Gill's ride from Kingston to Downside then to Squires in Shepperton for Tea (28.6 miles)
The wonderful spring weather certainly brought out the masses and having circulated round the Bradbury Centre checking on those planning to come on the B Ride, I duly notified The Cricketers, Downside Cobham, that there would be 25 of us for lunch. However, by the time we were on the road, the group had grown to 32!! (plus 2 who were only coming part of the way) Welcome to new rider, Rosemary, and to Pip from the Saturday group.
Our route was a mixture of off- and on-road, the off-road giving us a chance to get away from the traffic and enjoy the sound of the birds. Starting off across Kingston Bridge, we followed the towpath to Hampton Court, crossed into Molesey and along Ember Lane south to the Portsmouth Road. Here we cycled across Littleworth Common and followed Oaken Lane to Claygate where we joined the familiar route on- and then off-road to Fairoak Lane. Turning in the direction of Oxshott, we soon turned right into Stokesheath Lane. It was along here that the decision was taken to split the party, with Norman kindly volunteering to lead a small group to the Running Mare pub at the Tilt while the main group continued according to plan to The Cricketers via Sandy Lane and Water Lane to Stoke D'Abernon, and finally across to Downside. It was a perfect day for sitting out in the garden area of the pub and tables had been reserved for us outside. Apologies to Les who ended up having to race through his meal after being the last to be served!
As we set off after lunch, having been joined by only a few from the other pub and others having left, I counted 22 in the group. Our route now was over to Ockham Lane, across the Wisley Airstrip to Wisley, Pyrford Lock and up to West Byfleet where we joined the Basingstoke Canal and then the Wey Navigation, coming off at New Haw. From here it was through Addlestone to Chertsey Meads and thence into Shepperton where those wishing to partake of tea turned off to go to Squire's while the rest headed home. There were 11 of us at tea, happily sitting in the sun with no-one seeming to be in a hurry to leave. Thanks to Pam and Irene for being back-markers.
Our route was a mixture of off- and on-road, the off-road giving us a chance to get away from the traffic and enjoy the sound of the birds. Starting off across Kingston Bridge, we followed the towpath to Hampton Court, crossed into Molesey and along Ember Lane south to the Portsmouth Road. Here we cycled across Littleworth Common and followed Oaken Lane to Claygate where we joined the familiar route on- and then off-road to Fairoak Lane. Turning in the direction of Oxshott, we soon turned right into Stokesheath Lane. It was along here that the decision was taken to split the party, with Norman kindly volunteering to lead a small group to the Running Mare pub at the Tilt while the main group continued according to plan to The Cricketers via Sandy Lane and Water Lane to Stoke D'Abernon, and finally across to Downside. It was a perfect day for sitting out in the garden area of the pub and tables had been reserved for us outside. Apologies to Les who ended up having to race through his meal after being the last to be served!
As we set off after lunch, having been joined by only a few from the other pub and others having left, I counted 22 in the group. Our route now was over to Ockham Lane, across the Wisley Airstrip to Wisley, Pyrford Lock and up to West Byfleet where we joined the Basingstoke Canal and then the Wey Navigation, coming off at New Haw. From here it was through Addlestone to Chertsey Meads and thence into Shepperton where those wishing to partake of tea turned off to go to Squire's while the rest headed home. There were 11 of us at tea, happily sitting in the sun with no-one seeming to be in a hurry to leave. Thanks to Pam and Irene for being back-markers.
Gill Finlay
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| In the Kingston Bradbury Centre then the Cricketers in Downside for lunch |
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| OS map of Gill's route, in two parts |
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