Shortest route to the "countryside" on a bike?

[peleparso]

There are probably previous threads on this but my initial search turned up zero.

Does anyone have any good tips on the quickest/shortest route on a bike from SE22 to the nearest bit of quiet/countryside area for a longer ride? I see the cyclists heading down from Crystal Palace but haven't had the chance to ask them about their preferred routes. I'm unlikely to join a club this year so if anyone has any tips please share.

Thanks.

[DuncanW]

Cadence, the cycle-shop/cafe at the top of Anerley Hill do group cycles out to Biggin Hill (and beyond) on weekend mornings. You don't have to be a member. I don't even think they charge for the rides.

[Earl Aelfheah]

Details of the route of the Dulwich Paragon ride here:

http://www.dulwichparagon.com/activites/rides/saturday-club-ride.html

[Earl Aelfheah]

or.. http://ridewithgps.com/routes/446427

[AnMKing]

http://www.strava.com/routes/661025

Not sure if you'll be able to see the above link, but it's my route out to Box Hill. Another good route and possibly the quickest way to "countryside" is out to Addington and down Featherbed Lane (google it) from there you've got some nice rides just inside the M25 couple of nasty climbs coming out of Oxted to test the legs as well.

Dulwich Paragon I think have their Saturday ride routes on their website too, I think.

[mikeb]

AnMKing - I can't access the route but I'd love to know a good way to Box Hill other than through Mitcham and Cheam etc.

[peleparso]

That's really useful - thanks everyone for suggestions. Will try out asap.

[jimbo1964]

I'd definitely recommend the Paragon ride. The countryside around Kenton and Down is very nice. And not that far to ride really.

[AnMKing]

mikeb Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> AnMKing - I can't access the route but I'd love to

> know a good way to Box Hill other than through

> Mitcham and Cheam etc.

Sorry Mike, pretty much my route.

[jonsuissy]

If you want to go out on your own then maybe head down to West Wickham. If you go via Sydenham and Beckenham its all quiet back roads and then some lovely countryside - and hills!

If you fancy a nice leisurely ride one sunday morning let me know

Jon

[bobbsy]

Completely agree with west wickham route...quiet country lanes within 20mins of east dulwich.

[phobic3000]

Apologies if this route is in other links on this thread...

I sometimes go through Dulwich village - up past toll road - down through penge to beckenham - right to west Wickham - left down coney hall - up then right to keston village to a pub called the fox for a quick drink then back again. It's about 20 miles roughly. You also have the option of continuing to Biggin hill - Tatsfield or heading to Downe from here.

[phobic3000]

And what's good about this route is that you can stop off at the crown and greyhound on the way back!

[jonsuissy]

Or a cup of tea and a bit of cake at the Reptile zoo in Tatsfield!

Jon

[phobic3000]

http://www.beaverwaterworld.com

[jonsuissy]

Thats the one - the lemon drizzle cake is worth the ride.

Tea and cake for about ?2

Jon

[brezzo]

Bobby, what sort of bike have you got that gets you to West Wickham in twenty minutes?

[ultraburner]

GSX750R would do it:)

For really good roads (guessing thats what you want; I ride mountainbike) I'd get the train from Honour oak to Dorking and do Leith/Holmbury/Pitch area.

[PeckhamNicola]

Train direct to Eynsford from Peckham in just over half an hour. Skip the busy roads completely!