West Hoathly and Fanny's Farm
Today’s mid-morning gathering point was the Redhill Methodist Centre, possibly rather close to the edge of the world for those who live to the West. Nonetheless, a good score of riders assembled to load up on tea and tannin before striking off in two groups and bright sunshine. Congratulations to Mike M, who managed to make it on one leg by bus from Walton-on-the Hill; his sombrero left on board his return bus consigned by a public-spirited traveller to the safe custody of Redhill bus depot.
With Ray in Cornwall, the A Group lead was taken up by Jeff – destination Tyes X and West Hoathly. The bright sunshine, however, very soon gave way to angry, black clouds as the Grand Old Duke of York led his troops insanely all the way up then down the length of Redstone Hollow, instead of along Philanthropic Lane to Clay Lane as intended. In the eyes of some, the glint of tombstones from Hilltop Cemetery seemed very menacing.
It soon became clear that the ambidextrous leader had trouble telling his left side from his right, as more than once he overshot his intended turn, starting with Kings Mill Lane to the West of Redhill Aerodrome, on the way to Outwood Mill. Two cheers for SCC, which has resurfaced some lanes, but with potholes replaced by loose chippings without the benefit of the heavy roller. Some never will be satisfied! On then past the proudly rising spire of St Mary’s Church at Horne to Bones Lane, nearly missing East Park Lane, to Newchapel. To avoid the A22 we faced a bone-shaking stretch of off-road along Stubpond Lane beside Hedgecourt Lake, followed by more flint and root on a bridle path and farm track to emerge, shaken but not stirred, at Imberhorne Lane.
From here it was blessed tarmac all the way, past Saint Hill Manor, (HQ of the scientologists), past the head of Weir Wood Reservoir, followed by a steady upward canter all the way to Tyes X. Freewheel along Top Road through Sharpthorne, then a quick climb up Church Hill to the lunch-time terminus and a softly purring welcome at the Cat Inn, West Hoathly.
With Ray in Cornwall, the A Group lead was taken up by Jeff – destination Tyes X and West Hoathly. The bright sunshine, however, very soon gave way to angry, black clouds as the Grand Old Duke of York led his troops insanely all the way up then down the length of Redstone Hollow, instead of along Philanthropic Lane to Clay Lane as intended. In the eyes of some, the glint of tombstones from Hilltop Cemetery seemed very menacing.
It soon became clear that the ambidextrous leader had trouble telling his left side from his right, as more than once he overshot his intended turn, starting with Kings Mill Lane to the West of Redhill Aerodrome, on the way to Outwood Mill. Two cheers for SCC, which has resurfaced some lanes, but with potholes replaced by loose chippings without the benefit of the heavy roller. Some never will be satisfied! On then past the proudly rising spire of St Mary’s Church at Horne to Bones Lane, nearly missing East Park Lane, to Newchapel. To avoid the A22 we faced a bone-shaking stretch of off-road along Stubpond Lane beside Hedgecourt Lake, followed by more flint and root on a bridle path and farm track to emerge, shaken but not stirred, at Imberhorne Lane.
From here it was blessed tarmac all the way, past Saint Hill Manor, (HQ of the scientologists), past the head of Weir Wood Reservoir, followed by a steady upward canter all the way to Tyes X. Freewheel along Top Road through Sharpthorne, then a quick climb up Church Hill to the lunch-time terminus and a softly purring welcome at the Cat Inn, West Hoathly.
The Cat Inn, West Hoathly
After unhurried tiffin of bread and ale, there was time to enjoy the cemetery of St Margaret’s and the view from 600ft along the valley of the Ouse to the South Downs and the Lewes Gap.
The viewpoint at St Martin's
However, our compass bearing now was to the North Downs, not the South. We joined the B2028 to Turners Hill and Crawley Down, then off the busy road to sail past Copthorne Prep School and Effingham Lane, along quiet farm lanes all the way to Smallfield. We passed the Windmill once again en route to Bletchingley. Then the swoop down Little Common Lane past the Hawthorns School to Merstham. A stone’s throw now to Markedge Lane and Fanny’s Farm, where relaxing tea and cakes were taken in the garden sun-trap. The fellowship then reluctantly dispersed, each to enjoy his Wednesday evening at his pleasure.
The end of the day at Fanny's Farm
Jeff
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