Map (zoom in for more detail)
Directions & GPX
Route directions PDF (right click to download)
GPX file (right click to download)
Glorious Bike Rides
Glorious Bike Rides
Route directions PDF (right click to download)
GPX file (right click to download)
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Re Route Info, first instruction: think you have a typo, should be turn right onto Station Road, not left.
Very enjoyable ride.
Regards, Brian
Hi Brian – thanks for spotting that. I’ve corrected the instructions and uploaded a new version
Not for the first time, wish I’d read the prior comments!
It was clear after 5 mins that the route instructions are for a clockwise route, but the ‘turn left’ instruction #1 will set you off southbound, ie in reverse.
Well, any fool could figure this out on the train journey, correlating the written instructions with the map, but I had not done so, and once underway we decided to continue anticlockwise – after all, the map and compass are all one needs, with GPS backup.
A perfectly pleasant little route, well-served with refreshments.
Hi Giles
Really sorry about that slip. It’s now corrected. In actual fact the ride is equally good in either direction. There’s a little more climbing early on in the way you rode it.
Jack
We did this ride anti clockwise starting from Edenbridge. Very enjoyable way to spend the last day of summertime. We will upload a brief video of our day on YouTube. Hopefully the first of several from this great book!
We did this ride on Saturday starting and ending and Lingfield station, it was great! Some of the hills were a bit of a slog for what was intended to be a relaxing Saturday ride (we didn’t realise it was “Moderate” until we re-read the book after the ride) but the route and scenery were both fantastic. Chiddington Castle was closed for a private function so we went to Burghesh Court just round the corner for a very nice cake! At the end of the ride we went to the Star Inn in Lingfield (recommended) for a well deserved pub lunch,
Did this ride today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Some absolutely beautiful scenery and the climbs never seemed to last so long as to completely tire us. Always a nice downhill reward just around the corner!
One note though would be that while the book’s map outline includes the diversion to The Spotted Dog, it’s not in the GPX route and so we passed it by without realising! If you’re following the GPX, look out for the entrance to Stonewall Park after you pass through Chiddingstone Hoath, down in the southeast corner of the loop. Shortly after that you hang a left on Coldharbour Road to reach The Spotted Dog.
Another lovely ride; already looking forward to the next!
Nice ride. Not too much traffic. It is worth mentioning that Staffhurst Wood is renown for bluebells in season’
Great ride, our favourite so far.
Noticed a strange issue with maps during the second half: Garmin GPS device was showing 2 roads, running almost parallel but following different routes. Presumably the map on which the ride was based differed from the map that Garmin was using? Didn’t affect the ride, just slightly disconcerting!
Great Ride. I know Surrey Hills well but this was a great intro to Kent lanes and villages
Lovely ride. Thank you Jack. I should think you you made a lot of effort creating this ride, as all of them I am sure.
Yes. Be good to have an extension to The Spotted Dog. Such lovely staff there and what a lovely pub.
We stayed at Hever Castle ( yes, a bit of a treat) which was perfect to pick up the route. Made a detour to Hever Station. What a large station and so well looked after for such a small catchment.
All in all a perfect day. Used O.S map on Android phone. Thank you again.
Just about my favourite so far. An excellent and well thought out route – thank you!
I did this on a Saturday and found there was very little traffic and it was a really pleasant run. Good choice of stops if you plan ahead. Missed the Spotted Dog this time but will try add it to my GPX for the next.
Will definitely be recommending this one!
What an utterly gorgeous ride. Thank you! As others have mentioned, traffic was mostly light. The sun dappling on the road can make spotting potholes on some of the descents slightly hairy but you should be fine if you watch your speed. A good Spotted Dog alternative (we were early and it was still closed when we spun past) can be found 2 mins from Lingfield station, in the form of The Star Inn. I didn’t get to try the swimming hole, so will be heading back to redo the route soon!
I did this ride 7 Oct 2023 in 25 degree sunshine on my Orange Stage 5 Pro mountain bike and thoroughly loved it. Very picturesque and the Rock Inn and Spotted Dog were great pubs. Some of the long hills in the last 6 miles got the better of me and I did get off a walk. I’m nearly 67. Nice and quiet roads. Would also be great on a classic vintage motorcycle. It’s the first route I have done from the book and I can whole heartedly recommend it.
Really enjoyed this ride, it was a bit drizzly but still lovely views, quiet roads and an enjoyable uphill/downhill mix. We were on hybrids and a Dutch bike which were fine, a few slightly flooded roads with the recent heavy rain and a fair bit of grit/twigs along with the potholes but could still enjoy the descents. Stopped off in the Tulip Tea rooms and then the Fountain Inn in Cowden which had great food and lots of space.
Fantastic ride Jack. Many thanks. Turned left too early after Chiddingstone (my fault entirely) and refusing to go back on myself carried on via Penshurst. Not a recommended detour as hilly and a couple of fast roads. Upside it increased my average speed for the route 🙂 Fountain pub has good beer, big back garden and friendly staff.
My daughter and I took this ride at the end of September and really loved it. We have been choosing the rides marked ‘easy’ up to this point, but discovered we enjoyed the more undulating experience. It really wasn’t too difficult as no one hill lasts too long and downhill is very rewarding. We stopped at the Rock but decided to push on to the Spotted Dog. Views were obscured by trees at this time of year and the food was OK but expensive and not as good as we hoped (nor as plentiful). But the ride made up for that. Overall a great day out. Thank you!