Saturday, 03 February 2018
Ian writes: Yet another damp start greeted me today as I cycled into town, wondering whether anyone else was prepared to put up with the poor weather conditions. However I need not have worried, as I was greeted with the smiley faces of Liz, Sue H, Angela T and guest Brian upon arrival at Brookside. Soon Angela W and John E joined the throng and away we went, heading across Fen Causeway and using the road all the way to Barton Road so avoiding getting caught at the traffic lights.
Well my plan almost worked, but instead we got caught at the traffic lights by Grange Road, just as we were about to take the back streets to join Grantchester Road! Very little traffic was met as we proceeded to Grantchester, with flood warning signs still in place by the mill, but we had no problems. Anyway, at the Byron's Pool turning we joined the right of way across Trumpington Meadows, meeting just a few folk dog walking.
Apart from briefly noticing some brightly coloured bird that I was unable to identify beyond the M11, that was the sum total of interest today, though it was a remarkably pleasant route nevertheless. I was keen to find out how the new cycle path through Harston was looking, and was pleased with what I found, with plenty of width to avoid any hidden entrances and the way debris-free.
Upon reaching the narrower section of cycleway by the bend at the southern end of Harston we crossed over the busy A10 to head over the level crossing and the hill towards Newton, from where we continued south-east Whittlesford. A short diversion through the woods allowed us to admire the snowdrops before heading back into the village to join the bridleway by the church.
By now it was around 11am, and I for one was beginning to feel the cold penetrating my gloves, so it was time to make haste to our coffee stop at Sweet Tea in Sawston.
When we got there it was good to warm up again inside, but there was no point lingering for too long since it was still dry outside, and rain was forecast. A plan was therefore decided whereby we would all proceed together to Stapleford and then split, with Angela T, Brian and Sue heading west to their village abodes whilst the rest of us continued north to join the DNA path into Cambridge. When my group reached the railway station we headed our individual ways, having completed a bracing
20 miles.
Ian Wright