Ardingly - The Gardeners Arms

Thursday 29th December

Blob of Deer, I Think I Can, and Half of Us Will See Something

Walkers: Farty, T.B., 8 Legs, Windy and Clat.

Distance: 7 miles

Find of the Walk: 0

Here we are again, still full of Christmas cheer (and pudding), and we met on a rather grisly and grey day, but never mind, we were up for it.

Farty has carefully engineered this walk to time with two sightings on the Bluebell Railway as today is choo-choo outing day. Off we went into some immediately muddy terrain, but wait, what was this in the woods yonder? Dozens of wonderful deer, all shapes and sizes, and of course their very ownT.B.(token blonde).

What a marvellous thing to witness, as they bounded off into the distance, and we bounded off on our track, and came, very shortly, to another deer. This one, was static and brightly lit - and a bit of posing had to be performed.

We concentrated on our paths - lots of hills and fields, and some very pretty walking - we imagined it in the Spring, and that kept us going. At the refreshment area, our Sue managed to slide into her 'comfort stop' but no accidents to clothing etc. We carried on and upwards once more.

We arrived at the track in time to witness the chuffers going one way then t'other. This is where some of the walk's title comes into play, as we reminisced about train songs from our past, and our Windy reckoning that the way we were dotted about the track, then all aspects of observations were covered.

However the engines were on back-to-front, and were reversing with their carriages. We waved and some passengers waved back. T.B. took some pics and further along, he took some more. Here we found some dedicated train anoraks, complete with their cheese sandwiches, who were there for the day we thought. We weren't - we had a pub to catch. We soldiered on to Horsted Keynes station, nicely bedecked with baubles and garlands, and noticed a garden of remembrance for railway enthusiasts - sleepers surrounded by sleepers. (she should write for the tabloids! Ed.)

A wee bit of roadage followed and Farty did a very good job of re-routing us so that we were not late for the pub. We carried on through private lands , with worryingly early signs of Spring, with things like rhododendrons coming into flower - one lot of frost and they will suffer - such a shame. Onwards and upwards.

The rain never left us alone for long, and with the driving wind, we had to take shelter at one point in a cricket pavilion.

The end came into view in the shape of Ardingly village, and we stayed on the roadway until arrival at the pub.

Inside, it was warm and welcoming, and the waitress found us a lovely cosy area all to ourselves. Food was lovely - it always is here, and the service was excellent. We ate, drank, and had a lousy quiz from Clat - she got it from the Daily Telegraph, so that was soon binned.

Time to go - we shall be walking on Tues 3rd.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL !!!!!!!

Warnham - The Sussex Oak / The Wise Owl

We're Only Here for the Deer

Tuesday 12th December

Walkers: Farty, T.B., Mrs P. , Windy, 6 Legs, Lil and Clat. Sadly, Chris unable to make it as Brian has had a heart attack. We all wish him well and our love to both of them.........................................

Find of the walk: - loadsa mud

Distance: 7 -ish miles

We met after a very wet and windy night, so debris and carnage was around and about. It was also chilly so after catching-up on Chris/Brian, we crossed the road and on into some very muddy areas. The rain has certainly left its mark, and so we slipped and slid our way round. Minnie was wearing her new Christmas ruff kindly supplied by Mrs P, so she looked very regal and seasonal in her gear.

Not long after we entered the deer park - a squall caught us amidships and the ensuing rainbow was grand - too quick for our T.B., cos it had gone by the time his equipment emerged. However, he did take some pics of two magnificent stags with candelabra antlers. They were segregated from the 'girls', and no doubt knackered after their rutting season.

We then entered the 'girls' area or hinds as they are called. They were very timid and cautious as we picked our way across their grazing grounds - so pretty, and looking grand in their winter coats. Here, we had our break, and once again Mrs P had surpassed all expectations with mince-pies out of this world. Her pastry was so 'short' it was almost horizontal - wowzer as they say somewhere in this world.

We crossed a very busy A281 and on into some wonderful woodlands and countryside. The sun shone down on us and helped us on our way, especially coping with some very muddy fields, which gave us 5" platforms by the time we'd finished.

Farty looked concerned - we were behind time and the pub apparently stops food at 2.30 with last orders around 2.15. No problem we thought - we shall phone ahead as suggested by the landlord on a previous visit. Farty made the call at the l.o. time and was told that was fine. She took orders, and 'phoned back. In the short lapse between these calls, it became clear that a 'dis-agreement' had taken place in the kitchen, and the chef refused to partake in cooking our lunches. The matter did not rest here.................................

We arrived at the pub, 2.30 on the dot. Farty, suited and still booted, entered to sort out the problem. Bar staff extremely apologetic and blamed it on the chef. T.B. then went in and voiced his opinion, too - more apologies and was told that this would never have happened if the landlord had been there. Too right it wouldn't, so Farty will be writing to complain - and you wonder why there is a recession?

Keep Calm and Carry On, as it says on the tin - so we did. We made haste to The Wise Owl further up the road serving food all day. And all was going well until we made our entrance, only to discover that no way are dogs allowed . So, sadly we had to bid farewell to 6 legs and exchange our Christmas greetings. Our intended seasonal lunch is now put on hold, and we shall celebrate properly in January.

