Stroll Reports 2020
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Sunningdale to Staines - 4 January
Conductor: Kate Copeland
Participants: 37 in total.
Stroll report from Kate:
When we attempted to do this walk in 2017 we never even reached the starting point. Due to signal failure the group sat dismally on a train stuck somewhere just outside Feltham and was finally dispatched at Staines ninety minutes after we should have been leaving Sunningdale. So to arrive at Sunningdale station on the dot of 9.31 on 4th January 2020 was a huge relief. Especially as it turned out that we had 37 in the party. This was due to it being a joint walk with London LDWA. Plus we had about 5 walkers who weren't members of either group so it was lovely to welcome them too.
The morning was mostly within the grounds of Windsor Great Park, thus many of the sights to behold were royal in nature - Virginia Water (possibly named after the Virgin Queen), the Queen's Totem Pole, Duke of Cumberland's Obelisk (where we stopped for elevensies and the leader's time-keeping was rightly held to account), the Royal Lodge and then on to the Copper Horse.
We were disappointed not to see any deer in the deer park, however this was quickly forgotten as we basked in the brilliant sunshine and blue skies that burst out halfway down the Long Walk. There was some discussion about how long the Long Walk is. A quick internet search suggests it is 2.65 miles. The group was clearly ready for lunch as they covered this distance in 35 minutes!
Two of our number left us at Windsor. However, Carol joined us which was a lovely surprise.
The low, winter sunshine stayed with us until dusk which meant that the Thames between Windsor and Staines was looking its prettiest. The weeping willows were almost fluorescent in the light. We arrived into Staines at about 4.45pm and deposited several of the team at their second Wetherspoon's of the day. The rest eschewed tea in favour of the train back to London.
Many thanks to Nick White for studiously counting and re-counting our number and to Lynne for backmarking and keeping such a large group together.
Distance 18 miles. Photographs Gosia.
Conductor: Kate Copeland
Participants: 37 in total.
Stroll report from Kate:
When we attempted to do this walk in 2017 we never even reached the starting point. Due to signal failure the group sat dismally on a train stuck somewhere just outside Feltham and was finally dispatched at Staines ninety minutes after we should have been leaving Sunningdale. So to arrive at Sunningdale station on the dot of 9.31 on 4th January 2020 was a huge relief. Especially as it turned out that we had 37 in the party. This was due to it being a joint walk with London LDWA. Plus we had about 5 walkers who weren't members of either group so it was lovely to welcome them too.
The morning was mostly within the grounds of Windsor Great Park, thus many of the sights to behold were royal in nature - Virginia Water (possibly named after the Virgin Queen), the Queen's Totem Pole, Duke of Cumberland's Obelisk (where we stopped for elevensies and the leader's time-keeping was rightly held to account), the Royal Lodge and then on to the Copper Horse.
We were disappointed not to see any deer in the deer park, however this was quickly forgotten as we basked in the brilliant sunshine and blue skies that burst out halfway down the Long Walk. There was some discussion about how long the Long Walk is. A quick internet search suggests it is 2.65 miles. The group was clearly ready for lunch as they covered this distance in 35 minutes!
Two of our number left us at Windsor. However, Carol joined us which was a lovely surprise.
The low, winter sunshine stayed with us until dusk which meant that the Thames between Windsor and Staines was looking its prettiest. The weeping willows were almost fluorescent in the light. We arrived into Staines at about 4.45pm and deposited several of the team at their second Wetherspoon's of the day. The rest eschewed tea in favour of the train back to London.
Many thanks to Nick White for studiously counting and re-counting our number and to Lynne for backmarking and keeping such a large group together.
Distance 18 miles. Photographs Gosia.
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Reflected Tree near 3 Fords
Guildford Circular - 19 January
Conductor: Andy Shoesmith
Participants: Andy (Conductor) Chris, Danusia, Debbie, Deborah, Gail, Gavin, Gillian, Jill, John and Rachel
Stroll Report from Andy:
11 walkers set out from Guildford at a good pace. Plenty of muddy patches and backsides to prove it. Chilly, but sunny all day and a glorious sunset as we arrived at the top end of Guildford again. The only negative was the rail engineering works, which made train travel a bit painful.
Distance 21 miles. Photos: Danusia, Gavin, John and Rachel.
Conductor: Andy Shoesmith
Participants: Andy (Conductor) Chris, Danusia, Debbie, Deborah, Gail, Gavin, Gillian, Jill, John and Rachel
Stroll Report from Andy:
11 walkers set out from Guildford at a good pace. Plenty of muddy patches and backsides to prove it. Chilly, but sunny all day and a glorious sunset as we arrived at the top end of Guildford again. The only negative was the rail engineering works, which made train travel a bit painful.
