Surrey Walking Club Strolls 2009

2012 Strolls Programme (January to March)

Saturday 7 January. Putney Bridge to Kingston (linear). Conductors Gail and John Elrick. Start Putney Bridge Underground Station (District Line to Wimbledon) at 09:20 and return from Kingston Railway Station (regular return trains to Waterloo).

Route description: For the first part of the walk we take the Beverley Brook Walk through Barnes and Palewell Commons into Richmond Park there following a pretty path next to the Brook to the Robin Hood Gate. Leaving the Brook we cross Richmond Park into Ham Common and then cross the lock into Teddington for lunch (variety of venues possible, market testing still under way). The afternoon contains a thorough exploration of Hampton Court, Home Park and Bushy Park (where tea is possible) finally re-crossing the river to Kingston.

Explorer 161, approx 18 miles. SEE PHOTOGRAPHS

Saturday 21 January. "A day in the heart of Kent". Conductor Jerome Ripp. Start at Ashford International station at 09:18 (fast train from St Pancras 08:40). Return trains 13 and 43 minutes past the hour.

Route description: In the morning we will follow the Stour Valley and Greensand Way to the north west of Ashford crossing the Heathland of Hothfield Common with lunch in the lovely village of Charing and a look at the Archbishop's Palace. We follow the North Downs Way to Wye over Westwell Downs and Eastwell Park. The final section will be on the Stour Valley back to Ashford and a well-deserved tea stop at the end of a good 20 miles.

Explorer 137, approx 20 miles.

Sunday 5 February. Alton to Farnham (linear). Conductor Jill Goddart. Start Alton station 09:31 (London Waterloo 08:07). Return trains from Farnham 0 and 30 minutes past the hour and trains back to Alton at 14 and 55 minutes past the hour (journey time 12 or 17 minutes).

Route description: Return of a great walk from last April and a chance to see it at a slightly different time of year. The stroll includes a stop for lunch at the Chequers Inn, Well and tea at Church Crookham.

Explorers 144 and 145, approx 20 miles.

Sunday 19 February. Dorking circular. Conductor Chris Dent. Start Dorking (main) station 09:06 (Victoria 08:08 or Waterloo 07:57 with change at Clapham Junction). Regular return trains (3-4 an hour into London).

Route description: Figure of eight stroll in the beautiful countryside around Dorking. The morning route is via Box Hill, Headley, Mole Gap Trail & NDW. Lunch at The Prince of Wales in Westcott. The afternoon takes in Coldharbour, Leith Hill, Abinger Bottom & Greensand Way, plus a possible tea stop on the way.

Explorer 146, approx 19 miles.

Saturday 3 March. Epsom to Westhumble (linear). Conductor Lilian Chelli. Start Epsom station 09:37(London Victoria 09:01). Return trains from Westhumble 28 minutes past the hour.

Route description: In the morning we climb to Epsom Racecourse, pass Headley church and walk over Mickleham Downs. Lunch is at the Stepping Stone PH (GR 170518) between Burford Bridge and Box Hill Station. In the afternoon we climb Box Hill and cross Headley Heath. Tea is at the Fox & Hounds PH (GR223552) in Walton-on-the-Hill. The evening route is down Ebbisham Lane, over Epsom Downs, and down Chalk Lane.

Explorers 146 & 161, approx. 18 miles

Sunday 18 March. Godalming circular. Start Godalming station 08:55 (London Waterloo 08:00). Return trains 56 minutes past the hour.

Route description: From Godalming we head east via Hydon's Ball and Winkworth Arboretum to Shamley Green where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we make our way back through Wonersh and Bramley to the River Wey and optional tea stop at Hector's.

Explorer 145, approx. 19 miles.