Route from Woking to Sevenoaks

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jay clock

Massive member
Location
Hampshire UK
In a few weeks I am cycling from Woking to Sevenoaks. Attending a family event on a Sunday and want to get a 4hr ride in, approx 85-90k

In the past I have done most on the A25 (which was mostly fine surprisingly) but need to do longer so have plotted this route. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18979679

Any expert/local comments about dodgy roads or routes I have planned?
 

ianrauk

Tattooed Beat Messiah
Location
Rides Ti2
I would say you have got it pretty much spot on. From at least east of Gatwick, your route is on roads I have done many a time. Some great riding. Though the ride up part of Ide Hill is a thigh burner but nothing i'm sure would worry you. At mile 35 you could go done Bones Lane, through Newchaple and Lingfield rather then going north and doing a little of the A22 which is a fast road for cars. But your only doing a little bit so also shouldn't be a worry.
 

MichaelO

Veteran
Pretty decent route. I too would go down Bones Lane - but I'd also then take the B2028 just to the south of your route - most of it has been resurfaced in the last couple of years and is in a far better state than the route through Haxted. You can then rejoin your route in Edenbridge - probably adds a couple of miles though.
And at mile 47 you may want to stay on Ide Hill Road and onto the B4042 - I'm not sure what that little lane is like - could be a bridlepath. Don't recall seeing a turn there!
 

Twizit

CS8 lead out specialist
Location
Surrey
Can't comment on the ride to the East, but the Surrey Hills I do know, and your route seems as reasonable as any. I'm assuming you know this bit better as more local to Woking, but just in case watch out for the steep descent of White Down (mile 20) - single track and up to 20% with a sharp hairpin at the bottom.

If you want to avoid any of the A25 you could also head straight across at the bottom of White Down and go along Raikes Lane. You can then either take the immediate left up Abinger Lane and join your existing route over Leith Hill, or if you don't fancy quite as much climbing, keep on up Raikes Lane and join the B2126 through Holmbury St Mary - this won't climb quite as high as the route over Leith Hill and drops down into Forest Green near your original route.
 

Dogtrousers

Kilometre nibbler
Edit. I've just read the other responses. Just read what @MichaelO has said, and you can ignore this.

Looks really nice. My expertise lies mainly east of the M23.

On a nice day the Eden Valley bit is absolutely lovely for cycling. My only suggestion would be to dip a bit further south and go through Lingfield itself and take the B2028 to Edenbridge. Why? I don't know, just because that's the way I always go. The other way is probably just as nice.

Also, when climbing up to Ide Hill the route planner seems to have cut off a corner and gone up a farm track, rather than sticking to the B2042 through Cooper's corner. It may be OK. It may not.
 
OP
OP
jay clock

jay clock

Massive member
Location
Hampshire UK
@jay clock
When and what time you thinking of doing this ride?
19 march starting about 8am....
 
OP
OP
jay clock

jay clock

Massive member
Location
Hampshire UK
Thanks @ianrauk great offer. I will bear in mind nearer the time.

Route rejigged with various comments in mind https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18987521 particularly that farm track near Ide Hill. I will go over it with STreetview nearer the time to double check things like that

@Twizit taking your suggestion. I don't know the area really, just starting from Woking as I can get a direct train there from Winchester

I really appreciate all the comments
 

Twizit

CS8 lead out specialist
Location
Surrey
Looks good to me. Most of that section through the Surrey Hills is nice and quiet. You've got just one short sharp steep bit on Crocknorth Road (mile 17), but it's really not very long and once you're under the railway bridge the worst is done. You've got to get over the North Downs at some point, so it's as good as any.

Have a good ride.
 
OP
OP
jay clock

jay clock

Massive member
Location
Hampshire UK
It is well under my benchmark of 10m of ascent per km. I have learnt from bitter experience that the Garmin works best with really good planning!
 
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