Distance 21 miles. Photos: Danusia, Gavin, John and Rachel.
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Coal Tax Post
West Croydon to Epsom Downs - 2 February
Conductor: Gavin Fuller
Participants: Adam, Andy, Casilda, Debbie, Gail, Gillian, Joelle, John, Kate, Keith, Lilian, Lynne, Marion, Neil, Paul, Russell and Stephen
Stroll Report from Gavin:
Train problems meant that the conductor managed to get delayed for his debut walk – not a good start – but that didn’t deter 16 people from waiting at Croydon’s stations for his arrival, with a further person joining en route. The morning saw the group pass through four parks before ascending out of suburban south London to some welcome countryside after 7 miles. Lunch in Woodmansterne saw all to briefly the only real sunshine of the day and one departure before the afternoon criss-crossed a number of heaths which overnight rain had made considerably muddier than a week earlier. Forgoing a tea stop, the group then meandered through Langley Wood and across Epsom Racecourse, reaching Epsom Downs station nicely in time for the next train back to London.
Distance 19 miles. Photographs: Gavin, Gail, Kate and John.
Photo right: Coal tax posts are iron posts or granite obelisks that were erected after 1851 to mark the points where taxes on coal and wine due to the Corporation of London had to be paid.
Photo bottom right.View to Epsom racecourse from Langley Vale. In the foreground
are some of the trees planted by the Woodland Trust to form a First World War centenary wood. Donations from Club members have paid for trees to be planted in remembrance of 29 Club
members who died on active service in the war.
Terracotta Bridge Beddington Park
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Amberley Circular via Slindon Estate - 15 February
Conductor: Nick White
Stroll cancelled due to Storm Dennis
Conductor: Nick White
Stroll cancelled due to Storm Dennis
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Hampshire Downs - Farnham Circular - 1 March
Conductor: Nigel Heys
Participants: Nick (Conductor) Gail, Jill, John and Steve
Stroll Report from Nigel:
The weekend engineering work, causing an early start from Waterloo, meant that only five people attended the stroll, all arriving by car. This was despite the best weekend weather for weeks.
We headed through the old parts of Farnham past the church then climbed to St. Swithun's Way. This seemed an inappropriate name in bright sunny weather.We stopped at Bentley Church for a morning break, then passed Baden Powell's former home of Pax Hill, now a care home. On through Upper Froyle, with religious statues on the houses and past the Austin Healey restorers before we left St. Swithun's Way and headed to Holybourne. We had a picnic lunch in the children's playground followed by refreshments in the White Hart.
After lunch we went under the Watercress Line and A31 to the attractive Neatham Mill. We walked on to Wyck then headed for Binsted. We had to detour to the side of a flooded byway before visiting Montgomery's grave in the churchyard. We then crossed Alice Holt Forest and found the River Wey within its banks so we could walk beside it. We returned to Farnham Station via Wrecclesham to complete the 20 mile walk.
Distance 20 miles. Photographs Gail, Jill and John.
Conductor: Nigel Heys
Participants: Nick (Conductor) Gail, Jill, John and Steve
Stroll Report from Nigel:
The weekend engineering work, causing an early start from Waterloo, meant that only five people attended the stroll, all arriving by car. This was despite the best weekend weather for weeks.
We headed through the old parts of Farnham past the church then climbed to St. Swithun's Way. This seemed an inappropriate name in bright sunny weather.We stopped at Bentley Church for a morning break, then passed Baden Powell's former home of Pax Hill, now a care home. On through Upper Froyle, with religious statues on the houses and past the Austin Healey restorers before we left St. Swithun's Way and headed to Holybourne. We had a picnic lunch in the children's playground followed by refreshments in the White Hart.
After lunch we went under the Watercress Line and A31 to the attractive Neatham Mill. We walked on to Wyck then headed for Binsted. We had to detour to the side of a flooded byway before visiting Montgomery's grave in the churchyard. We then crossed Alice Holt Forest and found the River Wey within its banks so we could walk beside it. We returned to Farnham Station via Wrecclesham to complete the 20 mile walk.
Distance 20 miles. Photographs Gail, Jill and John.
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Up The Clappers - Harlington Circular - 14 March
Conductor: Bola Baruwa
Participants: Bola (Conductor), Kate, Lynne and Nick
Route description: A circular walk in the Chilterns AONB. The star attraction is Sharpenhoe Clappers, an ancient woodland and chalk escarpment with fantastic views. Lunch is in Lilley.
