CTC ride to West Stafford

It's a meet at Merley Bridge and on via the usual route to coffee at West Holme. At West Holme we join up with a large group who have come directly to coffee but after the break we are still the same number that left Merley Bridge!

The route from coffee takes us on a steady climb through East Stoke, Wool, Moreton and Woodford before reaching (via one of Bob's infamous short cuts) West Stafford.  West Stafford was originally known as Stanford, from the Old English for “stony ford”, perhaps alluding to a crossing of the South Winterborne which flows through it, or even of the River Frome just to the North.  Curiously, there are two manor houses in the village. The elder of the two, Stafford House, is considered to be one of the best examples of Stuart architecture in Dorset.

We take our lunch in the village playground  by the water meadows where we watch a pair of herons flying.

Shelter from the elements in
 the 'Wendy House'

Play equipment doubles as a cycle rack!

Or enjoy the sunshine on the bench.

After a refreshing lunch and a stop to repair Kevins first puncture of the day we head off towards Tincleton where we pass Pallington Lakes home to 'Sculpture by the Lakes' which reminds kathy and I to plan a visit over the coming bank holiday. Just past the lakes I have my second puncture of the day and we have the usual repair by committee scenario and all the 'helpful' advice that goes with it. We carry out a temporary repair to a small cut in the tyre using that universal save all - duct tape. New tyre  required when I get home.

Our route from here takes us via Clouds Hill (home of Lawrence of Arabia) and Lane End and on towards the A35.

Kathy,

Derek, 

Graham and Bob C

After a steady ride along the A35 and some very well mannered drivers we turn off at the Bakers Arms and head for the cafe at the Courtyard Centre for ice creams an cold drinks.

From here its time to head home and a refreshing shower to get rid of the dust from the road, although dust is fine as all to soon it will be mud!!