A group - 20 May - New Haw to Winchester

A dozen explorers set off from New Haw on a one-way ride to Winchester, including Angie (welcome!) and John Bassett (welcome back!).   We quickly joined the Basingstoke Canal and followed the tarmac'd towpath for seven flat and tranquil miles, only disturbed by the odd duck or dog threatening to cross our path (and one cyclist coming through a bridge in the opposite direction who was too busy looking at her phone to see us coming!).   

A bit of a long drag from Pirbright up to Ash, then down to Tongham where we navigated a series of short sharp hills over the Hog's Back, through Sands and round the south of Farnham to earn our lunch at the Bat & Ball.  It wasn't quite warm enough to sit outside but a table had been reserved inside and we were all served promptly.  Keith and Philip set off to return home after lunch and ten carried on through Alice Holt forest and Binsted to Alton.

Out of Alton with a short section on the main road, straight into the wind, which we seem to have avoided most of the way, and then a proper hill (only about 100m of climbing but it seemed more) took us to Alton Abbey, where we were offered tea in the visitor centre by the very welcoming Benedictine Monks.  Two of them, Brother John and Brother Aeldred, spent some time chatting to us and telling us a bit about themselves.  There are only 7 monks and they are completely self-sufficient (financially that is), including repairs to the buildings - which must be a challenge.  And they had provided delicious Victoria sponge and lemon drizzle cake!    All provided for no charge but donations were welcome.  

Tea at Alton Abbey

It was tempting to stay longer in the tranquil enclosed terrace/garden but we tore ourselves away.   The next section was a treat - a very long gentle downhill section through Medstead, Bighton and Alresford, with lovely vistas over farmland and distant hills.   Quite different from our normal Surrey landscape.

A slight detour after Alresford took us right past some watercress beds before joining another quiet road along the river Itchen.  Alternating wooded stretches with more open countryside in the valley, it led us to the picturesque village of Easton, which looked miles from anywhere, although we were only a few miles from Winchester.   Another few miles along a deserted track with nothing in sight, and then suddenly we were at Junction 9 on the M3, which was crossed by a cycle track, and we were in Winchester.   After making a triumphal entrance up the high street we repaired to a fifteenth-century inn just near the Cathedral to celebrate our success before most of us returned by train.  

Several pints of Village Idiot were drunk. ("Two more Idiots please", etc.)    A grand day out.   Thanks to all for your company, and especially to Brian who back-marked.