12 Aug 2012: Hertford to Ickleton

A ride to a new destination for us: Ickleton.   It was on a bright, but slightly breezy summer’s morning that eight of us met at the Hart in Hertford.  

Hertford Hart war memorial

Stopped in the shade

Our leader had taken ill the day before (get well soon Peter), so the ride had a great chance of going wrong.  But never fear, Richard and Carol were on hand to take the reins and plot a route.  We set off up hill along a path that led eventually through to Ware, then we were whizzing our way through the Hadhams onto our elevenses stop at Clavering lakes.  

We all got to the lakes fine and well and in good cheer.  Well I say all, but we seemed to be missing a wayward Steve.  Much to Carol’s annoyance, Steve had managed to get himself split from the party.  This situation caused much amusement among the riders and other dinners at the tea stop.  George and Mildred summed it up.  Soon after Craig left us, to make his way back home, while we pushed on for Ickleton.  

On our way there we passed through some really lovely villages, Arkesden and the delightfully named Wendens Ambo amongst them.  Both of these villages had lovely looking pubs and beg to be visited again (more new destinations).  Lunch at the riverside cafe was wonderful.  This place is really nice and needs to be visited again; there was a great menu, which featured a black pudding breakfast (YES please).  The surroundings were plain relaxing, with a peacock, some chickens and a few ducks to keep us company.  Carol waxed lyrical about the eccentricities of some cyclists, which got a smile from all of us.

Judy at Babbs green

Riverside Cafe gardens in Ickleton

Thirsty guys

Friendly peacock

After lunch we made a pleasant way over to Braughing for tea in the church hall.  This was actually a long and hot part of the day and I for one felt a bit pooped by it.  

Then after tea and homemade cakes it was time to head home.  I would like to thank Carol and Richard for leading a very interesting and enjoyable ride. 

Neil 12/08/2012