Distance 18.5 miles. Photograph Kate
Conductor: Bola Baruwa
Participants: Bola (Conductor), Kate, Lynne and Nick
Route description: A circular walk in the Chilterns AONB. The star attraction is Sharpenhoe Clappers, an ancient woodland and chalk escarpment with fantastic views. Lunch is in Lilley.
Distance 18.5 miles. Photograph Kate
Nick, Bola and Lynne
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Egham to Bourne End - 28 March
Conductor: Dave Williams.
Stroll cancelled due to outbreak of the Pandemic.
Conductor: Dave Williams.
Stroll cancelled due to outbreak of the Pandemic.
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April to August - no strolls took place during these months due to the Pandemic
September to December - strolls began mid-September, stopped end of October and resumed briefly in December
Gerald - one of the Gingerbread Men
East Horsley Circular (1) - 20 September
Conductors: Gail and John Elrick
Participants: Gail and John (Conductors), Chris D, Danusia, Gail, Neil and Nick
Stroll Report from Gail and John:
There was no strolls activity during the COVID lockdown. With the gradual easing of restrictions it was decided to obtain the strollers' views (which were positive), to issue COVID guidance and to start with some trial strolls. This was the first trial stroll. The conductors selected the route due to its easy access by rail and car from London, a lunch stop in Shamley Green and a good paths network without stiles.
One of the few benefits of the last few months has been that South West Trains has been running a punctual service due to having almost empty trains. Hence the strollers arrived on time on what promised to be a warm and sunny September day. Despite the sun we only encountered one other walking group and occasional dog walkers. Heading through the Sheepleas we headed down to the North Downs Way where we stopped for a mid-morning break. The route bypassed Shere via the River Tillingbourne, towards Brook village and up into the woods at Blackheath from where we could look back on to a wide panorama. Following a gradual descent along paths and lanes we arrived at Shamley Green. Here we had various options for lunch: the village shop, two pubs or sandwiches by the side of the village pond.
We departed through the church and across fields to avoid the narrow, albeit shorter, path which skirts the back of the village. For about an hour we gradually ascended through woods up to Winterfold Forest. The viewpoint at the top of the forest offered a wide vista towards the South Downs accompanied by the usual debate whenever we come here on whether the dot on the horizon could possibly be Chanctonbury Ring. From the vista we descended through the Hurtwood Car Park and the woods to emerge on the edge of Peaslake village. Here the conductors produced tea in the shape of six individually pre-wrapped gingerbread men, specially purchased from their local baker, to hand out to the group.
Continuing past Peaslake and through Gomshall we ascended back up to the North Downs Way and returned through the Sheepleas. At Horsley we missed the Waterloo train by seconds but this did not spoil what had been a very enjoyable day.
Distance: 22 miles. Photographs John and Paul.
Conductors: Gail and John Elrick
Participants: Gail and John (Conductors), Chris D, Danusia, Gail, Neil and Nick
Stroll Report from Gail and John:
There was no strolls activity during the COVID lockdown. With the gradual easing of restrictions it was decided to obtain the strollers' views (which were positive), to issue COVID guidance and to start with some trial strolls. This was the first trial stroll. The conductors selected the route due to its easy access by rail and car from London, a lunch stop in Shamley Green and a good paths network without stiles.
One of the few benefits of the last few months has been that South West Trains has been running a punctual service due to having almost empty trains. Hence the strollers arrived on time on what promised to be a warm and sunny September day. Despite the sun we only encountered one other walking group and occasional dog walkers. Heading through the Sheepleas we headed down to the North Downs Way where we stopped for a mid-morning break. The route bypassed Shere via the River Tillingbourne, towards Brook village and up into the woods at Blackheath from where we could look back on to a wide panorama. Following a gradual descent along paths and lanes we arrived at Shamley Green. Here we had various options for lunch: the village shop, two pubs or sandwiches by the side of the village pond.
We departed through the church and across fields to avoid the narrow, albeit shorter, path which skirts the back of the village. For about an hour we gradually ascended through woods up to Winterfold Forest. The viewpoint at the top of the forest offered a wide vista towards the South Downs accompanied by the usual debate whenever we come here on whether the dot on the horizon could possibly be Chanctonbury Ring. From the vista we descended through the Hurtwood Car Park and the woods to emerge on the edge of Peaslake village. Here the conductors produced tea in the shape of six individually pre-wrapped gingerbread men, specially purchased from their local baker, to hand out to the group.
