B Group - 1st April

It was a slightly smaller group than in recent weeks that set out for Guildford.  Perhaps it was the strong winds of the past couple of days, or the thought of the Staple Lane climb?  Anyway, it was a good-sized group of 16, plus Pam who peeled off early to go home and pack for the Easter trip.  We headed out in the wake of the A group down Plough Lane, soon losing sight of them, and turned southwards at Ockham for a gentle climb along Long Reach to West Horsley.  Turning right on to the A246 we soon left it to take the quieter option of Blake's Lane running parallel to the busy road.  This brought us to East Clandon and the bottom of Staple Lane.  With excess layers having been divested in anticipation  of getting hot on the climb, we headed up, each at their own pace, re-grouping at the top of Combe Lane ready for the steep descent to the A25.  Here we turned right again and our route took us through Albury and Chilworth, across the railway line to East Shalford and out on to the A281 at Pilgrims Way on the edge of Guildford.  Fortunately there is a good cycle path beside this very busy road, which took us straight to the pub, the newly refurbished Weyside, where we received a warm welcome and where a group of tables had been reserved for us.  Food and service were very good - a pub to be recommended!

After lunch, the return route was up to the top of Guildford High Street, out to Stoke Park and the Leisure Centre, where we dropped down to the Wey Canal and cut across the nature reserve to Jacobs Well and the A3 cycle path.  Later we turned off the Ripley road to go through Send Marsh  to Pyrford, and the familiar route via W. Byfleet and New Haw to the Wyevale Garden Centre at Addlestone where eight of us stopped for tea.  Thanks to Terry for back-marking until lunchtime, when he too took off home to pack for the Easter trip, also to Vic for all his help, especially in the afternoon.  Well done to those not usually out on a Wednesday due to teaching commitments (Stephanie & Kay) and Canadians Robert and Margaret. 

 Gill F.