Lewisham Cyclists Knole from Knockholt Ride
Knole and Knockholt
Suitable for road bikes and well-geared hybrids.
Classed as ‘hard’ only because of the hilly terrain, the route is mainly on small lanes in quiet countryside, and we can afford to take our time.
24 miles with 1700 feet of ascent. The cycling starts and ends at Knockholtstation.
The group will meet at 08.30 at Lewisham station to get the Sevenoaks train at 08.49
The same train stops at Hither Green and Grove Park but riders should contact the leader directly if they intend to get on the train south of Lewisham. Train arrives at Knockholt at 0935, we will help each other carry the bikes over the footbridge to exit the station.
The ride is mostly quiet lanes, with a few major roads to cross. Two sections are on traffic-free roads. We cycle to Shoreham and then Otford, and proceed along the Pilgrims Way to Kemsing. Next there is a one-mile hill with 3 or 4 short steep sections (8% gradient) but with flatter parts for recovery, and it eases towards the top. The road is a quiet small lane, mostly in woodland, and at the top it crosses the A25.
The next section is undulating lanes but no long hills. We go along the Greensand ridge, wooded all the way to the south entrance to Knole park. We may pause in the park for refreshments, in the (rather expensive) cafe at Knole house. After the park we cross the High Street in Sevenoaks and then back into lanes skirting the town. We proceed by back roads and then the London Road to Dunton Green, then briefly rejoin the Pilgrims Way before turning off the road onto the short, traffic free but steep ascent of the North Downs up Old Polhill. (Some people may wish to push their bikes for part of this). From the top it is downhill along Otford Lane to Knockholt station via Halstead.
Trains home are every 30 minutes. There are many stations along the route in case of any rider being unable to continue the ride. There is are bike shops in Kemsing and Sevenoaks.
Please read our general ride information on our website here
https://lewishamcyclists.org.uk/rides/general-ride-information/. If you still have questions contact the ride leader on 07763 349166 or the Lewisham rides coordinator on 07395153789