THE BALHAM ROUGH STUFF
FOLLOWED BY POST RIDE LUNCH
1 November 2026
In 1925, Balham CC held a ride that took in some of the most challenging terrain on the North Downs. By the 1930s it had become one of the most prestigious races on the national calendar, attracting some of the biggest names in cycling.
Using old race reports and the recollections of those on the scene when it met its demise in the 1960s, we’ve re-planned the Balham Rough Stuff.
The 2026 route is similar in length to the last couple of years at 20 miles / 32 km. The route has been refreshed -Ricketts Hill is out and Stock Hill is in!
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 four rough secteurs, 1 miles / 1.6km of gravel track.
We then drop into the valley west of Biggin Hill, and head straight up Stock Hill, and on to the second rough secteur, Sutherland Avenue, half a mile / 0.9km. Then a brief stretch of tarmac, cross Main Road and on to sectuer 3, a Bridleway track for 3/4 of a mile / 1.2 km.
Then up to Hawley's Corner and 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 final 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!
The Rough Stuff is a team event Sign-on Sheet
FORMAT
Ride from BHP to the start at Farleigh Common
Ride the Rough Stuff
Return to Balham, and make your way to Caminata for 12.45/1pm Post Ride Lunch
Route to the Start. 11.4 miles / 18.5km
Rough Stuff Route 2026
WHAT TO DO NEXT
BCC has subsidised the lunch so tickets are £10. Partners and family welcome.
Please pay the club and add your name as reference:
SORT CODE 09-01-29
ACCOUNT NUMBER 12043512
View the menu
Make your menu choice