A sample Surrey Ride

Introduction

On its southern flank Surrey extends into a region known as the Weald, which is (broadly speaking) the area between the North and South Downs. Two main types of countryside dominate the area – the Lower Greensand hills, close to the downs, and the central belt of Weald Clay. At one time the clay was covered with a great and near-impenetrable oak forest called the Andredesweald, which stretched from Kent, through Surrey and Sussex into Hampshire. Habitation was slow to come to the area, but finally small settlements were established in clearings in the forest - folds, as they were known. The names of the villages and farms through which this ride passes reflect these origins.

Looking at the peaceful scenery, it is incredible to think that, until the coming of the Industrial Revolution, this was one of the country’s industrial heartlands. Iron and glassmaking flourished throughout these woods, and the remains of these industries, which must once have covered the area in a pall of smoke, can still be seen at many places along the ride. Since the war another major industry has dominated the area, and you will certainly encounter signs of it on the ground, if not in the air. The wartime Dunsfold airfield was until recently a British Aerospace factory and test flight base.

Allow a full day for the complete ride, especially if you choose to tackle the more difficult bridleway stages (see the special note below).

Special Note

In centuries past, the thick, sticky clay of the Weald caused immense problems for transport. It was so bad that oxen were the favoured draught animals of the region for hundreds of years, their cloven hooves being better suited to the clay than those of horses. On unsurfaced tracks these conditions still exist, making off-road cycling an interesting experience, to say the least. Some bridleways are simply routes – hardly visible – across fields of pasture, bumpy but exhilarating! Others are well-used paths. But their use, especially by horses and in winter, churns up the clay into an almost impassable morass, and matters may be little better when this mess has been baked hard by the summer sun. It makes cycling pretty well impossible and even pushing a bike can be hard work.

Our recommended route avoids paths which are likely to give severe problems. However, there are some difficult bridleways which pass through countryside which is well worth exploring, and we have offered one of these as a ‘challenging alternative’. By all means try this section if you have a suitable bike and the weather has been reasonable. Just be prepared for the conditions you may find.

There is one other important point to note. On parts of this ride bridleways run through private property – even through gardens and along drives. Don’t worry about this and don’t be put off! Although it may feel odd to cycle through someone’s front gate, on public bridleways you have an unquestionable right to walk, cycle or ride a horse! We have researched these rides carefully to make sure you will not be trespassing if you follow our directions.

Starting Points

By car: start at the car park on the green at Dunsfold, near the shop and post office. Informal parking is possible in villages such as Hambledon and Chiddingfold and there is also a car park on the Dunsfold to Alfold road; it’s off the route but not too far from Dunsfold. There are also some lay-bys and wide verges along the roads – be sure not to block farm or forest gates – and some pubs, if asked, may let customers park while they go cycling.

By rail: Witley station is on South West Trains’ Waterloo-Guildford-Portsmouth line, a mile or so west of Hambledon.