A Valley Ride Between Villages
The short ride between Shere and Gomshall follows the flat floor of the Tillingbourne Valley, making it ideal for families with younger children. Shere is regularly cited as one of Surrey’s prettiest villages, with its medieval church of St James, the ford across the Tillingbourne and a cluster of tile-hung cottages. Gomshall, a mile to the east, is equally charming with its historic tannery and watermill.
The route follows quiet lanes and a section of riverside path alongside the Tillingbourne, a clear chalk stream that supports brown trout and kingfishers. The terrain is almost entirely flat, with no significant climbs, and traffic is light. Children will enjoy the ford at Shere, where the shallow water crossing can be splashed through on bikes, and the ducks and geese that congregate along the stream.
Extending the Ride
For families wanting a longer outing, the route extends naturally westward from Shere to Albury, adding another two kilometres of gentle riding through the valley. Albury’s Saxon church and the ornamental chimneys of Albury Park provide interest along the way. Eastward from Gomshall, the lane continues to Abinger Hammer with its famous clock that overhangs the road.
Shere has several tea rooms and The White Horse pub, while Gomshall offers the Gomshall Mill café in the converted tannery buildings. Bike parking is easy in both villages. The route is suitable for children from around age six upwards and can be combined with a visit to the Silent Pool, a spring-fed lake just north-east of Shere that is steeped in local legend.
