Fun with Edinburgh chums

There are a few folks from Edinburgh that Stuart has been cycling with for many years.  Sally (best man at the wedding), Richard & Jacky, John & Sarah and Chris & Mary. Recently, we have been on cycling holidays with the chums in Canada and France, this year they have decided to head to the South of England to cycle around our home turf!

I suspect the reason for the "down south" visit may be the Birthday Ceilidh bash that Stuart and I held in our local village hall.  And here is a gratuitous photo of the event, which has nothing to do with cycling, but I'd like to keep this picture here as a lovely reminder of a fantastic night.

Cycling for Stuart and the Edinburgh chums started on the Monday, sadly I was at work, so photographic evidence of the first couple of days is missing.  However, Stuart took them on a ride to Potton End on day 1 and Emily's on day 2.

Wednesday was a day for them to explore other touristy bits round here Oxford and Bletchley park.

Finally, Thursday and I have some time off work!  Hurrah!

The weather forecast is good for the next couple of days which is a huge bonus when taking precious days holiday.

Here's the gang at the first stop of the day, Frithsden Vineyard

The fresh out of the oven blueberry scones were a big hit!  But is it jam first or cream?  (Jam obvs).

Next stop Dunstable downs for the views and a bit of lunch.

Finally, we start meandering our way back to Ivinghoe, and this is where things change from our normal cycling regime.  It's getting late in the afternoon and the school traffic starts to build, instead of sticking with the now fairly busy roads, the OS maps are brought out and a new route is plotted down a delightful canal tow path.  Less roady, more touringy.  Love it!

We arrive back at the farmhouse where the Edinburgh folks are staying in time for sunset and a chilled glass of wine!  Perfect!

Friday's adventure is a trip to Westmill tearooms.  To keep the mileage down we drive to Codicote and set off from there.

It doesn't take long for an unscheduled brambling stop to occur.  First Sally veers into the hedgerow as the lure of the ripe blackberries was too much to resist.   I decide that this is a great idea, and shortly afterwards Mary and Jacky join us.

Richard and Stuart are left a little perplexed as to why the cycling has suddenly been abandoned!

On the way to Westmill we pass through the delightful village of Nasty, and can't resist the photo opportunity.

Westmill tearooms are wonderful as ever, home made pork pies in the sunshine, a lovely lazy long lunch....

... and then a gratuitous slice of rose and strawberry cake!

At the end of the day, we return home through the beautiful country lanes, and I'm pretty sure the gang have had a good time!  :-)