Saturday Morning Bike Ride

It's raining! This year it has been unusual for me to have to make my Saturday morning cycle in the rain (such a change from last year). I actually rather enjoy the novelty of it today.

Off up my favourite hill through the woods, here I'm quite sheltered from the weather and the raindrops and leaves pitter-patter to the ground together.

Now at the top of the hill, less sheltered but the rain is still soft. Two horses stand in a field next to the dyke.

An imaginative place to leave your empty can of tennents (and which led me on a YouTube journey resulting in this blast from the past, makes me want to go and live in Scotland, haha!)

Now, some cow line-up action:-

Before...
...After.

It started raining a bit more heavily at this point and the wind was blowing the rain into my face, so no photos were taken for the next few miles.

However, by this point the rain had eased and I'd also changed direction. I like this row of little beech trees sporting their Autumn colours and each with a little section of hedge in front.

A direct view of one of the trees.

A little further on looking back down the road, the little trees can now be seen in the middle distance on the right.

Further on again, looking north across the fields to the far away hills some of which have a light dusting of snow.

The "view" south at exactly the same point.

Yet further and I'm approaching the woods with the lochan. I get off my bike for a little walk in the woodland.

The lochan looking grey and still today.

Heading back towards my bike.

Homeward bound now I pass the little fancy summer house looking rather neglected.

The view over the countryside from the same position. A lovely Autumn landscape, a little sunshine would have made it sparkle a little more though.

The grand doocote, only one dove present perched on the top of the gate arch.

A last view before cycling through more populated areas towards home. It was quite a cold morning, definitely glove wearing weather.

I hosted a craft night last night - we're starting to make things to sell at the school fair. Another excuse to make some cakes (no wonder I don't like to miss my weekly cycle or I'd be the size of a house!), and bring out the Pimms No 3 - delicious served warmed with apple juice.

There's some chocolate cake left...

...but I decide to have a piece of chocolate caramel shortbread (or two) after my shower.