So winter has finally hit us and woken us up from our contented state of smugness that climate change was bringing us warmer winters. The mild weather we were experiencing has been replaced by a Siberian cold front bringing snow and ice to all parts of Britain. It is always easier when the winter weather closes in to make excuses and stay put in front of the fire and always so very difficult to make that move into the great outdoors. So the other day rather than getting into the car and going off to the shops, I thought I will just get on the bike and cycle. I needed some air and the weather didn’t look too ominous so off I went.
To justify the trip I thought I would cycle out to the lovely market town of Stockbridge about 10 miles outside of Winchester and buy some fish. This isn’t as stupid as it sounds because there are no fish shops left in Winchester city centre and the only choice now are the supermarket fish stalls that always look so unappealing.
On the way out to Stockbridge my route took me past the Moorcroft Farm and so being on a bit of a shopping trip as well as a bike ride I stopped in to the ever amiable farm shop and purchased some very fresh meat. The ride out of Winchester involves some pretty steep climbs but once you recover from bumping up the heart rate, the ride over Farley Mount is always a pleasure. The views out over the Test Valley and all parts of N Hampshire are quite breathtaking. There was also that winter pall that gives the landscape a smoky, misty air.
Sliding down the hill into Kings Somborne, the cold air freshened up the cheeks and made the eyes water but I was wrapped up with layers of clothing so didn’t feel cold. It is only the extremes of the fingers and toes that do feel the effects of the cold.
Out of Kings Somborne there is a very steep climb which again warmed me up and got the heart racing but again the reward is a beautiful view down the Test Valley. The rest of the road into Stockbridge is a lovely quiet country lane which makes for great cycling.
The fish shop I was aiming for is situated in the thyme and tides bistro and the sight and smell of fresh coffee and cakes was hard to resist.
With fish safely purchased I closed the loop and cycled down the Test Valley to Houghton and back into Kings Somborne. I have to say the real reason for taking the alternate route was to avoid the hill outside Kings Somborne rather than any aesthetic reasons.
Back at Moorcroft Farm I picked up the meat purchased earlier and then headed down the hill back into Winchester. A welcome hot shower got the circulation back into my toes and fingers and that evening I did sit in front of the fire safe in the knowledge that I deserved it.