 and 1 gears at the beginning of a hill.

Bike Repair

After replacing the chain we decided to walk up Hartmoor Hill, noticing celandines flowering in the hedgerow, a sign that spring is just around the corner.  There are some interesting facts about Celandine on the following web page.   

https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/plant-fungi-species/lesser-celandine

Calendine in the hedgerow on Hartmoor Hill

Remounting our bikes, we continued our journey, turning right at the top of Hartmoor Hill,  then heading briefly south before turning left into Westbrook Road.  The gentle descent towards Gillingham gave us  some lovely views out towards Duncliffe Woods and Shaftesbury.

View of Duncliffe Woods from Westbrook Road

Cycling over  the main railway line from London Waterloo to Exeter St David's we catch a glimpse of Sandley Tunnel.   Please click on the following link for some very interesting stories and facts about the building of and repair to Sandley Tunnel and trying to travel through the tunnel without being overcome by fumes! 

https://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2009/12/150-years-of-the-railway-in-gillingham/

View of Sandley Tunnel from Westbrook Road

We cycled onwards, crossing over the B3081 from Dry Lane into Cherry Orchard Lane, and headed towards Milton on Stour, turning left into Pierston Fields, before the main part of the village.  The last time we came along this route we missed the left turning into Pierston Fields and ended up adding an extra leg to the journey, mainly because we we were distracted by  a lovely wooden framed front door porch, with floor to ceiling glass windows, and a solid wooden table with full log baskets situated underneath.  

Bushes Hill

Pierston Fields becomes Bushes Hill on the approach to Silton.  The above video shows the current state of Bushes Hill, after recent heavy rainfall has caused water to rush off the fields downhill, leaving damage and mud behind. I have also since noted that I need to set the correct date on my camera.

Once again my chain came off on the uphill climb whilst  changing down from front 2 to 1.   On turning my bike over we were asked if we needed any help by two passing cyclists.  We assured them we were fine, only to regret our reply as soon as I found out that two chain links had become wedged between cogs 1 and 2.  Using sticks and stones to try and knock the links free did not work. In the four years that we have been cycling this has only happened once before when cycling through Milborne Port.  That time, however we were able to release the links using a stone. 

As we contemplated our options of either walking 10 miles back to Templecombe or ringing for assistance, we spotted two women walking from the opposite direction and about to enter a farmhouse.  I called out and managed to attract the  attention of one of them before she went inside.  Keeping our distance, I explained our predicament and asked if they had a screwdriver available.  

The farmer's wife promptly returned with a choice of a flat head or Phillips screwdriver.  I chose the flat head but soon realised that a hammer was required instead.  This very helpful lady rememerged from the farmhouse with a hammer and a big, tall, cylindrical tub of wipes.  JC in the meantime continued to prop up the front of my bike to prevent it resting on my new camera (an early birthday present) and mirror (a Christmas present from my son). The farmer's wife stood at the rear of the bike  and whilst she pulled the chain backwards,  I used the hammer to dislodge the chain links, working on one at a time.  The links freed,  I quickly put the chain back on the bike.  The farmer's wife then offered me a wipe for my oil covered hands ,  I wasn't really expecting it to work imagining them to have the same efficacy of household or baby wipes.  I was absolutely amazed to find these industrial wipes quickly removed any traces of oil from my hands. 

Thanking the farmer's wife, JC and I were relieved to be back on our way and quickly turned off into St Nicholas' Church car park, cycling through a copse and then across a field towards Judge Wyndham's Oak Tree. We sat on a log at the base of the oldest tree in Dorset  for a very short refreshment break,   We were now slightly concerned about getting back in time before it got dark. 

Looking out from inside Dorset's oldest tree

On our way again, but this time feeling more tired than rejuvenated after our break, we made our way to Bourton passing under the A303 and then out again over the A303 on the West Bourton Road.  I have since noticed that we could have avoided Bourton altogether if we'd taken a short cut along Grimsey Lane.  I shall remember this alternative route for another time.

Approach to Cucklington

From here it is a long steady climb up all the way up to the ridge just before Cucklington.  The video above shows the approach to a favourite stopping place of ours, the bench overlooking the Blackmore Vale at Cucklington.  (Although I removed the label of the lens on the camera, there is obviously another label on the water proof casing which I shall remove for our next ride!) We again stopped very briefly for a rest and to admire the views before we moved on.  

