The Hidden Hamlet Ride
Friday Street is a tiny hamlet nestled in a steep-sided valley below Leith Hill, centred on a picturesque millpond surrounded by woodland. It feels remarkably remote despite being just a few miles from Dorking. The mountain bike loop uses a combination of bridleways, byways and quiet lanes to link Friday Street with Leith Hill, Abinger Common and Wotton, creating a ride that is as much about the scenery as the technical challenge.
The trails are generally less technical than Peaslake, making this a good introduction to off-road riding in the Surrey Hills. The bridleways are mostly firm-surfaced with some muddy sections in winter, and the climbs, while sustained, are not excessively steep. The descent from Leith Hill to Friday Street is a highlight — a fast, flowing track through beech woodland that drops into the valley in a series of sweeping curves.
Route & Refreshments
Start from the Wotton Hatch pub car park (with permission) or the small car park at the bottom of Friday Street. The loop heads south to climb Leith Hill via the bridleway from Broadmoor, summits near the tower, then descends north-east to Friday Street. Continue east via Abinger Common and return through Wotton Estate.
The Abinger Hatch at Abinger Common and the Wotton Hatch on the A25 near Wotton are both good refreshment stops. This ride works well on a hardtail mountain bike or a gravel bike with wider tyres. In summer, the canopy of ancient woodland provides welcome shade, making it an excellent hot-weather ride.
