B Group - 14th September

What a gorgeous day!  Still a bit hot for comfort if any effort was required, but certainly far better than yesterday's heatwave!  A group of 14 (including new rider, Nick Hutchings) set off from the Greeno in Shepperton heading to Windsor for lunch.  Our route was out through Chertsey, through the pretty village of Thorpe to Thorpe Green where we turned off on to the offroad section which cuts across to the road from Virginia Water to Egham.  On cycle paths from here to Egham, we passed the magnificent building of Great Fosters.  The barriers were down at the level crossing in Egham but fortunately we didn't have to wait long.  A climb halfway up Middle Hill brought us to Parsonage Road and a series of right and left corners which were kindly marked by a team of willing volunteers, as we cut across to Englefield Green and did a loop round Egham Wick to the Savill Gardens.  We entered Windsor Great Park via the Gardens and were soon flying downhill to Rangers' Gate and across on the path which brought us into the back of Windsor.  We were now in Sustrans Route 4 territory and the markers took us straight to The Vansittart Arms for lunch, arriving spot on 1p.m., with Tim and Nick slightly after due to Nick having had a puncture in the Park.

We had lunch in the garden which fortunately had a nice lot of shade and although there was rather a wait after the first batch of orders came out, we were all finished in time for a 2.15 p.m. departure.  Still following Route 4, we headed into Windsor along by the river where there were some stunning floral displays and a holiday atmosphere with people enjoying this lovely day.  Tea was to be at Shepperton Lock, so the route back was pretty straightforward through Datchet, Wraysbury, Staines where we joined the towpath at Lammas Park, and full circle back to Chertsey Bridge, down Dockett Eddy Lane and so to the Lock.  This was our first visit this year!!  All except Steph stopped for tea (she had indulged in a gorgeous looking dessert at lunchtime!) and no-one seemed to be in a rush to leave as we enjoyed the pleasant surroundings and watched the comings and goings of boats through the Lock.  Thanks to back-marker Pam and to all the corner-markers.

Gill

With guests at the Vansittart Arms

Serious Tea drinking at Shepperton Lock