Newbury

Another middle England town ticked off with Newbury. Not a bad town centre, they have a square with tables and chairs giving a continental feel. We had our first “eat out to help out “ meal; great pies but I was concerned about the closeness of the tables even though we were outside. This section of our travels seems to be canals, the Kennet and Avon goes through Newbury and very close to the site. We cycled to Highclere castle which is used for filming Downton Abbey. The website said the gardens were open without pre booking but the house was by ticket only. Alas the car park attendant told us otherwise. Unfortunately he also told us we were not welcome as cyclists. We had to push our bikes the mile and half out of the grounds against the one way circuit and past signs that said “no walking”! I am so glad I have never watched Downton Abbey. Instead we went to the top of Beacon Hill, an iron age fort with great views. Here lies the body of an earlier owner of Highclere, one who raided Tuttenkamun’s tomb. I have taken a real dislike to the Earl of Carnarvon and ancestors without even meeting them. Our second full day we spent cycling, taking in a castle, roman villa, old chapel and a windmill, along with a cafe. Quite a variety making it a long day, but lovely countryside. The site was an overpriced farm field on the top of an exposed hill next to a dual carriageway with a CDP and a tap. We were the only ones on the site.