A Group Ride, 2nd September 2026 from Cobham to Guildford and Dorking.

We rubbed shoulders with academia during lunch at the Sir Ronald Wates - the new Wetherspoons located on the Stag Hill, Guildford University campus. There was a young and lively studently vibe abut the place, with a smattering of lap-tops in evidence - quite different clientele from that found in our normal High Street 'spoons visits. Refreshing!

Trying to find an original route from Cobham is a challenge. Using the new cycle paths and bridges from Pointers Lane alongside and across the M25 and A3 was a good start. Even in the rain! Thereafter it was reasonably familiar roads through Woking, followed by ingenious cycle paths onto the University campus. A modest 22 miles and my group arrived as Fiona had her group seated for lunch.

Fiona noted that unusually for this summer, her group set off in rain jackets. A different and interesting route out to Guildford. A new stop for lunch at Wetherspoons, where the ladies toilet provided interesting instructions on how and how not to use the facilities. A straight forward route back to Clunkers in Dorking for tea and cake. Thank you to Mike for back marking and thank you to all my group for being supportive and keeping me on route.

Brian reports: My group of Frances, Neil C, Neil W, Steve D and Peter S headed off in a steady drizzle to Wisley where the latecomers to the Wisley Show delayed us a bit as they were sent (for their sins) along the lane for a mile or so the last overflow car park. After that the ride was uneventful except for my error at the Shearwater Road turn where my Garmin didn't flag the right turn. Fortunately everyone else turned right and I soon caught up. By then the rain has passed and we stopped in Woking to shed the rain gear. Food service at the Wetherspoons was a bit of a lottery and it was about 2pm when we left. Several of us joined Ged's group for tea at the Clunker cafe. My thanks to Peter for back marking and to my group for a good day out.

Eight pictured below stayed for tea at the Old Clunker cafe, not realising Fiona's speedy group had already been and gone.

Many thanks for Brian for sub-leading a moderately paced group, and also for suggesting some clever tweaks to my original route following our recce. Chapeau to Fiona for leading her group without a recce - having been called away on urgent family business. Finally thanks to a very visible Dave V for backmarking my group.