Two of us at Ladywell Station for the 20 minute train journey down to Hayes. Weather overcast, but dry. Quickly away from Hayes station and soon onto bridleways across Hayes Common with little sign of the endless sticky mud normally encountered here in Spring. Once beyond Keston the route took in a sequence of steepish climbs with fast entertaining singletrack descents. The main hazards being the occasional horse, some loose gravel and the fast encroaching but unanticipated nettles (ouch!). One brief shower towards the end of the bridleway section was the worst of the weather. Down the infamous Cudham Hill Simon (bare legged) shrewdly opted for the parallel road option. Back through Downe and up the hill to Keston with a brief stop at the beautiful Keston Ponds (source of the River Ravensbourne) before cruising back to Hayes and home for a late lunch. Thanks to Simon for keeping me company.
Tim C.