Stinking hot, right from the start! At least it was early enough to get the Walbury Hill climb under our belts while the air was still fresh.

Once you hit Hampshire, the downland lanscape changes for the flat roads, crystal-clear chalk streams and the watercress beds. Mercury still rising.

Lunch was a down-market al-fresco affair courtesy of the petrol station at Weyhill - the third choice after earlier options had fallen foul of bank holiday closures, pretty much as expected.

The afternoon was a long sunny climb back into Berkshire, enjoying the windmill perched atop the hill at Wilton, with gleaming new white sails.