Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Peter writes: I had decided to explore an off road route avoiding Orwell Hill on the A603. Vic decided to join me and we started from St Neots Road, Hardwick went through Caldecote to Kingston. Vic remarked that two members from the past lived there. I said I would show him the house where Fred Peterken lived in Cranes Lane (formerly Wildmans Lane). This led us to explore Cranes Lane to Wimpole. It was a bit bumpy but ridable.
A View from Cranes LaneCranes Lane toward WimpoleIt is a long lane, approx. 1.5 miles. Having reached the Wimpole road we decided to go to The Lazy Days Cafe (on the A603) for coffee. Having got through Cranes Lane easily we had time in hand and chatted over coffee. Afterwards we set off to go back to the Wimpole Road and ride the lane opposite the road to Wimpole Hall. This was probably the main route from the Hall to Cambridge before motorised transport. Although not surfaced, the lane was of compacted stone and easily ridable.
Looking south and north on the Wimpole Hall laneThis lane is approx. 1 mile long and easily ridable at a reasonable speed. We came out onto the A603 near the Orwell turn. Going through Orwell, Malton, Meldreth, Shepreth, crossed over the A11 onto the Fowlmere road, then turned right into the lane to Melbourn, turning right at the Melbourn end and right again into Dunsbridge Turnpike and our lunch place, The Green Man.
There were nine of us for lunch, which must be a record. After lunch we made our way back to Harston where I left the main group and went home via Haslingfield, Barton and Comberton. I had covered
34.4 miles.