The staff made us welcome and we had a very pleasant lunch with reasonable prices.

 

So, next week no walk is planned due to the impending festivities on the calendar. There is a possibility of a walk on 29th and of course you will be contacted as and when. In the meantime we wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas, and the best of times for 2012.

Reigate Hill II - Merstham The Feathers

Tuesday 6 December

Don't Look Back

Walkers: Farty, T.B., 6 Legs, Mrs Provincial, Windy now back with her back, Clat - Sally joined us for lunch.

Find of the Walk: a tennis ball which Minnie found interesting - for a bit.

Distance: 61/2 miles

A reverse of the route for Reigate II today, so we set off at the end, so to speak.

It was very sticky underfoot with lots of 'glorious' mud, so the added weight to our boots, added to our workout.

We started off through many fields of turnips on their way, and Farty made a mental note for harvesting later on. It was cold today, made worse by the winds , but the promised forecast of bright sunshine never materialised.

Minnie was sporting her new winter coat but the rear leg elastics had to be removed cos she kept on cocking her leg - she is all woman or bitch, but that doesn't sound very nice.

Shortly before our arrival at Fannie's Farm we had a break and the most deeeeeelishous brownies supplied by Mrs P (the cakes, not mini girl guides). We do appreciate her wonderful goodies and are happy to road test her offerings every time! A spot of shopping was performed here and then on towards the long sloping hill which took us down to Gatton Bottom. A very narrow winding road without pavements occurs here, so we carefully navigated this before crossing the M25 over a high footbridge, and on to the outskirts of Merstham. We spied our intended pub, but thought it best to soldier on, due to the weight of mud on our boots.

 So up and over and along through the golf course, then through the school where the youngsters were playing their sports games, with very young-looking teachers supervising them- or are we getting old? Anyway, from then on it was a long, slow and gradual ascent towards our goal - the car park. At the top we congratulated ourselves on our achievements, did not plant a flag, and quickly freshened up and off to our lunch venue.

The Feathers has had a transformation, new menus etc., and what bargains to be had. A main meal meant a free starter or pud. Or, you could have two 'mains' for just under a tenner. The food was excellent, and very nicely presented. I suppose the only comment from myself and Mrs P was the lack of heating ,or even a nice open fire to gaze at and feel warmer, however she did manage her food with her gloves on, and we were fleeced to the eyeballs.

We were not fleeced with our bill - everything was reasonable and well worth a re-visit.

Talking of which, next week Tues 13th we are assembling at the Sussex Oak in Warnham for another dip into the lovely menu there, and all those wonderful pies. Ta ta xxxx

Earlswood - The Joshua Tree

T'was a Windy Day - Without Her

Tuesday 29th November
Walkers: Farty, T.B., 8 Legs, Mrs Provincial, Lil and Clat.

No Windy today, on account of her latest appearance in the kitchen-sink drama 'U-Bend Over', which is exactly what she did, and ricked her back. We wish her a speedy recovery and a return to walkability.

Find of the walk: various garments

Distance: 7 miles - just

Bit of a dreak morning as they say up North, but we were game on after only a slight hesitation due to some rain showers. Heavy rain forecast for later on, and that happened - after our walk. However, it was very windy today, and a bit chilly, so hats and warm-wear was the order for the day.

We blew over some of the golf-course, and came to the Earlswood Park Hospital which is now a very developed housing estate. A road called Asylum Arch Way should give you a clue as to what this place was originally built for.

Here we found a pair of black knickers - not in the best condition, and this was followed by a pair of long black sox - more later. We were very soon, and surprisingly for this area, into areas of fields, woodland and views. Loads of stiles today, which beats the ones we find in Leigh. A little bit of the Greensand Way before heading South towards Masons Bridge Road, where we found everything under the sun had been ejected from vehicles - cups, dishes, rubber mats, a size 16 brown jacket and more - it was literally littered with litter.

Back on a safe footpath once more to cross a not- so -safe, very busy, multi-track railway line. The trains whizz past at an alarming speed and not one gave us a nee-nah.

Into some woodland now, where the wind dropped completely and we had our break with the lovely muesli bars supplied by Mrs P. Here Minnie Ewbank came into her own as she picked up any crumbs which happened her way. Onwards then, and back into the wind. Delightful walking for a goodly way ensued, with coppiced woods, pebbled streams - and hedge laying.

Towards the end we came to the Earlswood Lakes smothered in birds, and some more clothing - this time a stretchy, red, Anne Summers top which looked as if it had been ripped from its owner - what a night this young lady seems to have had - wonder if she knows Tara from Ardingly?

Lots of discussions on the walk: T.B. has been making mustards so we were getting his marketing slogan sorted_ Martin's Magnificent Mustards for Real Men - watch this space. Mrs P informed us that some tattoos on women are called 'tramp stamps', and we agreed that Jilly Johnson is looking good for her age - we are a diverse bunch really.

Right then, back to the pub. Food prices are excellent - and quite a varied menu. We were served at the table, and no complaints were heard. A quiz or two followed, and then we left, as it was very wet outside and getting dark - back to the dreak then.

Next week's walk is a t.b.a. xxxxx