Bob - Post number 5 in this thread has a map and links to the application form for the permit.

Eventually got around to riding this route yesterday. Weather was stunning, we managed to pick a route from Mickeys dinner taking in several byways to the start of your marked route. Rode it to the end then turned round and rode the route back to our starting point. 30+ miles and we saw 2 walkers and 1 cyclist on the whole route! And this is 20 mins from central London!
I think some of the wooded sections would be tricky in the winter but yesterday you could have done the whole route on dual sport tyres. So thanks for sharing Nick.

Only downside was a nail in my back tyre on the M20. I managed to change the tube (after much struggling) but I just couldn't re seat the bead with my pump. Even the AA man had to release the air out and lubricate the tyre before it would seat. Any tips from the experts??

When you apply for the permit do you specify the date you want it for or do they allocate you a date. Not far from where I live and have ridden some of the route on my mountain bike.

The permit lasts forever as far as I know. No dates written on it, and they promise to send me a letter if they change the code on the padlock.

In all honesty though, this short strech is not very interesting and no big loss if you cannot ride it.

It's still worth getting a permit as there are other restricted byways in the area that require a permit.

As Nick says though, on this route you're not missing much and the road by pass route has a cafe on it.

Thanks for the reply. So can I ride the rest of the route without the permit. Forgive my ignorance but for the last 24 years I've been a road only rider.

99% of the route nick has marked can be ridden without a permit. The pilgrims way section is also well signposted as byway open to all vehicles. It's worth getting an OS map though just to make sure you are where you think you are??

Nice photos, I know Pilgrims way well but use my TTR250 off road when round that area.