A trip down the trail way was out of the question and will be for a while yet.
Nine sycamore trees were up-rooted in the high winds last Friday, one stripped of a huge branch. The fallen trees block the path for all but the very agile. Cyclists must lift their bikes over very large trunks if they wish to continue their journey. A considerable task, the trunks are mighty and substantial manhandling is required.
Instead I decided to venture out of Dorset and into Wiltshire and ride to beautiful Stourhead. This National Trust property is known worldwide for its stunning gardens and spectacular collection of trees.
The route is pretty uninspiring. Unattractive main roads, through small villages to a dull town, that’s Gillingham as in Dorset (not Gillingham in Kent) notable only for Waitrose and its main line station to Waterloo.
Nine sycamore trees were up-rooted in the high winds last Friday, one stripped of a huge branch. The fallen trees block the path for all but the very agile. Cyclists must lift their bikes over very large trunks if they wish to continue their journey. A considerable task, the trunks are mighty and substantial manhandling is required.
Instead I decided to venture out of Dorset and into Wiltshire and ride to beautiful Stourhead. This National Trust property is known worldwide for its stunning gardens and spectacular collection of trees.
The route is pretty uninspiring. Unattractive main roads, through small villages to a dull town, that’s Gillingham as in Dorset (not Gillingham in Kent) notable only for Waitrose and its main line station to Waterloo.
However passing through Stour Provost I noticed a resident doing some neighbourhood watch. I am not sure who was watching whom as I photographed. 'Take me', he seemed to say and followed me along the bank as I attempted to snap his harem…… (I photographed the girls on the way back when he wasn't about and posing).
Through Milton on Stour, Silton, Mere, up a long slow incline to Gasper (someone’s having a laugh) to Stourhead with its Palladian House, and bridge, multiple follies, and iconic Pantheon across the lake, a view known to millions around the world, but today shrouded in scaffolding, and plastic sheeting!
I rode on out through the little village of Stourton, past the watermill and along the tree and rhododendron-lined lanes, stopping to re-fuel at the court yard near the visitor centre.
I then tracked my way back again through the small villages and dull town, branching off to Hinton St Mary, the manor house, and once again the avenue of trees and home. The sunshine more than made up for the lack of familiar country lanes and open farm land and stunning views. Houses along the route had their windows and doors open the residents soaking up the sun like ripening fruit, while the pubs bustled with people waiting patiently for Sunday lunch which wafted tantalisingly across my path. There were obvious signs of spring too. Amanda |