Byeways and Bluebells, A ride on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411

A Visit to West Woods Near Marlborough Wiltshire today with my friend Dickie.
We both rode our Royal Enfield 411 Himalayans to go and see the Bluebells and also ride the byeway which skirts the southern edge of the woodland.
We ended the trip with a visit to Honeystreet mill for coffee and cake:)

[@WiltshireMan]

At around 07:20 there's a short camera glitch that lasts just a few seconds. Sorry about that, one of my camera's is playing up!

[@davebarney3369]

Whenever you post a video i think, I am not doing enough in my life! You make everyday count and it’s a mantra we should all adopt.

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

I feel exactly the same.

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

I haven’t commented for ages. I should just like to say watching your videos sould be on the NHS, guaranteed to make anyone feel better. Cheers and ride safe. Neil

[@jeetts59]

I do like your videos of riding along country lanes, very atmospheric video.

[@mickybetts7957]

Can't believe ive not been into any woods to see the bluebells this year. Only just realised. Would be great if Dickie does a wild camp with you.

[@COBBETT1215]

Your channel gives me much comfort and consolation. Your wonderful films from deepest greenest England are a haven from the madness which is afflicting our country and the wider world. A welcome reminder of what really matters. Decency, civility and humility in the presence of nature. Thanks!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thankyou. Intentionally I have taken my channel this way, as for the things that are happening in the world there's not much on a personal level I can do about that but I can try and hopefully make some people realise that nature and life still goes on regardless

[@billcotton1551]

Maybe they weren't perfect, but still some great shots.

[@markrobertson5305]

A fun video. My 2019 Himalayan 411 has now covered 25000 miles. With just home maintenance. Oil, filters, tappets and the swing arm linkages getting some grease, it's going better than ever. Definitely a keeper. A bike that lets you tinker.

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes it's a bike the home mechanic can service, hopefully they will run for many more years, I have no intention to part with mine

[@marcuskiritsis2076]

Now I knew a brew and some cake would come into it sooner than later 😂 but banked on Dicky’s mum providing the refreshments 😮😉🥰👍 your right about the weather sandy it’s bloody freezing literally. 0 degrees here tonight 🥶🥶🥶

[@WiltshireMan]

Dickie's Mum makes the best cakes thats for sure Marcus:)

[@memybikeni9931]

Hyacinthoides Non-Scripta, the common English Bluebell has to be England’s most favourite early summer bloom. Just beautiful.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Sure! I'm sitting here with out having my breakfast yet and you're showing me that lovely piece of cake? That's Cruell ! sandy! haha. love the shots of the Bluebells. They remind me of "Jack in the Pulpits" kind of. thanks for another great video and for sharing. de Ellis WA1RKS.

[@koshtie]

Hi Sandy funny how that coffee turned into coffee & cake ? good mate Dickie ? ATB Wayne ....

[@WiltshireMan]

Coffee is always better with a slice of cake:)

[@johnbiddal5951]

A good ride out Sandy. It's nice that the Old People are peacefully sleeping the Centuries away in the Long Barrow under the Bluebells. 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

I think a lot of them got dug up John which is a shame

[@roadsey7012]

Sandy, watched you for quite a while now, love your channel and varied content, but as a mature biker that's just taken up photography can you explain and advise a little more about your photography

[@WiltshireMan]

I could dedicate an hour long video to photography it's a massive subject with such a lot of topics, correct exposure, depth of field, laws of reciprocity, lens focal length, composition, using lightroom, etc etc you will never master it and get the best photo's to begin with, it's a skill set that develops over time. The more you go out and take photo's and make mistakes the faster you will learn and develop your own style and desires. To someone just starting out I would say just go out and take photo's, go home, look at them critically, compare them to others, watch videos about photography,(Lots of good channels on YT) then take out a monthly subscription to Adobe Lightroom, you will need to use some software to bring out the details that the camera captures especially if you shoot in RAW files which I do. A RAW file will look very dull but it captures the most dynamic range and tones which Lightroom brings to life. Hope that helps Sandy

[@DanOpdal]

Thank you for sharing your adventure, Sandy! Wonderful to view this beautiful country on your bikes. Cheers!

[@maryanderson9395]

Another excellent video Sandy thank you for posting, always look forward to your story's. best wishes Roy (oz)

[@jameswalksinhistory3848]

We were at West Woods last week the Long Barrow was a fantastic sight-As always a great explore-Thank you Sandy & Richard

[@Missis701]

Thanks for uploading the video Sandy, might have a little pootle up that by-way myself next week!

[@marleneruddell9395]

Another wonderful video, thank you so much for sharing….now I’m hankering for a piece of that cake lol

[@mischef18]

That reminds me I need to go and rouse up something for desert. Nice to tag along with you guys bro. Safe travels. Ken.

[@neilwilkinson5415]

Certainly was a long bridleway. It would be fun to cycle that. Love the contrast of the fresh green leaves on the trees with the bluebells.

