Croydon to Box Hill, back by train or bike

We are going to Box Hill with its vista lookout, cafes and woods. The ride tends gently uphill and finally with a 2 mile gradient of 3% to the top of Box Hill. The uneven ground of parts of the route means 28mm width tyres are the minimum and 32mm or more is much better. From there, if you want to take a train back, there are hourly trains via Purley from Tadworth station – and the ride passes there on the way to Box Hill, or from Box Hill & Westhumble station there are half hourly trains to Victoria where you can change at Clapham Junction. To reach that station you can whizz down the steep zig-zag road with breathtaking views. You can do the whole 17 mile ascent packed into one 2 mile fun descent. The cafes’ food is rather pricey and you might prefer to bring a packed lunch. We’re loo-stopping at a big Waitrose on Banstead High Street, 8 ½ miles before Box Hill.

Meet at Queens Gardens CR0 1GY at 10am. Arrive Box Hill about 1pm after picking up food in Waitrose. Leave about 3pm or when you like. Queens Gardens to Box Hill is 17 miles. Back to Tadworth station is 5 ½ miles and on to Box Hill & Westhumble station is 2 ½ miles.

Bring water. Please bring a spare inner tube.

Croydon Social Cycling's WhatsApp group is at https://chat.whatsapp.com/FA8sK41PspPG0NcJz7h3bE Expect to see other riders joining from there. Use it to stay in touch about any changes on the day and to locate us en route, enjoy social chat and find other rides.

The ride depends on dry weather to enjoy the destination. If it seems more than likely to rain I will postpone it and substitute a ride elsewhere that can handle a little rain. You will have at least a day’s notice.

Queens Gardens to Box Hill & Westhumble station - the route of the ride
https://www.komoot.com/tour/2971011388?share_token=akVug91ewDvvZQFRRE1Q65LnAEnS22ZCrr57STX5ndF6Pwbwd7&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=1091979579015

Box Hill to Tadworth station
https://www.komoot.com/tour/2971022645?share_token=a4JIPFczV5npIyiR00xT1J9Qx3yv7Sq4K5LKA1bVXXT2CI8eV7&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=1091979579015

Box Hill to Box Hill & Westhumble station
https://www.komoot.com/tour/1635820474?share_token=a1cM55zwf4qaZrbq3xycj3GPnVARmK8NnL6241yFhyGrFTDKm3&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=1091979579015

The way to Box Hill reversed exactly to ride back
https://www.komoot.com/tour/2972156793?share_token=aStvizeQ5RyIOM4yUrTyF3Oy7cfeAcwIEbGI57G1VjfOQd2U2M&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=1091979579015