Just for the sake of all of you (!), I saw that the sun was out and stupidly decided it was time for the end of year inspection of Staines Moor.Donning my easily cast off clothes, I mounted my cycle and set off against the wind to the moor. This year has not been kind to the moor, as most of us locals know. It has been flooded for almost 5 months and had some parts impassable for even longer. Well I am pleased to say the rangers have been busy. (Shame they are not naturists, working away on the moor naked would be quite nice). They have de-weeded some of the river, allowing it to flow and drain the land quicker. Fences and gates have been renewed making it almost impossible to get a cycle on there let alone a motorcycle, thank heavens.
The one change I spotted for access, was the stile by the bridge and lay-by on the A30 has been removed and replaced with a planked fence. As long as you are reasonably fit, you should be able to climb between the planks, otherwise, walk on to the underpass and enter that way.I travelled the whole circuit and even managed about 5 minutes naked, before the whole of Stanwell came out with their dogs. All paths are now passable, but care is still required when crossing the two wooden 'bridges' over by the butts. As the wind was strong and blowing an icy gale across the moor, the locals were out in force and the fishermen looked unfriendly, I decided to get home, get hot under the shower and settle down to a naked afternoon in front of the computer.
Still, I burnt off a few calories, and managed to recon the moor. Cant be bad.
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