Bumble by bike to Bough Beech and back
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Join me for further exploration of the Kent Weald, heading west this time! Starting in Marden cycling on quite flat country lanes between the High Weald and the Green Sands Ridge to Bough Beech reservoir near Edenbridge.
Route Overview
We will pass through Yalding Lees, remember the floods of 2013 where David Cameron got a telling off by an irate local? We then continue through Hadlow, with it's folly tower, and on beside orchards, hop gardens and ancient woodlands. It's then a quick dash over the A21 and then more beautiful Kent countryside before reaching the reservoir. The reservoir is used for water sports and is a nature reserve.
We can then stop at The Wheatsheaf for lunch and to refuel! https://www.wheatsheafboughbeech.co.uk/
We then follow the train line back towards Tonbridge, so anyone feeling tired can stop and catch a train if necessary.
After Tonbridge we loop back toward East Peckham, passing The Hop Farm Country Park near Paddock Wood, before returning to Marden.
As the terrain is relatively flat, we're aiming to ride at an average pace of around 14mph and so is easily manageable by most road cyclists. We don't pass many shops so make sure you have enough snacks/gels and water before we leave.
Keep in touch
Want to hear more about what we're up to? Then join us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/groups/OutdoorLadsCycling
We also have a Strava group:
What to bring
Bike: a road or road hybrid bike
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one
Clothing: lightweight and layered, colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users
Footwear: suitable for your bike and pedals
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes, sunglasses are OK if they are not made of glass and not too shaded
Sun cream: take care, even on overcast days
Bike lights: be seen and safe
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies
Food & drink
Bring plenty of water and some snacks to keep your energy levels up during the ride.
There is a village store near the station if anyone needs to buy drinks or snacks for their return journey.