alirides - the sequel: to the Hardy Monument and back

Set off about 10 am on Friday 20th June 2014. The route was almost entirely on National Cycle Route 2, apart from the odd diversion.  Total mileage just short of 40 miles. Hot and sunny again, and over 2 000 feet of uphill. 

By the looks of this first photograph, I could have settled down to an idle day! 
From Stoke Mill, near Broadoak via Dottery, Bradpole and Loders.

The pub in Loders served us coffee just before they officially opened - most welcome and very friendly service.   

The bridge just outside Loders commemorating 1914.  We diverted slightly into Uploders before following the road towards Shipton Gorge - not a gorge at all, though it has hills.

We had views of the sea from the higher ground.

We eventually met the river Bride and the (reputedly) flat section of the route.

After following the river valley for some time we reached Litton Cheney and its pub the White Horse.  An excellent sandwich with trimmings and plenty of liquid taken on board here. Once more, very friendly service.

From there we rode to Long Bredy and Little Bredy.

I confess to a couple of pauses on this long hill, but I did ride up it.

Not much further now to the Hardy monument - not to the writer but the seaman of "Kiss me, Hardy" fame. Wonderful views all around from here.

A friendly walker offered to take our photo.

He had walked along the South Dorset ridgeway from Weymouth.

We could see Chesil Beach.

Harry in the landscape

Strip lynchets - remains of a mediaeval farming system.

The ride back was easier, as there was more downhill, and the wind was behind us.  All the same any climbs felt like very hard work.  Especially the last short one! 

Map and details