27 August 2017

27 Aug 2017: St Albans to Quainton

A perfect summer's day for our ride out into the Vale of Aylesbury. But it would be one of our longer rides, so a fairly direct route via Ashley Green and Cholesbury was called for to our first stop - the cafe in Wendover Woods. The place was heaving, but the feared long wait did not happen and after pleasing refreshments we were soon on our way.

Our route NE brought us through the delightful park at Eythrope and its bridge over the River Thame. This is the only one of the Bucks Rothschild estates still occupied by the family. Next it was through the grounds of the neighbouring Waddesdon estate, through the village and on to Quainton. The George and Dragon set on the picturesque green is a treat and still doing reasonably priced food.

Time to check the map
We now set out to circle through the villages north of Aylesbury, quite high and hilly but some great views across to the Chilterns. Fearing we were going to be late for our planned tea stop, as we passed through Wingrave we saw an inviting sign for cream teas in the church. It turned out to be an all home made spread - a nice find.  The church had a plaque recording a visit by Vaclav Havel, at the time president of Czechoslovakia and distinguished author. He came to commemorate the wartime Czech government in exile, which was based in Wingrave.

Unfamiliar territory
After this relaxing break we chose the flattest route back through Tring and Berkhamsted.


Richard 27/08/2017

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