The best gravel rides around Puttenham

The gravel trails around Puttenham offer a diverse mix of surfaces. You'll encounter woodland trails, open heathland, quiet country lanes, and byways. While generally dry, some lower areas near Cutmill can become boggy, especially after rain, so a gravel bike with tires at least 38mm wide and with some tread is recommended.

You can expect moderate gradients on most trails, with occasional short, steep sections and technical features like tree roots and rocks. The routes range from moderate to difficult. For example, the Hydon's Ball & Hambledon Common loop from Guildford features over 575 meters of elevation gain, while the View from Newlands Corner – View of Shere loop from Farncombe includes over 800 meters of climbing.

Yes, the area caters to various abilities. While some routes have moderate to difficult sections, the 'Cycle Surrey Hills' project has established over 50 miles of largely traffic-free off-road trails, which can be suitable for adventurous families. Look for routes with lower elevation gains and less technical terrain if riding with children.

Puttenham is rich in natural beauty. You'll ride through Puttenham Common, which features a mix of trees, heath, grassland, and spring-fed ponds. From higher points on the common, you can enjoy stunning views south towards Hindhead Common, Blackdown, and even the South Downs. The area is part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering picturesque landscapes throughout your ride.

Absolutely. You can explore the faint earthworks of Hillbury Hillfort, an Iron Age scheduled monument, at the northern end of Puttenham Common. The common itself has high archaeological interest, including evidence of Bronze Age occupation. While not directly on a route, the historic Guildford Castle Grounds are a short distance away and offer beautiful gardens.

Puttenham is generally good for gravel biking for much of the year. The terrain is mostly dry, though lower areas can get boggy in wet conditions. Late spring to early autumn offers pleasant weather and the chance to see colourful heather on the common. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially muddier sections.

Many of the gravel routes in Puttenham are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the View from Newlands Corner – View of Shere loop from Guildford is a popular circular option, as is the Tilford East Bridge – Devil's Punch Bowl Trail loop from Ash.

While specific parking locations for each route aren't detailed, Puttenham Common and surrounding areas typically have designated parking spots. It's advisable to check local signage or online maps for public car parks near your chosen starting point.

Puttenham is situated near larger towns like Guildford and Farnham, which have train stations. From these hubs, you may be able to cycle to Puttenham or use local bus services that accommodate bikes, though options can be limited. Planning your route from a train station like Guildford could be a good option for public transport access.

The gravel biking routes in Puttenham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the mix of woodland and open heathland, and the scenic beauty of the Surrey Hills.

Given the varied surfaces, including woodland trails, heathland, and occasional technical features like tree roots, a gravel bike with tires at least 38mm wide and with some tread is highly recommended. This setup provides a good balance of speed on smoother sections and grip on looser or rougher terrain.