Continuing past Peaslake and through Gomshall we ascended back up to the North Downs Way and returned through the Sheepleas. At Horsley we missed the Waterloo train by seconds but this did not spoil what had been a very enjoyable day.
Distance: 22 miles. Photographs John and Paul.
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East Horsley Circular (2) - 26 September
Conductors: Gail and John Elrick
Participants: Gail and John (Conductors), Chris K, Nigel and Rachel
Stroll Report from Gail and John:
Following expressions of interest the conductors led this trial stroll a second time the following weekend with four different strollers. Once again South West Trains delivered its passengers on time and the forecast was for a dry day. We headed out via St. Mary's Church at West Horsley and through the Sheepleas. After the Great Storm in 1987 the Sheepleas was unrecognisable, having suffered much damage, but over the years it has grown back to form an area of dense woodland. We stopped for a mid-morning break on the North Downs Way and continued around Shere and through Blackheath to arrive at Shamley Green for lunch. The village was quieter than the previous Sunday when the warm weather had tempted people out. We ate sandwiches by the village pond close to the road which used to display a sign "Stop! Ducks Crossing".
As before, we stopped in the afternoon at the edge of the Hurtwood to consume five individually pre-wrapped gingerbread men, specially purchased from the local baker. Had we done this stroll a month later in late October the offering would have been gingerbread mummies which is the baker's Halloween speciality. We skirted Peaslake and entered Gomshall where staff at The Compasses Inn kindly filled Rachel's water bottle. Returning back through the Sheepleas we reached Horsley slightly earlier than on the previous weekend and our strollers had time to catch their scheduled trains back home.
Distance: 22 miles. Photograph John (see above)
Conductors: Gail and John Elrick
Participants: Gail and John (Conductors), Chris K, Nigel and Rachel
Stroll Report from Gail and John:
Following expressions of interest the conductors led this trial stroll a second time the following weekend with four different strollers. Once again South West Trains delivered its passengers on time and the forecast was for a dry day. We headed out via St. Mary's Church at West Horsley and through the Sheepleas. After the Great Storm in 1987 the Sheepleas was unrecognisable, having suffered much damage, but over the years it has grown back to form an area of dense woodland. We stopped for a mid-morning break on the North Downs Way and continued around Shere and through Blackheath to arrive at Shamley Green for lunch. The village was quieter than the previous Sunday when the warm weather had tempted people out. We ate sandwiches by the village pond close to the road which used to display a sign "Stop! Ducks Crossing".
As before, we stopped in the afternoon at the edge of the Hurtwood to consume five individually pre-wrapped gingerbread men, specially purchased from the local baker. Had we done this stroll a month later in late October the offering would have been gingerbread mummies which is the baker's Halloween speciality. We skirted Peaslake and entered Gomshall where staff at The Compasses Inn kindly filled Rachel's water bottle. Returning back through the Sheepleas we reached Horsley slightly earlier than on the previous weekend and our strollers had time to catch their scheduled trains back home.
Distance: 22 miles. Photograph John (see above)
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Farnham Circular - 10 October
Conductor: Jill Goddard
Participants: Jill (Conductor), Andy, Chris K, Debs, Nick and Rachel
Stroll Report from Jill:
A group of six enjoyed a circular walk exploring the heathlands and woods south of Farnham. We started out on the North Downs Way and then left it to follow the old track through the Moor Park nature reserve (home to Jonathan Swift and Mother Ludlam) and up to the top of Crooksbury Hill, where we had great views over to South Downs and hills beyond Hindhead. We then crossed the heath and picked up wood and field tracks that are part of the Surrey Hills cycleway (encountering very few cyclists....) to reach Shackleford for an early and socially distanced lunch. We then headed up to Puttenham Common, and more good views, helped by the trees and bracken just turning colour, and rejoined the North Downs Way, making a detour to a cafe in time for a very lovely tea stop. With time on our side we then extended the walk and crossed over to Tilford village (where one of the bridges over the River Wey is still being repaired ....) and onto Farnham Heath before taking paths through the Bourne Woods (often used for filming including Gladiator, Robin Hood), and returning to Farnham. We were in the nick of time as the heavens opened the minute we got back......
Distance 18 miles. Photograph Jill.
