THE BALHAM ROUGH STUFF

For the Centenary Edition of the BRS, the route has been refreshed but is still as challenging as previous editions. Similar in length to the 2024 version at 20 miles / 32 km.

The route starts and finishes at Farleigh Common. After a short warm-up through Chelsham, we drop down Hesiers Hill, then up Beddlestead Lane, turning left on to Norheads Lane for the first of two ‘rough’ secteurs, 1 miles / 1.6km of gravel track.

We then drop into the valley west of Biggin Hill, and begin the climb up Ricketts Hill, a hairpin turn at the top, and across to Hawley’s Corner. We continue east along the top of the Downs before a sharp right-hand turn on to Stoneings Lane ( easy to miss! ) before descending Brasted Hill. The road surface is pretty good, but it is a steep hill, so take maximum care. Another sharp right turn off Brasted Hill onto Pilgrims Way ( take care here - gravel at the junction ).

After a stretch of Pilgrims Way, we turn right and a ride briefly up Westerham Hill, then left up The Avenue and our second ‘rough’ secteur, 3/4 of a mile / 1.2km of gravel track through the woods. Take care here as there are a lot of falling leaves and a few big potholes to negotiate. We pop out onto Clarks Lane, following it to the top, turn right, and descend the length of Beddlestead Lane, back up Hesier Hill, then it's rolling terrain through the lanes for the last stretch back to Farleigh Common and the finish line!

Route to the Start. 11.4 miles / 18.5 km

BCC Centenary Rough Stuff 2025 Route

Route back taking in Maples Cafe on Limpsfield Road. 13 miles / 21.5 km