B Group Sept 8th

It was a select group of nine which formed B Group this week - Liz, Pam, Bob, John, Grant, Pete M., Ed, Godfrey and me Gill. We let A Group go first as they were going to be following the same route as us at the start but then found ourselves cutting them off at the pass as they opted for the longer route out of Fairoaks, and we the shorter route! As we were heading to The Royal Oak in Wood Street Village for lunch, we began by going due south to join the Basingstoke Canal towpath just off the Lockfield Drive roundabout. From here our route was westwards. As always, it was pleasant cycling beside the canal - we saw two herons, one of which stood to attention by the water's edge as we cycled past, the other took evasive action and flew up into a nearby tall tree till the danger had passed. A swan family with five teenage cygnets was treated to crumbs from an energy bar courtesy of Liz. The original plan was to come off at Pirbright but Bob knew of a quieter route and took us off at Brookwood where he led us through the tranquil grounds of Brookwood Cemetery, coming out at Pirbright Green from where we continued southwards. With the weather looking dubious, a table had been reserved for us indoors at The Royal Oak and we were well looked after. After lunch, a new route for most was taken across Broadstreet Common, where Pete met an old friend,(Mole Valley Walking Group) then on cycle paths past Tesco at Park Barn and across to Guildford University where we cycled through the campus to the back of the station, and crossed the R. Wey on a footbridge. Here the rain which had been threatening, came down with a vengeance and waterproofs were donned for the wet ride up to and across Stoke Park. After this we followed the usual route through the nature reserve to the path by the A3, by which time the sun was out. Three left us in Ripley while the rest of us continued to Cobham, turning off at the bakery and going via Ockham and Martyr's Green. Liz punctured on this stretch but Dr Ed soon had her up and running again. At Cobham, Pete knew of a new tea place - the Hothouse Cafe in the Medicine Garden between the pub at the end of Plough Lane and the timber yard. Four of us had tea in a huge walled garden before exploring the courtyard garden centre behind it. Open till 5.00 p.m. it is to be put on the tea place register for future use. All in all, a great day - thanks everyone for your contributions. (Gill Finlay)