07 July 2019: Hatfield to Marden Ash

It was a drizzly start to the day, as I cycled to the start, but at least it wasn’t cold. I was slightly nervous as this was my first time leading a ride, and there were nine of us at the start. That was soon dispelled as we set off down through Welham Green and up towards Wildhill Road, past Paradise Wildlife Park, where it seemed like the occupants were sleeping in as there was little sound of them. The sun was starting to make an appearance, and it was getting to a more pleasant temperature for cycling. After making our way through Hoddesdon and up through Rye Meads we arrived at Roydon Mill Marina to find that we weren’t the only people wishing to partake in a late breakfast, as the place was busy. Hearing that there was a considerable wait for cooked items, we all chose to just buy food from the counter, to save time. We said goodbye to Ronny at this point as he was going back home.

After coffee, we followed National Cycle Route 1 through Harlow and, thanks to Carol, I found the right route through Old Harlow. We soon were on our way through Househam Tye making our way down through Moreton, where we left route 1, and instead of going the back route through Greensted Green we went through on the Moreton road to Chipping Ongar so some people could buy sandwiches.

It was at this point that we lost Richard, as when we arrived at the pub, he wasn’t with us.

The Stag pub garden

( Rumour has it, he followed another group, by mistake) Carol tried ringing, but only got his voicemail, so we had to leave without him.

After lunch, we made our way to Stanford Rivers and Toot Hill and the infamous Ivy Chimneys, which was surprisingly free of traffic, on to Upshire Church where we met Jon and Judy who had cycled out to meet us, as well as meeting up with Richard, who had made his own way to the church. We then split up, with the others making their way back to Hatfield, whereas I went back with Jon and Judy through Enfield.

Many thanks to Carol for helping me plan the route, and at least we had a pleasant ride through the Essex countryside.

Route below
Sue Shea 07/07/2019