Conductor: Jill Goddard
Participants: Jill (Conductor), Andy, Chris K, Debs, Nick and Rachel
Stroll Report from Jill:
A group of six enjoyed a circular walk exploring the heathlands and woods south of Farnham. We started out on the North Downs Way and then left it to follow the old track through the Moor Park nature reserve (home to Jonathan Swift and Mother Ludlam) and up to the top of Crooksbury Hill, where we had great views over to South Downs and hills beyond Hindhead. We then crossed the heath and picked up wood and field tracks that are part of the Surrey Hills cycleway (encountering very few cyclists....) to reach Shackleford for an early and socially distanced lunch. We then headed up to Puttenham Common, and more good views, helped by the trees and bracken just turning colour, and rejoined the North Downs Way, making a detour to a cafe in time for a very lovely tea stop. With time on our side we then extended the walk and crossed over to Tilford village (where one of the bridges over the River Wey is still being repaired ....) and onto Farnham Heath before taking paths through the Bourne Woods (often used for filming including Gladiator, Robin Hood), and returning to Farnham. We were in the nick of time as the heavens opened the minute we got back......
Distance 18 miles. Photograph Jill.
A Truly Socially Distanced Lunch
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Guildford Circular - 24 October
Conductor: Nigel Heys
Participants: Nigel (conductor), Danusia, Jill, Neil and Stephen
Stroll Report from Nigel:
Following a late withdrawal, five walkers left Guildford Station and headed up to St. Martha's Church and observed the view. They stopped for a coffee break near the Albury estate before continuing to Shere. Passing the church, they continued to Gomshall before climbing steeply to Hackhurst Downs and rejoining the North Downs Way. This was followed across Blatchford Down and past several pill boxes before stopping for a picnic lunch with Dorking visible in the distance.
Finishing just as a shower came they left the North Downs Way and headed for a Drove Road and Sheepwalk Lane before heading back to Netley Heath. The afternoon refreshment stop was taken at the mobile cafe at Shere Woods car park. Suitably refreshed, they passed the Tillingbourne Brewery at Old Scotland Farm and returned to Guildford Station via Pewsey Down and Guildford Castle grounds. There was a lack of social distancing visible in Guildford town centre, but the walk finished just as the heavy rain started.
Distance 21 miles.
Conductor: Nigel Heys
Participants: Nigel (conductor), Danusia, Jill, Neil and Stephen
Stroll Report from Nigel:
Following a late withdrawal, five walkers left Guildford Station and headed up to St. Martha's Church and observed the view. They stopped for a coffee break near the Albury estate before continuing to Shere. Passing the church, they continued to Gomshall before climbing steeply to Hackhurst Downs and rejoining the North Downs Way. This was followed across Blatchford Down and past several pill boxes before stopping for a picnic lunch with Dorking visible in the distance.
Finishing just as a shower came they left the North Downs Way and headed for a Drove Road and Sheepwalk Lane before heading back to Netley Heath. The afternoon refreshment stop was taken at the mobile cafe at Shere Woods car park. Suitably refreshed, they passed the Tillingbourne Brewery at Old Scotland Farm and returned to Guildford Station via Pewsey Down and Guildford Castle grounds. There was a lack of social distancing visible in Guildford town centre, but the walk finished just as the heavy rain started.
Distance 21 miles.
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Dorking Circular - 5 December
Conductor: Gavin Fuller
Participants: Gavin (Conductor) Gail, Jill, John, Rachel and Stephen
Stroll Report from Gavin:
A group of six set out from Dorking accompanied by some welcome sunshine, which remained intermittently during the day, adding atmosphere to the plenty of local wooded areas the walk passed through, starting after a traverse of Dorking’s Cotmandene with Glory Wood, continuing alongside Bents Brook and then across Holmwood Common, where the viewpoint afforded clear views of the North Downs. Next up was Redlands Wood, with a stiff climb to its highest point, then Abinger Forest, Coldharbour Common and the Duke’s Warren to lunch on the summit of Leith Hill, where the group was pleased to see the café in the tower was open, and the views towards London weren’t bad at all.
After the group had recovered from the morning session of 1,296ft of ascent in 7.7 miles, the walk descended through Wotton Common to Abinger Bottom, the bridleway from there to Friday Street being easily the busiest part of the walk in terms of people met en route. After three miles of general descent it was time for another climb through Bushy Wood and The Wilderness, before picking up the Greensand Way at Horsley Copse after the obligatory jelly baby stop. One final climb took the party to The Temple on the Nower, before descending to Dorking’s West Street in its Christmas finery, where the conductor could show off his family history in the shape of his great-grandfather’s former shop. Last up was the Meadowbank recreation ground before a return to Dorking station at dusk, having covered 16.1 miles with 1,645 ft of ascent in total, with Gavin quite gratified that he had put together a route that involved some paths new to those accompanying him.
Distance 16.1 miles. Photographs Gavin, John, Gail, Rachel.
Strollers on Top of Leith Hill
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