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Sherborne
Peter and Rosemary were away from their usual haunts to attend the Sherborne Abbey festival over the May 1st weekend. They joined up with Peter and Jill Dahlhoff who were also keen to do some cycling..
Saturday after a magnificent breakfast at the Old Vicarage at Milbourne Port we set off for Cerne Abbas to see the Giant The route viaMelbourne Sampfordwas winding and hilly but extremely pretty. Bluebell and wild garlic in the woodlands and a bank of cowslips, the green fuse of May The church atBatsfordallowed us a brief respite and a chance to eat the cakes bought by Pete from his favourite supplier. This just about gave us enough energy before tackling the hill up to the top ofGore Hill and the Cross in Hand Stone (see Tess of the D'Urbervilles)There was a long flattish stretch across the top with marvellous views before a downhill swoop into Cerne Abbas to admire the Giant's features and eat a late lunch. Peter taking pity on Rosemary offered to ride back for the car as the forecast 10 miles had turnedinto 17. Needless to say Pete, Jill and Rosemary all spent another happy half hour in the pub while waiting for him.
Sunday we explored Sherborne on foot and it wasn't until Monday that we returned to the bikes. Avoiding the Bank Holiday Traffic we cycled across country and arrived at the Queens Head, at South Cadbury just in time for an ox roast and wine served in their garden decorated for apple blossom day. In keeping with the Celtic overtones of Beltane flowers and feasts we cycled on to Camelot, the iron age fort at South Cadbury said to be the site of the Arthurian legend.
The view from the top is spectacular to Glastonbury Tor (Avalon) and beyond over the Summer County so called, which in Arthur's time was a shallow lake and marsh land. No gallant knights or maidens being in evidence on a rather bleak hill top, we descended for a lift again back toMilborne and another concert in Sherborne abbey.
Apart from a little antagonism from locals at one point when we mistakenly rode down an apparently private road (The sign had been doctored to read walkers and cyclists rather than no cyclists). Maybe Dorset is not a very cycling friendly county? However, Clare's hosptality at Milbourne and the marvellous atmosphere at the Festival more than made up for any hostility Thank you Pete and Jill we'll be back to join you again.
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