30 Oct 2011: St Albans to Shillington

Making the most of another mild autumn day and an extra hour in bed, ten of us gathered in St Albans for the last of our three-stop rides this year.  Our first destination was the excellent café at Lea Green Post Office, where Richard, Judy and Jon joined us, while Peter, Bill, Neil, Steve and Jackie left the party.

Lea Green Post Office

Inside the Post Office

Carol put in an extra loop up to Gravenhurst before we dropped back down to Shillington for lunch at The Crown.

Heading for tea at Whitwell, we skirted Hitchin and paused for ‘consultations’ at Charlton.  We decided on the steep, direct route to Preston rather than the longer, easier route via Gosmore.  This took us through woods resplendent in their autumnal colours.

Autumn near Charlton

Emily's Cafe, Whitwell

Leaving Emily’s café, some of us had a longish journey home and needed lights, but we were glad to have kept dry all day. 

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Jon 30/11/2011