A sunny Thursday morning saw seven Windmillers setting off from The Carriers Arms, East Bergholt, for a 34 mile circuit of the Shotley Peninsula.
Maurice – followed by Andrew, Lawrence, Roger, Ken, Keith and Brian – led the way eastwards towards Shotley Gate at the tip of the peninsula, where the rivers Stour and Orwell meet.
Along the way we stopped to admire Erwarton Hall, a 16th century stately pile with a particularly imposing gatehouse. Legend has it Anne Boleyn stayed at the house and that her heart is buried at the nearby church.
Looking out from Shotley Gate we could see wind turbine installation vessels moored across the Stour at Harwich and – across the Orwell – giant container ships docked at Felixstowe.
Turning westwards for the return leg, we stopped off at scenic Pin Mill for coffee at the Butt and Oyster. Back on the bikes we continued westwards, crossing the causeway at Alton Water before heading back to East Bergholt for lunch at the Carriers Arms.
Thanks, Maurice, for another delightful route – and Andrew for getting us all organised.
Brian
PS: Here is this week’s caption competition . . .
The Windmill Cycle Club 