Wednesday 31st August - The Downhill Ride

Having been handed the baton by Tony Hooker - who was characteristically engaged on endeavours to attain the summit of a mountain in Scotland - I decided to try and find a leisurely route suitable for what might have been a blistering last day of August.   Effingham was a wonderful starting point, as of course once we had ascended Dirtem Lane onto the A246 there were so many downhill routes to choose.   My criteria was a slow descent of some length to enable maximum enjoyment of the surrounding countryside.  So off we sailed down Ripley Lane enjoying the cottage gardens and even having breath to engage in conversation.  We crossed straight through Ripley and onward through the more open landscapes of the floodplains of the Wey to West Byfleet where we joined the Basingstoke Canal.   What a wonderful green corridor it is, passing so close to the centre of Woking, but quiet and peaceful.   Ascending through Horsell Common and onto the Red Lion for lunch.  Food was served promptly as it had all be pre-ordered and we were soon on our way again.   Rounding the corner from the Red Lion we began our second long descent down Staple Hill and Longcross, though we did stop at the top of Staple Hill for photos.  Through Lyne and Almers road.   Thanks to Irene for navigating through the park NC4 at Chertsey before waving goodbye to us at Chertsey Bridge.  Then a straight dash for tea at the Walled Garden.   Thanks so much to Tim for backmarking  (the benefits of GPS on the towpath are noted)  and to all the rest of the happy bunch who joined me.