Plenty of others had similar ideas, which tempted me on to some of the less obvious minor byways, including the one to the village of Abington Pigotts.
One man was out jogging, but the rest of the population of 162 were nowhere to be seen.
There are several tiny villages in this corner of Cambridgeshire, including:
Whaddon (population 481)
Arrington (415)
Wimpole (381)
Croydon (235)
Hatley (181)
Tadlow (178)
and Wendy, which together with neighbouring Shingay amounts to 139 souls.
That's to say nothing about Malton, which is now just a farm and a couple of houses, and Clopton which has completely disappeared.
Abington Pigotts does have a lovely little church, situated down a quiet side road.
The village name, Abington, derives from "the settlement of a man called Abba", while the Pigotts suffix comes from the Pigott family who owned the manor here for centuries. The local publican has had a bit of fun with the name.....
It was known as the Darby And Joan till the 1980s.
Like every other pub in the country it's closed for business for now because of Corona virus restrictions.
Someone was watching me from over the garden hedge so I pedalled onwards.
On my way homewards I couldn't resist having another look at that field of peonies that I showed you a few days ago.
Some more of the dark red variety have opened up since last time we were here.
Take care.
Thank you for this incredible beauty. And oh, that peonie field...
ReplyDeleteA beautiful bike ride through this lovely area John and I didn't even have to lift foot to pedal.
ReplyDeleteHow very lovely!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks really lovely, peaceful and timeless. It has been a perfect time for cyclists to enjoy the freedom of the roads.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful bike ride, John. Thank you for doing the pedalling.
ReplyDeleteWho can resist visiting a village with a name like Abington Pigotts? If my journey took me anywhere close I would have to go!
ReplyDeleteHi John - I'd been going past that field of peonies every day ... it must be stunning to see. Great pub name ... Pig and Abbot ... love it - while fascinating that the villages carry on - must be so idyllic. Gorgeous - thank you ... Hilary
ReplyDeleteOh, those peonies are so beautiful. That looks like some lovely countryside you were riding through.
ReplyDeleteThe peonies were a colorful ending to the ride. It would have been even better to have stopped in at The Pig & Abbott for a pint. Just today I watched a BBC online report of how much the pubs are being missed due to the continued shutdowns.
ReplyDeleteWonderful bike ride. I love vicariously exploring the countryside there. It's so beautiful. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteWhat a glorious area for a ride! One wonders when pubs will again be open.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely idyllic! Beautiful photos, as always.
ReplyDeleteOh the peonies! My favourites.
ReplyDeleteI don’t recognize that species of bird!
Those are serious peonies! Looks like you had a lovely day for a ride.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty and summery!
ReplyDeleteThose peonies are stunning !
Thanks for taking us along on your tour! Lovely villages and flower garden!
ReplyDeleteLovely, I've enjoyed your cycle ride. I love the village names and the pub's take on the village name Abbington Pigotts. I think I would have hurried by that rather menacing looking bird although it looks a fine sculpture. Great to see the poppy fields again:)
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting bird! Those peonies are gorgeous. This was such a beautiful area to ride through. Thank you. You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.
ReplyDeleteI can’t imagine a whole FIELD of peonies! They must about knock you off your bicycle with their intoxicating scent.
ReplyDeleteI would never be able to resist a field of peonies John, I would be sorely tempted to take a few home.. of course I wouldn't though 😉😉 What a perfectly divine English spring day for your ride 🌸
ReplyDeleteA lovely little tour!
ReplyDeleteGreat setting for a bike ride.
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