Tell us about your weekend ride

Back on the matter of this stretch of gravel cutting from Theydon Mount to Stapleford Tawney, also found on Stayer's route #1, last time we discussed the Stapleford Tawney end of it, this time is the other end.

My wife and I were coming from Theydon Mount, where you turn into the highlighted bit below, before you turn right into the wide gravel road, we were sneakily followed by a pickup up to this point. As soon as we turned right into the gravel, the man from the pickup shouted at us. Followed a somewhat polite discussion, saying that this stretch is private land and we cannot ride there and that "Someone put this on the internet and a lot of cyclists are coming this way and it pisses me off". We turned around and rerouted.

Facts:

• There are no "Private property" signs
  
• The Three Forest Way public footpath goes through the property, but it cuts a bit more to the south and the man argued that "the footpath is not for bikes". It is rideable regardless.
  
• The man in the pickup came out of nowhere and turned around after telling us off
  
• Last time here, a lady came out of the first house and kindly showed us the correct way around the estate.
  
• It's a shame people are so bothered by a few cyclists riding "by their properties" as this bit of bridleway is really stunning and cuts from a quiet lane to a quiet lane, without having to go around.
  

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