Colchester Cycling UK

Shotley Gate Ride Report

August 25, 2013

Five riders set off from Colchester Leisure World heading for Shotley Gate. Our encounter with water came early and unexpectedly as I had underestimated the strength of Saturday’s downpour and chose the Salary brook route which involved peddling through about 2 feet of water as we went under the Clacton road.

However, apart from some wet feet no damage was done and we all made it through to press on to Mistley Place Park. This is the only rest place I know where one can drink a mug of tea in the midst of a menagerie of rescued animals, including scruffy chickens, a solitary cat and a procession of elegant long necked Indian runner ducks. What more could you want for entertainment? From there we pressed on to Brantham via some little used tracks, thus avoiding the main road.

Leaving Brantham we passed through the impressive buildings which constitute the Royal Hospital School and then along the Shotley peninsular passing quiet villages with a view over the water and arriving at The Shipwreck Pub by Shotley marina. From our outside table we were able to watch the activity in the harbour where small sailing boats shared the water with massive top heavy container ships manoeuvring into Felixstowe Docks.

After a relaxing lunch the Harwich Harbour Foot Ferry made a special journey to take us over to Harwich pier. Then it was back on the bikes and along the sea front before returning to the country roads and on to Colchester via Wivenhoe.

Only 50 miles covered but a variety of scenery and two excellent stops made this an excellent ride.

By Des McCarron