Sunday 15th October 2023

A select group of three joined me at Boxhill NT café on this cold but sunny morning.

Rather busy too, even with the servery open as well but at 11.04am we left the mass of walkers/cyclists/motorists for the relative tranquility of the nearby stepping stones.

There used to be a ford here serving the Burford Lodge (built 1776) & the original stepping stones were destroyed during World War II as a security measure.

The ones you see today were dedicated by PM Clement Atlee in 1946.

The climb of Ranmore Lane was free of cars, just speeding cyclists coming the other way & we all rode at our own pace with the leader having to zig-zag near the top.

What's zig-zag I hear you ask?

Courtesy Rehook website.........

A climbing switchback is a type of route often used by cyclists to ascend a steep incline. It involves a series of tight, zig-zag turns that allow the cyclist to gradually climb the hill without having to pedal too hard. 

Statistics show that the use of a climbing switchback can help cyclists use up to 30% less energy when compared to riding straight up a hill. This makes it a great option for cyclists who are looking to conserve energy and make their ride more efficient.

Except this only works on hills with little or no other road users coming the other way. 😀

The plunge down to the A25 via White Down was followed by a slow incline to lunch at The Abinger Hatch where the likelihood of being served food was precisely zero.

I knew it's a popular pub..........but a party of 300?

But the story is similar at any country pub in Surrey on a Sunday. 😞

Having being tipped off by a WhatsApp discussion, I alerted Diane & she purchased sandwiches at Boxhill & Terry raided his saddlebag so we all had something.

Not ideal but it sufficed.

Leaving Dave, we briefly climbed then descended to Coldharbour where I noticed the shop next to the Plough serving cakes/coffee.

Monday - Friday 9 - 2

Weekends - 9 - 3

Right turn & the next photo opp at the top of Anstie Lane.

A mile of the A29 to Ockley to arrive at Capel where we sat in the sun whilst waiting for the church to open.

The lady serving the cakes/taking the money appeared very amused when a £1 coin I'd dropped disappeared down a metal grate in the floor.

"You've lost that I'm afraid" she said with a smile.

Doesn't she know there's a cost of living crisis? 😒

On the way to Beare Green it was noted Ruby's café is open everyday 9 - 3.........but Surrey Hills café formally Blue Moon café is not open Sundays (Tuesday - Saturday 8 - 1.45pm).

Thanks to Dave, Diane & Terry for your company.