Mountain Biking on the North Downs. Peter Edwards

      Loose sand along the North Downs Way

      Alternative start from Guildford station

      A Follow the one-way system around to join the B3100 Godalming road. Almost immediately turn and climb very steeply along The Mount road (NCN22 (National Cycle Network)). At the top of the climb (Henley Fort) continue – initially on tarmac then on an earth track – for just over 2km to reach the A31 just before a major junction. Turn along Down Lane then again onto a bridleway path after 100m. Descend steeply on the narrow path with tree roots forming natural steps. At the bottom of the descent, climb a little to arrive at a bridleway and continue – crossing the NDW.

      4 Descend along a sunken lane that becomes a narrow sandy path (overgrown in summer), which pops out on tarmac by a house. Descend a little along Polsted Lane, bearing at a fork and continuing to a T-junction with the B3000. Dogleg then along a minor road then soon after turn onto a signposted bridleway. Continue through woods, keeping at a fork then turning sharp and climbing along a field edge on a narrow path. Turn to follow the bridleway contouring along the edge of woods before climbing to join a residential road.

      5 At the T-junction cross onto a bridleway between houses. Cross another road to rejoin the bridleway and descend to a path junction. Turn and continue descending along a broad sandy track to a T-junction; dogleg then and follow the sandy bridleway track. Go through a gate, continue along a concrete track to a T-Junction and turn . Before hitting the A3, turn and follow a bridleway over a bridge across the busy road.

      6 From the bridge, go through a gate, turn and follow the path around the field to another gate. Go through and continue along the bridleway. Cross a road, continue on the bridleway across Shackleford Heath, cross another road and follow the bridleway through woods, bearing at a fork and descending a little on a good sandy track.

      7 Where the track emerges by a house (Warren Lodge), bear (no signpost) and continue around to a T-junction with a road. Turn and climb along the road; at the brow of the hill, turn sharp off the road onto a broad byway track. Climb steadily, bear and continue on a bridleway where the byway turns sharp right. Turn at the next bridleway and continue to the road by Rodsall Manor. Turn along the road and continue around to a T-junction (SU 918 460). Turn and then to return to the car park.

      Alternative finish at Guildford station

      B Turn at the T-junction at SU 918 460 and take the second signposted bridleway on your right. Follow the route description in paragraphs 2 and 3, but then turn off the NDW and retrace the outward route of the alternative start.

      ROUTE 2

      St Martha’s Hill–Abinger loop

Start/Finish	Guildford train station SU 992 496; or Echo Pit Road car park TQ 004 484
Distance	28.5km (17¾ miles)
On road	7.5km (4¾ miles)
Off road	21km (13 miles)
Percentage off road	75%
Ascent	550m (1805ft)
Grade	Hard
Time	4hrs–4hrs 30mins
Maps	OS Explorer 145, Landranger 186
Pub	The Volunteer Inn, Abinger Hammer
Café	Abinger Hammer Tearooms

      Overview

      Although clocking in at less than 30km, this little gem of a route certainly packs a lot into its relatively modest distance. The route takes in a loop of the wooded and hilly country to the east of Guildford; heading east along the sandy tracks of The Chantries and St Martha’s Hill, weaving a route between the villages of Albury, Shere, Gomshall and Abinger Hammer before launching up the steep south escarpment of the North Downs and returning along the bridleways of the NDW. Three-quarters of the route is off road, much of the rest follows narrow country lanes. There are a few climbs to deal with but none so fearsome as the ever-steepening 125m pull up from Hackhurst Farm to the top of the North Downs.

      Pedal power! Climbing the steep escarpment on Hackhurst Downs

      Directions

      1 From Guildford station, follow the one-way system around to join the A281 Shalford road. After 650m, join the cycle path running parallel to the RH side of the road; follow this for 600m before turning