Today we joined Heritage Cycle tours for a 22 mile loop from Salisbury to check out the sights. It was a gorgeous day - perfect weather - and the cycling (mainly on quiet roads or byways and off road) was great.
The couple who run the company - Lyn and Dave - were great hosts - and the other couple on the tour (Michael and Karen, from Townsville) were good fun too.
It was very cool to see Stonehenge in the distance as we crested a small rise on our bikes, rather than pulling into the carpark as most people have to. Same with Old Sarum, particularly the cathedral remains, and its views of the surrounding countryside.
Of course, there was a pub lunch along the way in the riverside garden of the Bridge Inn. The Avon is looking good and that, combined with the pint, the roast beef sandwich and chips, made getting back on the bike a wee bit of a challenge.
We had such a good time today that we are going to do the Winchester tour tomorrow. Dave and Lyn are picking us up from the hotel, driving us to Winchester, then off we go again. Should be great. Will post pictures later - we are having a few wifi issues.
Arguably, Old Sarum is an interesting example of recycling - they took most of the stones from that cathedral and used them for the new (improved) cathedral in Salisbury.
ReplyDeleteFurther notes: There are some large white painted blobs in the carpark at Stonehenge. They mark the places where even older wooden postholes were found - dating from about 3000 years earlier than Stonehenge. Being sensitive to the archaeological importance of that find, the Brits went on to build the carpark over the top, marking the locations with white blobs of paint. Voila.
ReplyDeleteAlso, unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, Winchester is off. We are having a relaxing day in Salisbury.
Oh too bad about Winchester. But the biking sounds great. Planning for the future?
ReplyDeleteShame on you Rudge. Old Sarum - the ultimate rotten borough and very good reason for the 1832 Reform Act.
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