The best road cycling routes in Ashtead Common

There are over 350 road cycling routes available around Ashtead Common, catering to various skill levels. This includes 95 easy routes, 213 moderate routes, and 46 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.

While Ashtead Common itself features extensive off-road and gravel paths, the surrounding area offers a mix of paved roads and lanes suitable for road bikes. You'll encounter historic woodlands, open spaces, and rolling hills, with notable climbs like Box Hill in the vicinity. The paths within the common can be muddy or slippery from wet leaves, especially in winter, so routes often utilize the paved roads outside the common for dedicated road cycling.

Yes, there are 95 easy road cycling routes around Ashtead Common. An excellent option for beginners is the Seven Hills Road – The Surrey Coffee Co. loop from Ashtead, which is 29 miles (46.7 km) long and features a more gentle elevation gain.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 46 difficult routes available. Consider the Gayhouse Lane Windmill – Box Hill Climb loop from Ashtead, a demanding 83.8 miles (134.9 km) trail that includes significant climbs and covers a substantial distance.

While road cycling routes primarily use the surrounding paved roads, you'll be cycling near Ashtead Common, a National Nature Reserve known for its ancient woodland and over 2,300 ancient oak pollards. Historically, the common also holds significance with the remains of a Roman villa and a triangular earthwork. You can explore highlights like the Keeper's Cottage Pond within the common.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from challenging climbs to scenic countryside roads, and the access to iconic spots like Box Hill. The mix of historic landscapes and charming villages along the routes is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Ashtead Common are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the popular The Plough – Pinnocks Coffee House loop from Ashtead is a moderate 31.0 miles (49.9 km) circular path that explores local roads and villages.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling around Ashtead Common. During these seasons, the weather is typically milder, and the roads are less likely to be affected by mud or wet leaves, which can be an issue on unpaved sections within the common during winter. However, the surrounding paved roads are accessible year-round.

Yes, for those looking for longer rides, routes extend into the wider Surrey Hills area. The White Downs Lane Climb – Denbies Wine Estate loop from Ashtead is a good example, covering 46.6 miles (75.0 km) and leading through scenic parts of the Surrey Hills.

While specific establishments are not detailed for every route, the presence of routes named after local spots like "The Plough" and "Pinnocks Coffee House" suggests that there are cafes and pubs accessible along many of the routes in and around Ashtead. These provide convenient stops for refreshments during your ride.

While the common itself has off-road paths, the surrounding area offers quieter paved roads that can be suitable for families, especially those with some cycling experience. Look for the 'easy' rated routes, which tend to have less elevation and traffic, making them more approachable for family outings.