Search17 Sep: Ride to the Railway pub
Thursday 17 September 2026
Sarah writes: Nine cyclists met at Shelford today for Susan's ride to a new cafe and a new route. After a few miles of dry weather and a strong headwind, our luck no longer held and we encountered heavy downpours on our way to Saffron Walden via Linton. This was made even more enjoyable by having a puncture 5 miles from coffee! Luckily I had brought my usual bike mechanic with me who was heard muttering about getting something called a car to rescue me.
We joined the rest of the group at The Railway Pub in Saffron Walden.
This was a perfect place for a club stop. The pub has been a community pub for several years and now has recently opened a cafe. It supports Saffron Walden cycle club who meet there on Sundays as well as other times for the start of their rides.
With the sun deciding to appear, 5 ventured out to continue on our way but as we were running half an hour late due to weather and flats, consensus was to vary the route to make it a one-stop.
I was extremely keen to show the group the 4 km 2½ miles long magnificent old road, now designated as a bridle path,that I had discovered on my own a few weeks previously, running from Thaxted Road near Blossom Bites to Hamperden End, near Henham.
The group appeared to enjoy the route and we had a lovely ride in the sunshine back via Rickling Green, Arkesden and Coploe Hill.
A total of 77 km 48 miles .
Thank you to Susan and everyone's company.