It didn't start well with no trains running through Worcester Park for 45+ minutes (engineering overrun). But the first service in any direction was for Dorking. I’d arrived early but now I was running late (10-15 minutes). To my surprise they've cut back the A25 verges. I had to investigate - only as far as the golf course.
At Brockham Dave and
Chris were eager for the off. Overfamiliar ways saw us through
Newdigate to Rusper. Down from Langhurst (Schroders!) we rode walking over the A264 into Horsham where Wetherspoons was suffering from a
temporary lack of clean mugs.
Three were now seven (Alan, Andy,
Simon, and Patrick). After a leisurely departure Christ's Hospital
was followed by Pear Tree Farm and a brief lecture on Frank
Patterson. Here Dave headed for home.
This is Low Weald country so unless you know what's coming up the last 100+ yards into West Chiltington may be a surprise. Thereafter choices are limited. Sometimes single track, sometimes No overtaking (Stream Lane-Wiggonholt-Rackham). Amberley is well worth a short detour if only to admire scaffolding on the Castle!
Alan and I headed up
the steep Mill Lane for an unfettered view of the Downs. The rest
rode the B2139 (but not the footpath which is sometimes on the right,
sometimes on the left and sometimes on both sides!)
At the Riverside
Tearooms we discussed where next. Five of six were for going over the
Downs and were last seen heading for North Stoke. The lone rider had
done that ride early in the month and was yards from a station with no
steps to climb.
The back home was not without incidence: Signalling
problems (Amberley), Uncoupling (Ford/Barnham), Speed Restrictions,
Recoupling (Woking). Four trains but I was home before six. About 40 miles.
a small part of the 1972 South Downs Way guide
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