Watts Gallery Artists’ Village: Saturday Surrey Adventure

Overview

After taking the train to Bentley in Hampshire, we ride across the edge of the North Downs to Guildford, then up to Woking and finishing in West Byfleet for train services home. Our midway refreshment stop is at the wonderful Watts Gallery in Compton https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/. Parts of the ride are on unsealed tracks, through woodlands, across countryside, alongside rivers; these tracks are in variable condition and can be muddy after wet weather. We also ride on quieter country roads and on cycle tracks alongside main roads; there are some short sections on busier roads. This is quite a hilly ride, with a few challenging climbs and one very steep descent. Much of the route follows National Cycle Network routes 22 and 223.

The Ride

From Bentley station, we ride immediately into beautiful woodland, with a short sharp climb before reaching an easy-going trail through the woods. We reach country roads, which skirt around the edge of Farnham, and then on through the villages along the Hog’s Back ridge of the North Downs. A stretch of off-road track by a golf course brings us to the Watts Gallery Artists’ Village in Compton, near Guildford https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/. We will take a detour to visit the stunning Cemetery Chapel, the work of Victorian artist Mary Watts https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/visit/explore-our-site/watts-cemetery-chapel, before making our way to the artists’ village where we will lock up our bikes. We can wander around the grounds and eat at the café, or bring your own food for a picnic. Admission to the gallery is £18, some concessions.

After lunch, we resume our ride with a sharp climb to join a lovely off-road track, before descending steeply into Guildford. We navigate the busy town centre, joining a track alongside the River Wey and through a nature reserve. More country roads bring us into Woking, and then onto the peaceful Basingstoke Canal which takes us directly to West Byfleet station for train services home.

Travel Arrangements

Outward Journey
We will take the 09.01 South West Trains service from Clapham Junction, arriving in Bentley at 10.02. A standard single fare is £21.70. There are discounts for Senior Railcards. Oyster is valid as far as Surbiton.

Return Journey
There are frequent services from West Byfleet to Clapham Junction and Waterloo, journey time 20-30 mins. A standard single fare is £11.50. There are discounts for Senior Railcards. Oyster is valid from Surbiton.

Train-assisted ride across Surrey.

Off-road tracks in variable condition, can be muddy after rain. Quieter country roads where possible. Some short stretches on busier roads.

Visit to Watts Gallery, Artists' Village and Cemetery Chapel. Time for refreshments in cafe and to explore the site.

Money/card for cafe, shop etc. Lock for your bike. Water & snacks for the ride, picnic lunch if you prefer. Spare inner tube and pump.

First-timers welcome!