Grand Union Canal Social Route

Overview – Distance: 55 km, Climbing: 60 m
Café stop – The Malt Shovel pub Cowley

The Social Group decided to explore the Grand Union canal. It’s full history is on Wikipedia but the stretch starting from Brentford was built between 1793 and 1805. At Social Group pace it takes about an hour to get to Brentford from Hampton Court, via Bushy Park, Twickenham, Isleworth and Syon Park.

The towpath is a good surface the whole distance we went, which was about 14 miles up the canal past Hanwell Norwood, the Paddington Arm to Cowley Peachey Junction. The canal begins to climb the valley of the River Colne into the adjoining town of Uxbridge. We passed 5 Ducks. Ducks are the symbol on the canal map for nature reserves. As it’s a towpath, you see lots of boats, narrow otherwise, in a range of different conditions, but you are totally unaware of that you are in London. However, the presentation of the boats improves as you get out of London!

We stopped at the canal side Malt Shovel pub at Cowley for lunch. Time constraints dictated we turn back at this point, so we had a down hill run back to Brentford. Mostly. From Brentford, down Syon Lane, Isleworth and over Richmond Bridge to return to Surrey.

Strava Route Link

 

Ascot Englefield Green Steady Route

Overview – Distance: 73 km, Climbing: 375 m
Café stop – Fieldhouse Café, Englefield Green

Another popular medium ride that heads out via Chobham and Windlesham. The route avoids most of the busy roads as you climb gently up to Ascot. If you need an early coffee stop then try Fieldhouse Café in Windlesham.

Exit Windsor Great Park along Bishopsgate Road to Englefield Green where you can stop for cake. Descend Prune Hill towards Egham and then take the flat route home for beers past Thorpe Park, through Chertsey and Walton

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Frimley Lodge Steady Route

Overview – Distance: 73 km, Climbing: 400 m
Café stop – Frimley Lodge

Looking for more than a 40km social ride? This ride weaves its way to coffee at Frimley Lodge Park café via Addlestone and Chobham.

When you have finished eating, drinking and playing in the adventure playground (maybe not!) or taking in the views along the Basingstoke Canal, it’s time to head back.

The route  exits Frimley Green and climbs up to Deepcut, then it is mostly descending to Chobham and Stonehill. From Weybridge, take the quiet road by the river and under Walton Bridge using the cycle path.

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Windsor Datchet Social Route

Overview – Distance: 60 km, Climbing: 270 m
Café stop – Old Windsor

This slightly longer social route follows the usual social Weybridge, Addlestone, Virginia Water route to Windsor Great Park. Exit the Park via Crimp Hill and stop for coffee at the Farm Shop.

Head along the river and marvel at the mistletoe in the trees. Cross the railway line at Datchet and head to Staines via Wraysbury. Take the flat route home via Laleham and Walton.

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Chobham Ripley Social Route

Overview – Distance: 44 km, Climbing: 250 m
Café stop – Ripley

Head to Chobham via Weybridge and Addlestone.

From Chobham negotiate the Woking 6 ways roundabout and descend to Ripley.

The return is via Ockham.

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Through The Park Social Route

Overview – Distance: 53 km, Climbing: 270 m
Café stop – Old Windsor

This route follows the usual Weybridge, Addlestone, Virginia Water route to Windsor Great Park.

Exit the Park down Crimp Hill and stop for coffee just outside the Park. Flat out along the Runnymede then home via Laleham and Walton.

Strava Route Link

 

Around Chobham Common Social Route

Overview – Distance: 41 km, Climbing: 220 m
Café stop – Old School Café

This route loops around Chobham Common.

Head out via Weybridge, Addlestone and Ottershaw. Do a gentle climb up to the common and reward yourself with an all day breakfast at the Old School Café!

The return leg is the reverse of the outward route.

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The Olympic Ripley Social Route

Overview – Distance: 43 km, Climbing: 220 m
Café stop – Ripley

Relive the 2012 Olympic road race as you head out from Hampton Court via West Byfleet to Ripley!

A flat route with cake in Ripley and back via Cobham for beers. 

Strava Route Link

 

Down the Ups Social Route

Overview – Distance: 41 km, Climbing: 350 m
Café stop – Walton on the Hill

This social ride goes via Epsom, a long climb up the Downs, to the racecourse. Coffee is by the pond in Walton on the Hill then downhill to Epsom. Up West Hill and a blast along the Horton roundabouts. 

Strava Route Link

 

FFS (Fernygrove Farm Shop)

Overview – Distance: 72 km, Climbing: 350 m
Café stop – Fernygrove Farm Shop

A great route with a mix of undulating, climbing and FFast sections!

Climbing gradually for the first half, going past Ascot and Winkfield, to the farm shop and cake. The fun is on the return leg.

Blast down Drift Road then get your breath back as you potter through Windsor Great Park ready for the blast down Priest Hill. Go into team time trial mode along past the Magna Carta to Staines. Catch your breath ready for another TTT past Thorpe Park. Recover through Chertsey and step up the pace along the Renfree Way to Walton. Not much further now, but be prepared for someone to push it from Hersham to Esher.

Alternatively just take it easy all the way!

Strava route link