Petersfield excursion - Aug 22nd

I'll admit that a week or so ago as I wrote the instructions for eight people to get to Petersfield from five different stations I wondered if all this was too complicated. So by the time John Austin, Terry and I had met at Guildford I was relieved not to have had any emergency calls from those on the Wimbledon/Surbiton route, especially given earlier reports of delays. Then I checked the phone to get a message that the pub had a power cut but could do sandwiches if that was OK. Was this an omen? We boarded the train to find the cycle spaces occupied by two enormous suitcases so two bikes were propped against them and John's fitted in on a "move as required" basis. Four of the others, rather than two, were already on the train having boarded at Woking but none had seen Peter C or Harry at Surbiton. We found them already seated ( as planned) at Heidi's patisserie in the square at Petersfield. Wednesdays are market days and a busy scene with music could be enjoyed by those with seats outside.

So far, so good. Nine of us set off up Bell Hill to Steep and then followed Mill Lane towards Hawkley. The direct lane to Hawkley was blocked by cones and a Road Closed sign but a quick check of the map confirmed that we were following Cottage Lane to the left around the slopes of Wheaten Hill. A further 200 yds and another Road Closed sign - this time with concrete blocks to keep out the motors. It had been some months since I checked the route! A trail of horse droppings suggested that larger steeds than bikes could continue and so we did. After signs of the road slipping down the hill we emerged past another barrier at which point the surface deteriorated! I had to convince the others that this was not off road and was mapped in yellow! On to Hawkley and then a steady climb to Newton Valance along lanes almost devoid of traffic. Now the climbing was over and a swift descent to Selborne followed. From here we took Honey Lane with its views of the "golf balls" of RAF Oakhanger, the "listening devices" being sufficiently sensitive that no trace is marked on the OS map. Our route took us north past these to the Cricketers at Kingsley for lunch where power had been restored.

After a short, busy stretch of the B3004 we crossed the A325 to find more quiet lanes taking us through Wishanger to Frensham Great Pond, enlivened with a colourful display of dinghy sails. A right turn at Millbridge led us past the Rural Life Centre to Tilford, then Whitmead Lane  and on to Elstead. Now we were on familiar territory and only a few miles more took us to the cafe at Farncombe Boat House, overrun with a summer school outing when we arrived.

After copious quantities of tea we went our separate ways, three to Guildford station, four along the A246 towards home and Terry and Richard heading home via Shalford.  32 miles from Petersfield to tea, 52 for me to home. A different format and a change of scene, little traffic and for me a very enjoyable ride in good company.