[@WiltshireMan]

I shall go back there next week on bicycle and ride along there again

[@SallyCurrell]

Westwood is beautiful this time of the year. Lovely to visit. Love how you get out and about so much. Making the most of life whatever the weather x

[@michaeloldfield5491]

Oh yes we where there Saturday

[@user-qb7nm1ur7s]

thanks again Sandy, lovely video.Mark

[@MsDenver2]

It still looks beautiful and what a lovely woodland , can you tell me where that woodland is as it would be a great place to take my elderly mom in the car thanks 👍🏍️

[@ewengillies9826]

What a pleasant circuit for an enjoyable bike ride. Bluebells are an expecially intriquite flower to photograph but the end result is awesome. Bushyboy Oz

[@Nobby77]

crackin ride out

[@gordonsuddery4635]

Nice video lovely countryside thanks for sharing my best wishes to you from the Philippines ❤️💪👍😀😉😁🐑🇵🇭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@michaeloldfield5491]

Are you following us around sandy had tea and cake in honey Street in the cafe after west woods ..seems so peaceful in west woods amazing pics you took

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa, I go there several times each year Mike, its a nice place to stop

[@michaeloldfield5491]

It's a lovely place sandy helps with my anxiety

[@campfire52]

I just returned from a little camping myself Sandy and am very happy to see that you had a video up waiting for me to watch. Very kind of you. And another great video my friend. An adventure with both you and Dickie is always very enjoyable to watch. A couple of very fine gentlemen who know how to enjoy and respect what the beauty of nature provides us with. The Bluebells are such a beautiful addition to the woodlands, and it surely inspires people to get out and make their way to the forests (even if that might be the only time of the year they bother to.) As always, thanks again for sharing your time with us my friend. I will see you on your next one.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Terry, The Bluebell flowers are not at their peak just yet, it has been a very cold start to Spring this year! Just a few degree's above freezing as I type this comment!

[@pootlingalong8928]

Thanks for taking us along on another Himalayan jaunt, love the engine sound of that bike! Interesting to see these little back roads and tracks you bring us, little gems hidden away from the noisy, stressy A roads 🤗

[@WiltshireMan]

The old Himalayan 411 has a proper donkey engine, not powerful but sufficient and especially suited for country roads and bye ways

[@Wessexphotography]

Morning Sandy. Can I ask what day you went out there, I went to a couple of places at the weekend and the bluebells seem to be going over.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Joe, This was Yesterday 25th April, most of the blooms at the top of the flower stem have still not opened. I would give it another 4 or 5 days and hopefully with some warm weather and sunshine they will be at their best. I plan to go back again next week

[@peteblackwell3]

I'm on the search for carpet blue bells, Sandy, so lovely to see these . Cracking video as always. Best wishes P & M .

[@richardbrooks4549]

Next Spring Sandy, you should ride out to the Bluebells in Erlestoke woods. Quieter than West Woods and just as spectacular. And lovely routes for your Royal Enfield

[@tonypatey5669]

Very nice these blue bells, have they always been around. The mound what does it date back to. Thanks for sharing. Tony.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Tony, the mound (Long barrow) is approx 5500 years old

[@alanvaughan4143]

Hi Sandy.i never got on with motor bikes !! I want to go right and the bike wants to go left 😆. Sandy Twin Tunnels Bath are now open

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for the heads up on the Bath tunnels Alan

[@lizziel4876]

Ooh I'll have to watch this. I've cycled to Honeystreet Mill. First to comment again!!! Can I have a star, please?

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa welldone. Yes you can have a star. When it gets dark tonight go outside and look up, there's plenty up there to choose from so take your pick:)

[@thelegoman1977]

Great small video. Another genuine footage video from you. Thank you 👍

[@robertclark8351]

Thank you W.M. and Dickie, very enjoyable ride to watch.

[@charlespark7338]

Hi Sandy, you always do a great job showcasing our beauty spots. I think the cold weather may have held up the bluebells from being at there peak. I had planned to have a ride over to see them this week, but I have been suffering from a nasty cold most of the week. You have convinced me that there should be a good display next week, so it should worth a visit. It will also be fun to ride that byway especially if we get some sunshine next week. Cheers.📷📷

[@WiltshireMan]

I think they will be at their best in 5 to 7 days time Charles, I plan om riding my MTB there sometime next week, there is some nice riding to be had on the bicycle in Westwoods and surrounding area. I've got a new bike on order which should be here very soon, a gravel bike in Titanium. PlanetX Tempest. I want something a bit faster rolling for the summer and I'll keep the Bootzipper for Winter and proper rough stuff

[@charlespark7338]

That new bike sounds great,expensive if it’s Titanium,but light and should be faster. Mind you I think you are steam powered anyway. If you fancy some company on your ride just give me a shout. My MTB is not set up to carry gear, so I would ride out and return the same day. I know you like to travel and camp on your own. I hope to get a ride over there to see the bluebells, it would be great to grab a photo, especially if the lights good.🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️📷📷👍

[@WiltshireMan]

@@charlespark7338 We can do a day ride if you like Charles, my average speed on the Bootzipper MTB is around 9 or 10 mph. The Tempest gravel bike is just shy of £2K but probably the last bike I'll ever buy and cheap for titanium and it shouldn't break or rust (not that any of my bikes have ever broken or rusted before) What day of the week is best for you?

