Yurt café

Yurt Café

An out-and-back loop from East Sheen into the Surrey countryside, this 90km ride with 480m of climbing punches a little above its weight, being more varied and engaging than the modest numbers suggest.

Leaving the Thames behind, the route winds south through Richmond and Twickenham before shedding the suburbs entirely and dropping into the quieter lanes of Surrey. The terrain is rolling rather than mountainous, with a series of short, punchy climbs threading through heathland and woodland as you make your way towards Pirbright. Nothing here will have you out of the saddle for long, but the cumulative effect keeps the legs working throughout.

The turnaround point is the Yurt Café at The Cricketers on the Green in Pirbright - a lovely stop that you'll be ready for after 45km in the saddle. Sit outside if the weather allows, refuel properly, and enjoy the fact that you're roughly halfway through the route.

The return leg somewhat mirrors the outward journey, where the final approach back into Richmond along the river is a chance to roll back, or sprint to the finish line.