Hartfield

Starting at 10:00 hours, Pete S led Frank, Barbara and Bob off in the direction of Turners Hill. As can be seen in this picture, the potholes (or pot trenches as I called them last week) have not been repaired yet.

Pete led us over the crossroads at Turners Hill and then down the nice long, fast downhill run to the east before the short climb and right turn towards Saint Hill Green. Here, bearing right we swept down to the reservoir and took the left onto Legsheath Lane. This lane is a gradual climb (with a couple of steepish bits) all the way into Ashdown Forest. From here we went straight on over the crossroads and then ignored Twyford Lane on the right to continue onward to Wych Cross traffic lights. Here we carried straight on and enjoyed the sweeping vista to our left as we sped downhill to Colemans Hatch where we took the right turn and had another nice downhill before coming to Chuck Hatch Lane on our left. As you turn into the lane you have to go through a ford - as you can see, Frank underestimated just how deep it was!!

Barbara looks like she's going to get wet...

This lane is really pleasant as it undulates through a lovely stretch of the forest, then after a short climb we took first a left turn and after about 100 yards a bridleway on the right. This bridleway leads down to Poohsticks bridge, so we stopped there and had a game of Poohsticks - I believe Barbara won.

The bridleway was a bit muddy as it climbed up the other side of the valley, but we were soon back on tarmac and turning right we had a mile of freewheeling into the village of Hartfield.

Arriving at the pub (The Anchor) just after midday, we had the pick of the tables and were soon comfortably installed and supping on our ales. We all opted for a bagette for lunch although Pete noted there wasn't a vegetarian version on the menu.

After lunch, the weather was noticeably cooler and we decided to use the most direct route home, the Forest Way/Worth Way. In no time at all we were through Forest Row and even the long climb to East Grinstead passed quickly. I did my usual step climbing exercise at the station and took some time to study the National Cycle Network fingerpost by the carpark.

Between Crawley Down and Worth there were loads of people out on the track - walkers and cyclists - and our little group looked quite impressive as it swung back onto the road near Worth Church:

...... and I'm not even in the picture!!

The next ride is on Sunday 4th April. Starting at 10:00 hrs from Three Bridges Station, it is an Introductory Ride open to anyone that turns up (whether they're CTC members or not). I'll be leading it and the ride will last about two hours with the pace determined by the experience/ability of the participants. Safety will be my prime concern, so if anyone is not comfortable with road riding we will use the Worth Way, otherwise we'll head north and west of Crawley.