Riseley Lanes - March 2020

Since quite a few were unable to make our planned meeting date this month, we delayed by a week, so that most were able to join in today.

Dorothy and Peter met Robert, Pauline and myself at Riseley Memorial Hall. John, at an appt in Reading, would meet us for lunch along with Andy and Lesley. I booked The George and Dragon, Swallowfield for lunch, not knowing that other than John and myself, no one had been there before.

Our 3.5 mile walk started by heading into Bull Lane, under the A33 and then right continuing along Bull Lane. Forecast had a small chance of rain today, but also very mild, reaching 14 degrees.

Views along Bull Lane. 

We shortly took a right into the unmarked Spring Lane, opposite the house called Spring Barn. I had only been on this lane on my bike once, and that was in summer, so today was kind of a recce to see just how bad this Byway would be at this time of year.... We were about to find out.

Views right of Spring Lane

Oops! Well, I'm sure it will improve.

Views left of Spring Lane

Oops again... but nice reflections as long as no one falls in. 

The dogs were very excited to see us. 

The puddles continued, and shortly after we walked on the footbridge over the A33, a white van was making its way along the lane. I advised him not a good idea to go any further. They were engineers looking for "a green box". Had we seen one?   No, but they took my advice and started to reverse back down the lane.

We join into Barge Lane, shortly before the Junction of the Basingstoke Road, where we cross and take right into Charlton Lane. This joins Trowes Lane, where we turn right once more.

Views from Charlton Lane

At the end of Trowes Lane, another right turn into Part Lane, where I often cycle and admire this lovely cottage.

End of Part Lane, and finally a left turn to return us to  our vehicles.

Boots off, we head for the pub and soon meet up with the others. Menu choices were plenty, and everyone very happy with their food, which was delicious. Room for pudding?  3 of the men ordered Chocolate Bread & Butter pud, only to be told a few minutes later, that only 2 portions left. Andy graciously changed his order. The B&B puddings were HUGE, and even half the size would have been enough! But amazingly ... they finished them.

Now home and time for a lie down.