B Group - 4th January, 2012

Gill's ride from Cobham to the Castle Grove (Chobham) and to The Bakery in Shepperton for tea

Morning ride:     13.2 miles

Afternoon ride:  10.6 miles

Thank goodness the weather had improved since yesterday!  Today we were blessed with a sunny start and it felt as if spring was in the air, despite a nip in the wind.  There were fourteen of us in B Group and we headed out towards Plough Lane.  The R. Mole was in flood as we crossed the bridge but Plough Lane itself was clear apart from puddles.  On reaching the Wisley Airfield, we turned off and it was an enjoyable ride across - were those skylarks flying low ahead of us and up into the air?!  John G. reminded us about the filming of 'Warhorse' which had taken place here a while ago, though you would never know now.  Over the A3 footbridge to Wisley, past Pyrford Lock and out on to the Pyrford Road, we then followed a route of little roads and paths through Pyrford pioneered by John G. (thanks, John) and out on to the Woking Road.  Back on territory familiar to most, we climbed up the hill to Maybury and down through the series of traffic lights to join the Basingstoke Canal.  Staying on the towpath until the bridge at Goldsworth and heading north across the big roundabout, we joined the inland route through Horsell village at Bullbeggars Lane.  From here it was a straight stretch along Carthouse Lane and soon afterwards we reached the Castle Grove pub at Castle Green, where tables had been reserved for us and we were given a warm welcome and speedy service.  The pub is keen to see cyclists so leaders, please take note!

On the road again by 2.00 p.m., the route homewards was straightforward - through Chobham to Burrowhill, along Gracious Pond Road, Stonehill Road, across Homewood Park Open Space past Botleys Mansion to Bittams Lane and Green Lane leading towards Addlestone.  However, as a change, we turned off on to a path skirting Addlestone Moor (& Golf Course) and leading directly to Chertsey but involving the crossing of the railway line by means of a footbridge with very steep steps up and down!  Cutting across to Chertsey Bridge via Stepgates Road and Chertsey Meads, we soon reached the roundabout at the bottom of Shepperton High Street, helped along by a tailwind.  Rain had already threatened so most opted to continue on home but six of us had tea at the Shepperton Bakery.  Thanks to Irene for being back marker.

(Gill Finlay)