A Group Ride from Cobham to Lightwater and Lower Sunbury - 7th September.

Plotting a new or unfamiliar route from Cobham is always a challenge. I chose Lightwater because I couldn't recall the As visiting this location, and the Red Lion was new, albeit the Bs lunched here in May, by a different route. Tea at the Walled Garden, Lower Sunbury was also new to some - last visited in December 2018. Two recees were needed to fine-tune the route. With many on holiday, we were a select group of 11. Fiona led first.

We left from Cobham with rain jackets on, by the time we reached Ockham we felt hot enough to remove them whilst Peter mended his puncture. 

The first of two punctures.

Long necks behind you!

By the time we reached Mayford we were putting the rainwear back on.

There were no takers in my group to take a look at Henry Morton Stanley’s gravestone, in Pirbright, so we overtook Ged's group and headed for lunch at the Red Lion in Lightwater. The publican welcomed us and our preordered lunch was arriving at the table by the time we had got our drinks. The sandwiches were very good and the service outstanding.

Red Lion conservatory lunch.

Back on with our rain jackets to enjoy the rest of the ride back through Windlesham and Valley End. Neil had a puncture just as we were coming into Shepperton before we got to The Walled Garden in Sunbury for homemade cakes in a beautiful setting.

Thank you to Neil for back marking and to Ged for a great route and brilliant choice of lunch and afternoon tea stops.

My group also spied the giraffes, and viewed Stanley's grave. (But, "Dr. Livingstone I presume?" according to Wikipedia, is make-believe).  

Wearing my new Liverpool cycling jersey I made instant friends with Jason, landlord of the Red Lion, who delightedly told me he and his family were Liverpool supporters and it was a 'Reds' pub!

We splashed through Fordbridge Road and Thames Street towards Sunbury. Sue departed for Walton bridge and four caught up with Fiona's group in the verdant Walled Garden.

Tea for Fiona's five.

Although new to some, looking back a few years, my first visit to the Walled Garden was April 2011 - having joined the Wayfarers the previous autumn. The cakes are just as good!

After a day of rather more showers than sunshine, it was a relief to sit outside having tea, and arrive home dry. Thanks to Fiona for leading the first group, to Dave Ferrett for back marking my group - and also for the tea and cake. Despite two recees I still managed a couple of missed turns, so apologies Sue, Richard, Gina, and thanks Dave for pointing me in the right direction!