Ride & Stride

IMPORTANT NOTICE – HEAT WARNING 06.09.23

In view of the forecast heatwave, Riders and Striders are encouraged to choose an alternative convenient day to complete the challenge, rather than going out on Saturday 9th September.

Most counties in England have an annual ‘Ride & Stride’, on the second Saturday in September, to raise money for church restoration and repair. The idea is that cyclists and walkers are given a list of participating churches in their area. They map out their own route to visit churches by bike or on foot, and then get friends to sponsor them for a fixed amount per church visited.

The money that is collected is divided into two. Half the monies go to the church of the cyclists choice; the other half is retained by the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust for distribution to churches in need (that apply for a grant). In the twenty years that the Ride and Stride has been running in Surrey we have raised over £500,000.

Suggested Routes

We are compiling a set of suggested routes which riders and walkers might like to consider.

The first route, for seven churches in the centre of Guildford, can be downloaded by clicking this link: Guildford churches

The second route, for eight churches around Wonersh, can be downloaded by clicking this link: Wonersh Cycle

The third route covers 43 churches in mid Surrey. The instructions start at Epsom railway station (although the route may be joined or left at any point). Towns visited include Ashtead, Leatherhead, Great Bookham, Dorking, Tadworth, Banstead, Cheam and Ewell.

The fourth route covers 19 churches through Leatherhead and Cobham. The instructions start at St Mary’s Church, Fetcham but the route is circular and can be joined or left at any point. Towns visited include Great Bookham, Effingham, Ockham, Cobham, Stoke d’Abernon and Leatherhead.

The fifth route covers six churches near Chobham with both cycling and walking options.

The Ride & Stride is a fun way to spend time on a pleasant day in September, whilst at the same time supporting a worthy cause. Why not make up a group and join in this year?

If you would like any further information please, contact Hamish Donaldson the Ride & Stride organiser (01428 644473).

If you would like details of other County Trusts, please visit www.rideandstrideuk.org