During the summer months we like to do two or three longer wanders out into the borough hinterland and experience the pubs we cannot reasonably visit in the winter.

Last night was one such night; we cycled out to the Blacksmiths Arms at Cudham. It is probably bout a year since our last visit, when we celebtated one of riders’ birthday there, and they kindly allowed us to take a cake baked by the lovely Linda our cake maker extraordinaire.

Setting out from Bromley South we kept to the quiet parallel route along Chatterton Rd and then Farnborough Park and Starts Hill where we joined the cycle paths alongside the A21.

Cudham Lane North from Locksbottom is a long long climb up to the pub and we elected to take the alternative up through Halstead; much more pleasant, though still a very long climb.

The outbound 15 mile wander took us nearly 2 hours. On arrival the pub was very quiet so we were easily able to find a suitable table for the 10 riders on the ride.

We spent a pleasant evening discussing all things cycling, including whether the Blacksmiths could be the ‘Bromley Cyclists’ Pub of the Month’ for May.

We departed after 11 o’clock and the temptation to whizz down Cudham Lane was too great. At speeds which bordered being out of control we sped through the cold night air back down to the A21 and turned towards Bromley. The main road was clear and as the tarmac on the carriageway had been recently relaid it was too inviting, so shunning the safety of the cycle paths with their horridly uneven surfaces some of us had a blast on the road which was very enjoyable.

It was gone midnight when we reached Bromley. We said goodnight and headed for our homes and our beds (at least I did!).