Sunday June 18 2023

No Climping, and due to the threat of afternoon storms, no Pirbright. So just 7 of 11 were game for an untested sortie to The Herbert Wells.

From the Stoke D' cafe Plough Lane was reached well above its water line. At Bridge End Farm we climbed to barley fields (ex - Wisley Airfield, ex-Warhorse film set) and down to the metal A3 bridge and a large construction site. Here we paused to count the legs on the new bridge (three), and the slow moving vehicles (innumerable) below.

Muddy Lane has no signpost (last seen Xmas 2020). After the Anchor, Pyrford Lock and Pyrford Marina came a parting with Brian turning left for Pyrford Green, (and no doubt Pyrford Golf Course and Pyrford Village). The rump turned right climbing to Pyrford and its small parade of shops. Here we turned almost 180 degrees to re-emerge beside a seemingly isolated bus shelter on Pyrford Common Road. That's more than enough Pyrfords for one day! Up East Hill and down Maybury Hill brought us alongside the railway. A final right just after Paul Weller's Stanley Road carried us down to 'Spoons.

We dined alfresco in the muggy heat. Eventually (1330) the return took us through Sheerwater (rebuild almost complete) to West Byfleet where the lure of water proved too strong. So the Basingstoke and the bumpy Wey Navigation towpaths closed the day at Coxes Mill and Black Bridge (like last week!). 

Having said we wouldn't and despite the risk we did stop at Walton Riverside for cakes. The rain arrived  as I reached home. It did no more than settle the dust. Just under 40 miles.