Easy riders May 4th

More wonderful sunny weather meant 15 or so easyriders keen to take to the hills. We left Cobham on Downside Bridge Road, turning right at the Plough and right again at the Black Swan downhill to Ockham Bites where we joined the A3 cycleway to the bridge for Wisley. We skirted Wisley Gardens admiring the rhodedendrons we could see on the driveway. At Pyrford we joined the Wey Navigation for a mile or so and then turned left onto a footpath that took us over a small footbridge and then within view of Ockham Mill, where I was informed by Mike that the distinctive stonework is similar to many other buildings of this vintage in the area, we later passed the Hautboy and this was confirmed, there is also a restaurant on the main street in Ripley opposite the Anchor with similar black brick patterning. After admiring the mill we quickly turned right onto a footpath (Hollybush Lane) that brought us through pleasant woodland and onto Ripley common and the Half Moon for lunch. The sandwiches were freshly made and an interesting range of pizzas (Pigs Last Tango is recommended). After lunch Pat, Alan and David returned via a riverside route to Kingston. Our return route was direct, Rose Lane and over the A3 back to Ockham passing the Hautboy, waving goodbye to Mike at the Black Swan, down towards Cobham but turning right to enjoy Chilmark Road and the route over Downside and past the little chapel (which may not be the littlest chapel in England for much longer as they appear to be building a brick extension onto the back of it). Tea was intended to be taken at Shoots Garden Centre at Stoke D'Abignon but it was closed for the day for stocktaking as it is being taken over by Squires. It was here that Fuzz Mark and Philip headed back for the station and the remainder continued towards Ashtead, eventually becoming a girly threesome enjoying tea at the Olive Tree Garden Centre at the end of Pleasure Pit Road. Thanks to all who followed and made it such an enjoyable day. 9 miles Cobham to lunch, 6 miles lunch to Stoke D'Ab. 40 mile + round trip for those who did Cheam to Cheam.
From Steph