A Group Bike Ride to Puttenham

Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse is a lovingly restored historic barn, now used as an eco bunkhouse on the North Downs Way. In April, a small group of us enjoyed a ride from Farncombe Station to the bunkhouse to enjoy an al fresco picnic lunch and chat before heading home again. We were lucky enough to meet with Nicole Lazarus (see below) to learn more about the two hostels linked by national cycle trail 22 that runs most of the way between Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse and Tanners Hatch Independent Hostel.

Tanners Hatch Hostel

Exciting news is that this idyllic and well loved hostel on the Polesden Lacey Estate is on the verge of a new beginning!  The decision by YHA to give up its lease with the National Trust (which meant the hostel closed in October 2025) caused an enormous reaction which, with strong support in the form of advice and encouragement from the Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse charitable project, led on to `Friends of Tanners Hatch` being formed. Importantly, that group then negotiated independently with the National Trust. Result: the two organisations reaching agreement, subject to contract, for the Friends to be granted a 25 year lease of the building as an Independent Hostel.

 Wonderfully situated in the midst of Ranmore Common and approached only by trackway, Tanners Hatch is part of the history of the open-air movement yet thanks to the imagination and determination of visionary people the hostel now has the prospect of a bright future.

Cycle out to Puttenham on June 20th if you would like to hear more of the story!  Nicole Lazarus, leading light in saving Tanners Hatch, is on that date due to share about the journey “the Friends group” has come so far. This presentation will form part of an open meeting being organised by the Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse eco venture to which you are invited to attend. It will be an opportunity to hear about the past and present as well as future possibilities for both these amazing voluntary projects and how they can work together into the future to benefit cyclists and walkers. 

 The meeting details are as follows: Saturday June 20th at Marwick Hall, School Lane, Puttenham; hall open 1.45 for 2.15pm start. That lunchtime Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse will open 12.30 to 1.30 for supporters to view and enjoy a DIY picnic.