August 21 2016 An Alternative Tour Of The Surrey Heights

First a confession : I went to bed expecting rain but awoke to dry roofs, overcast skies and an obvious breeze. Had the forecast weather arrived or was it still to come? No idea so I opted for the train (as did others).

Thus four reached The Snooty Fox together; a real find and clearly popular with locals/not so locals. Six had already arrived with Dave and Don tucking in to full Englishes. When Ray showed up we were 11. As usual Bob and Don headed home whilst we set off of a roundabout journey to lunch. Main roads got us to the crematorium then came Farncombe's backstreets. After the level crossing re-opened, we were easily bested on the hill up to Charterhouse by an electric bike (oh the shame of it!) From Norney northwest led to Shackleford and over the hill to the scene of our last employment (or if you prefer, the home of Queen's drummer). Hops aren't a common sight on Surrey's roads but they were on the road to Seale. In Sandy Cross a left turn led us to lunch at the Barley Mow in The Sands. We arrived early at 1220. It had been 11+ miles with a few undulations but only that one lung-burster.

Standard SWL zimmer frame pose

Most settled for child's portions though Ed and Lilian were grown ups. The pub wasn't busy when we arrived (no surprise) but worringly neither was it as we leave just before one thirty. The way to Cutmill is downhill so speeds of 30+ mph soon brought the lake into view. Shortly afterwards we turned right and headed past Peper Harrow's entrance. On the cross-country to Eashing, Ed had a close encounter with the sand but seemed unharmed. And that left just one more surprise though probably of interest only to habitual television channel hoppers: Channel 4's Supervet clinic high above Godalming. From the Jack Phillips memorial, we took an all too familiar route: Farncombe, Loseley, Guildford High Street. the A3 cyclepath, and Ripley to tea at Ockham Bites. Just over 30 miles from 11s to teas (plus a further 20 miles for me).

Lunchtime Conversation (or Where I Went On The Recce)

Finally if I read the notice correctly, the "infamous" footpaths between Byfleet and Wisley are to be upgraded to bridleways. Don't get too excited just yet - appeals don't close for another three weeks.

Two points : Dave W, Vic, Irene, Ed, Lillian, GFH, Ken, Paul, Ray
One point:   Bob, Don