From Redhill I led the B group via the peace and quiet (and zero gradient) of N21 north eastwards to Marsh Road. We then climbed Church Hill, the first hill of the day. After a short stretch of the A25 through Bletchingley a right fork into Rabies Heath Road led to the last hill of the day, old favourite, Tilburstow. A pause at the top enabled me to warn the pub of our impending visit, also to study the approaching grey clouds to the west and wonder if we would beat them to lunch (we did). A rapid descent led to a brief stretch of the A22 before turning right into Byers Lane and Brickhouse Lane, noting no lookouts in the Watchtower. Virtually traffic-free Bones and East Park Lanes and B2028 West Park Road led to Effingham Road and lunch stop at The Hedgehog, Copthorne (former meeting place of The Guinea Pig Club of WW11 burns victims). Peter joined us here after carrying out some running repairs and buying a map.
After a satisfactory but time-consuming lunch we set off, realising we couldn't reach my no.1 choice for 3s - Redhill Airfield cafe, since they close promptly at 3. Turning right into Peeks Brook Lane after crossing the M23 at Shipley Bridge we passed the site of Thunderfield Castle (the moat remains) and joined the B2036 to Horley. Heading north on Meath Green Lane and after admiring the teddies we were obliged to stop and don waterproofs. Continuing along the appropriately named Lonesome Lane ( with a nice display of bluebells) we had almost dried out by the time we reached Reigate Garden Centre for a welcome break. Afterwards most replaced waterproofs and made for Dorking and the Gap (Liz bravely chose Pebble Hill).
Terry
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