Sunday Pub Ride, Dog & Duck, Outwood

Meet at 10.15 for a 10.30 start at the Dog & Duck, Outwood, Surrey RH1 5QU http://www.dogandduckoutwood.co.uk/. They have kindly agreed to let us leave our cars in their car park. We start out by making our way towards cycle route 21 in Salfords where we follow it on a long gentle downhill for a couple of miles through pretty countryside and then take a gravelled bridleway towards Horley through more farmland, enjoying some nice views across the Autumn landscape. From there on through Brook Wood, catching a glimpse of the perfectly manicured Langshott Manor before reaching the site of Thunderfield castle. Thought to be a 'ringwork' (early medieval castle) Thunderfield probably dates from the 12-13 C and was built by the de Clare family of Norman lords. It is best viewed in winter as there is a lot of tree cover. We can't see a great deal but the remains of the moat are clear! From there we cross over the M23 and touch the outskirts of Smallfield before continuing through countryside. If we don't vote for the extension, taking us down tracks to Shipley Bridge, we go onwards up Rookery Hill, branching East towards Outwood, where we stop briefly to look at Britain's oldest working windmill built in 1665. From there we take the lane running alongside Outwood Common back to the pub. A mixture of lanes, well surfaced bridleways, and just one or two sections which might be a bit boggy in winter- there may be more if the extended route is ridden. About 12 miles which can be extended to 15, rider and weather dependent. Not suitable for road bikes; hybrids will cope in drier conditions. We make a small charge of £4 per person, and you will be asked to sign Bikefit's terms & conditions. Please see website for full details: www.bikefitsurrey.co.uk. Please contact us to confirm your place!