22 July 2018: Hatfield to Great Hormead

Another hot, dry Sunday, but slightly less of a scorcher than some recent ones, so maybe this is what encouraged more people out for today's ride. First stop was to be Much Hadham.

Hatfield

We took a familiar route through Hatfield and Welwyn to get to the B1000 and so through the lanes to Bramfield and then down and up the Beane valley to Stoney Hills and Sacombe Park. Crossing the A10 we had a pleasing long descent to Barwick Ford down Gore Lane (where gruesome body parts were discovered 9 years ago after the notorious Jigsaw Murder case). Ronny was the only person foolhardy enough to ride through the river with its green mossy stones. But there was no splash.

Gt Hormead

We were soon into the golf club at Much Hadham for a coffee and a snack. Some riders turned for home at this point, but the rest of us headed up the valley through the parched countryside through Stocking Pelham and Clavering. Ripe blackberries could be seen in the hedgerows and some trees were shedding leaves - what's going on? Carol pointed out the Jamie Oliver residence as we sailed past.

Arriving at the planned lunch stop at Lower Langley Green we found the pub kitchens were out of action, but we did meet Adrian. So plan B - lunch at The Three Tuns, Great Hormead a few miles down the road. The pub is a pleasant stop with reasonable food and a nice garden. We headed back for home taking in a refreshing drinks stop in Tewin on the way.

  Richard 22/07/2018