It was, I'm afraid, the usual shambolic mess we have come to expect from this leader! There was, apparently, some sort of route, but the leader was unable to load it to his appliance! No doubt sensing trouble, Tony H and Graham H wisely turned for home after elevenses. Loyal member Ray W had gamely arrived suffering with a heavy cold but was definitely not fit enough to continue the ride. Ten more did elect to continue (I think they call it 'adventure tourism'), We split in two and Andy C very kindly led the second group (and actually managed to navigate from the alleged route)!
How we got to Hayes is a bit of a haze! And by some miracle, at a respectable time! On reflection, since a lot of the route followed the Grand Union Canal towpath, it would actually have been difficult even for this leader to get it completely wrong, providing he turned the right way to start with!
Restorative lunches were enjoyed al fresco in a delightful and picturesque setting at the Botwell Inn! Nerves steadied, we set off again, starting with a detour to the impressive site of the old HMV factory and warehouse complex, and attendant large dog, which is mandatory when in this area, followed by a return to the towpath.
There followed a bit of ducking and diving (not actually in the canal, although one would not put even that beyond this leader's capabilities), passing a 'great barn', before we landed up on the Heathrow western perimeter cycle route, as it were. There were ample plane-spotting opportunities before the glamour of an international airport descended into the mundanity that is Ashford!
More distant options were offered, but, unsurpisingly, most jumped at the chance to get themselves free of the leader, and chose tea at Longacres, Shepperton!
Thanks all for your company, and for putting up with it all, and special thanks to Andy for his help.
Author: David W
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