[@charlespark7338]

@@WiltshireMan Did you want to wait for your new bike. The weather does not look so clever towards the end of the week. Wednesday , Tuesday whatever suit really.

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

I do love Bluebell woodlands, I also love Cherry Blossom trees. There’s a park in the town I grew up in that is full of those trees and it really looks beautiful, I always try and visit the town in spring to see the trees but haven’t been able to get there so far this year.

[@britishlongbarrows]

The colour of the bluebells against the light green of the emerging foliage are outstanding 😀

[@WiltshireMan]

You will enjoy my next video, I go to visit a rather special Bronze age barrow inside a Norman churchyard

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

Still too chilly for the blue bells, and we are days away from May....global warming haha. At 13:08 the bluebells looked lovely...as did the cake!!!

[@WiltshireMan]

I think the bluebells will be better in a week or so Bry. Spring is long and cool this year. I'm sat here wearing my coat!

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

@@WiltshireMan I have MORE rain currently!!! Chilly too....

[@Martycycleman]

Sandy they are lovely photos. You got the blue just right. Cheers Sandy😊

[@iangriffiths9930]

Be nice to see the Suzuki going down that dirt track 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

You'll have to see Dickie's channel for that, he wants to ride is 800DE down there

[@iangriffiths9930]

There is a guy in Australia who rides the 800 off road, on the back wheel I think it’s called, anyway looks a capable bike 👍

[@mikehurley5052]

What a nice ride out.

[@petercostello3196]

Bluebell galore

[@michaelcase8574]

What a nice outing wit a good friend. Doesn't cet better than that! Cheers, Sandy!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks for the tour, Sandy. 👍🙂🏍️

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Brian, I'll have to go back in a week to see the flowers at their best:)

[@madmax2506]

👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌

[@simonwiltshire]

Great fotography, realy enchanting place, cheers guys .

[@martintraffordmoorlandbike7121]

Marvellous mixed ride Sandy, with some delicious looking cake to boot! Just after I'd read your comment on my previous video, I rocked up at Portpatrick in SW Scotland, and the hillside below the hotel was awash with bluebells, although like a pillock I never thought to record them for posterity!(just relieved to have got there!)

[@colinmcnally5931]

Thats one of my old haunts from back in 1990's . Used to go all round those parts of ancient Wiltshire and Crop Circles!! It was an awesome part of my life. Love Wiltshire. Best County.

[@bolleolympus]

👌👌😊😊🌹🌹❤❤🌹🌹👍👍

[@roviwoteap2375]

Nice little trip there. Good to see the route map at the end. Oh, and that cake looked nice!

[@petercostello3196]

Hi young en there was be at blaygrove farm industrial park HAGBOURNE COPSE u can cycle there from thee toothill round about go up the road crossing thee mini roundabout up to entrance of holiday Inn Hotel. Copse is on your right. Or drive in off duell carriage way turn right going up towards holiday in its on right me boy .

[@richardsierakowski1623]

Great video and Honeystreet mill for coffee and cake is a brilliant choice much enjoyed by Jayne, my lovely wife, and myself. Great to watch and should many old bikers very happy:)

[@victormonster4658]

👍👌

[@johnfranklin3001]

You and Dickie seem relaxed together. It makes it nice to watch.

[@LFH02]

Looked like a nice ride out. thanks for sharing.

[@alanarmer8069]

👍⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️👍👍👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching Alan

[@garphykeks]

Just a couple of good old boys out and about! Wonderful😎👌

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats about the sum of it Marty:)

[@MonkeyMagic-]

You are one of the few You Tubers where I hit the like button as soon as i open the video, knowing it will be fully justified.

[@WiltshireMan]

thanku:)

[@dewipeach]

Absolutely stunning.. bluebells will never grow, where they'd never grown before.. native bluebells have flowers on one side of stem only. Been see our's locally too, not been overly warm to bring them on nor the sunlight.. once the foliage is on the trees and the lights gone.. short lived period to bloom. Congratulation Chug 18k+ still going strong.. how long since that walk across the Rec to collect 'Em..! It's nice seeing Dickie out n about.. an if paying, never better than end with cake..Black Forest 'O my.. how other half lives. Til thee next one.. Cheers

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa yes the black forest cake was lovely. Chug still runs like new and will be 5 years old soon. Great value for money motorcycle. I think the Bluebells are now at their peak, I shall have to go back

[@dewipeach]

@@WiltshireMan Can't recall last I'd had Black Forest Gateau nor Mississippi mud pie.. Jam roly-poly, can I say Spotted dick.. Ohhh have done.. ... As for Easter shortbread biscuits.. tea plate size..! good o'l ones Aunt Berth would have homemade for Sunday tea visits. Yep Bluebells, the cultivated ones are turning in a garden or too near us. Got a catch up on your new releases.. Cheers

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

🤠 cool stuff

[@kevlandy]

*byways 🇬🇧👍