As we wove along the small country lanes, on what has to be described as a perfect spring day, we resisted temptation to lay in the fields reading, or enjoy the beer garden of one of the many country pubs and continue on to the woods, and after one final push up a very big hill (and I mean push as I got off my bike and pushed on up the hill, that probably was not that big, but with a steel upright single speed city bike it felt BIG) we were rewarded with a beautiful meander through woods, fields, old apple orchards and blissful sunshine poking through the still sparse canopy of the Ash, Plane and Oak trees.
Wytham Woods' proximity to Oxford makes it one of the most closely studied woods in the world, with many trees' girths being closely measured, and throughout the woods small experiments are being conducted, although it is quite impossible to know what they are doing. There are also a closely managed deer population in the woods, of which we briefly spotted two. The birds were out in full chorus and everything was in beautiful bloom.
After our walk and ride, we explored Wytham village, a very quaint and ancient village also owned by the University of Oxford. We then rewarded ourselves with a pint of cider and a late lunch at the local pub, that was a particularly charming stone building with an even more charming courtyard for soaking up the sun. After our hearty meal we headed home once more, passing hundreds of families along the canals of the Thames, many of whom were swimming, a little premature for mine as I can only imagine how freezing that water would be!!!
Above and below. The spectacular blossom of an old apple orchard.
Above, below and then more. The delicate little bluebells made a beautiful floating purple haze on the floor of the wood
Below. The village of Wytham.
Above. Our trusty steads, not necessarily the most appropriate means of navigating the countryside, but we made it!
Below. The gate to Wytham Abbey, a lovely little church, with cottage and courtyard next to a rather impressive manor with castle walls!?
Below. The White Hart with cider and beer. How all Mondays should be spent.
