Ride report Caterham - the Magic of Ashdown Forest

We were a small island of "A"s at the Westway Caterham start venue, amidst a flood of "B"s. Eight of us set off south-west via the rural Roffe's Lane, briefly stopping to view the White Hill Tower, built in 1862 by local farmer Jeremiah Long who wanted a view of the sea.

Our route too was designed to give great views. We kept to minor roads, Rabies Heath Road still had impressive displays of bluebells on its north side. Along Miles Lane the Who's song "I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles' loaded and kept looping in my head. Great colours and views in the sun, through Lingfield, the climb after Dormans was not difficult because we were keeping a modest pace .. at least three of us mindful of doing Ford Ride London this sunday. Further on we switched left to my hoped-to-be new-to-most sections: Smithers Lane, becoming Furnace Lane. Mark mentioned it is described as the prettiest lane in South England. And it was a delight, but maybe not if you dislike garlic because that was abundant and fragrant / smelly depending on your nose. 

The sandstone rock has orange tinges from the iron in it, the area was well known since Tudor times for iron smelting. We stopped at one outcrop that had been hacked back for the road access, forming a shelter with a bench, with lots of initials carved in the rock. The best suggestion for it was its a bus shelter! Alongside the lane were long stretches of lakes which centuries ago powered mills, now being maintained for ecological benefits. 

Up and over the A264, where I pointed out an unusual tree, with large green leaves and (it seemed) also large white leaves - a handkerchief tree? I said. Dave W. put an app on it, and with a little help from the group to point it at the right plant it was confirmed. Then more quiet minor roads with super views, back on the A264 for a few miles, over the Forest Way and into Hartfield and the Anchor pub. Despite a lot of emails and calls, they had not done the agreed cyclist sandwich special, but they were accomodating and offered a suitable ciabatta option. Its a pub with lots of history and character, but as Trip Advisor reviews point out, can be lacking in customer focus and upkeep. Ayway, it did fine for us, and there's no other suitable pub in the area.  

Mark and Dave W. left for their own ways home, six of us took the long steady climb to Piglet Car Park, then the adventure continued on foot, some making a protest vote with their feet,

four of us made it to the high viewpoint near the Enchanched Wood with the AA Milne plaque. 

Kidds Hill down, (the best way?!), then more climbing to get on the ridge, a long section with panoramic views over the forest north to the north downs. Towards the end on the left is Hindleap car park, I hoped it had views to the south, I had to ride a way into the grass to get the view, my enthusiasm wasn't shared by others at this point. 

The descent to Forest Row was fun, especially with doing an unexpected 'chicane' at speed on the way down. Three miles of the Forest Way and we were in East Grinstead, making 36 miles from Caterham, Ged and Dave E. went for the train back.  

I joined Pat, Janice and Dave W. returning by bike, a ninety mile round trip, with more hills than usual.  Refreshments at Horley. 

I can't do better than finish with Janice's words- "after this, Ride London will be a cinch".