From here we cycled down School Hill from Cucklington, turning left at the bottom of the hill into Long Lane. To us it always feels a couple of degrees colder on this hill than elsewhere,  maybe it's a combination of being continually in the shade of overhanging trees and the lack of effort required when freewheeling downhill. 

Approaching dusk we were cycling along the road from Wincanton to Buckhorn Weston when a big barn owl flew up from the nearside verge just in front of us. We believe it to be the same one we saw a few weeks ago.  I spent so much time trying to activate the camera that frustratingly I only got a glimpse of it before it flew over the hedge and away!  JC noticed that it had another small creature in its talons.  Over the years we have always found this particular stretch of road our least favourite to cycle along.  Maybe it's the fast traffic or the fact it isn't a single track road,  we're not quite sure of the reason why, but we're always much happier when we've turned off this unnamed road  The sighting of the barn owl recently however, has now made this part of the journey a lot more interesting, we shall always be on the look out for a special sighting of a large very white barn owl.

On the final leg of our journey along Temple Lane as the sun was setting and the sky was awash with a multitude of colours, we noticed the lapwings were in flight, so stopped to observe them.  They were wheeling around en masse over the water, their white breasts flashing silver by the setting sun, as they changed direction like an extremely fast Mexican wave. 

We arrived back in Templecombe at 5 15pm just as it was about to get dark.  Another eventful, exciting and fantastic bike ride.

The whole ride is aptly summarised in JC's journal entry for the day.  I've included a photo of it below as it encapsulates the trip in a very creative and colourful way.  

JC's journal entry for 3rd February 2021

Rain and Mud

 28th January

After our eventful ride through the floods the previous week I had expressed an interest in a GoPro or equivalent as a birthday present. On  Sunday  24th January the doorbell rang for a delivery, which turned out to be an early birthday present.  It was an Akaso EK7000 PRO.   For this ride I decided to fix the camera to my helmet.

It was raining as we set off up Bowden Road towards Milborne Port for a ride that would take us through Stowell, South Cheriton, Horsington Marsh and part of the Blackmore Vale south of Wincanton.   It wasn't long before we stopped and had a chat with a couple of local families out for a walk, donned in wellies and raincoats.  The children were enjoying splashing in the puddles. 

Fixed to my helmet, the camera was very noticeable  and I could see the adults were concerned I may have been recording them.  A brief explanation soon put them at ease. The camera only recorded when I  activated it, by pressing a button on a wrist band or on the actual camera.  

After a good five minutes chatting we continued on our bike ride through Bowden, slowing down to pass a car, then continuing around the zig zag bend and turning  right into Shoredown Lane.  

Cycling through Bowden

Somehow we managed to cycle up  Stowell Hill without stopping (a rare occurrence), past St Mary Magadalene Church and the bench overlooking Stowell. 

Bench overlooking Stowell and beyond

The promise of a two mile downhill stretch on cresting the hill kept us going and we soon found ourselves turning into Cabbage Lane and cycling through the hamlet of Wilkinthroop.  Wilkinthroop House was  for several decades a site for what is now known as Thales Underwater Systems.

We stopped at our usual spot for our mid ride break, sitting on a wall at Wilkinthrop overlooking the Blackmore Vale, with a view over to Cucklington and the "white houses".  I changed the battery on my camera and probably forgot to turn it on afterwards because there weren't any videos from this point onwards.  I think it will be trial and error for a while until I am able to use it properly.  I decided early on in the bike ride that I need to position the camera elsewhere.

From Wilkinthroop it is a lovely cycle ride down hill through South Cheriton and along Marsh Lane where we came across a van  stuck in mud in front of a gate.   We quickly ascertained that they were not going to be able to push the van out even with our help.

On the corner of  Marsh Lane and Batchpool Lane  is a copse of silver birches, in the midst of which is a large oak tree you can really only truly see in winter.  It is lovely to think that it was not chopped down to make way for younger more productive trees.  

Batchpool Lane

As we cycled back to Templecombe we were forever hopeful of sighting one of the barn owls we have been fortunate enough to see in flight in recently.  Unfortunately neither made an appearance for us today and as we cycled along Temple Lane back to our start point it started raining again.

Fresh air, exercise, good company and a good old catchup results in us finishing our ride (approx 14 miles), tired but happy.

Route starting and finishing at Templecombe