Epsom Downs - The Beefeater

Mincing round the Downs

Wednesday 2 February - Groundhog Day, U.S.A.

Walkers: Farty, Lil and Clat. No-one else could make it, so we moved the venue, to something closer to home.
Find of the Walk: a high visibility vest (no piccie but we did find one!)
Distance: 10 1/2 miles - honest.
Last week's distance has been queried by 'Anonymous' - who are you?!! Our mileage could not be accurately assessed due to pedometers being u/s.
Weather: grey, drab, dull - yuk.

We met on time, soon booted, and Farty looked resplendent in her new gaiters , made from the sleeves of the found fleece, a few walks back. You will see them in the road sign picture - with any luck.

Across the Downs we went, and boy, was it windy. Nothing like the cyclone expected for the poor folk of Oz, but it was a good try. Ears had to be wrapped up and lips too, for the time being.

A pleasant surprise to discover the walking signs have been updated and replaced, so we followed our clearly marked route downhill, and up again. More pleasant surprises as the horrid, narrow little path has been widened, levelled and gravelled. The mincing, however, was caused by an implement, attached to a tractor, which ravages the hedges, and spits them out - all over the footpaths. The cuprit was in sight, and in action, but we needed to trek elsewhere, and Clat spied a gorgeous little caravan, all on its lonesome, so that diverted her attention.

A little further on, and we were under the M25, through the chestnut woods ,where we saw three deer. Headley church looked as if it was on fire, due to an over-zealous pyromaniac and his bonfire, but we pressed on and out, and emerged at Headley post office. The tea shoppe is closed during the winter months , so ideas of a hot coffee went out the window. We had a quick break here, and commented on the perils of sitting on cold seats, and acquiring piles - don't go there.

This is big horse country, and we saw some magnificent specimens, and passed studs and things to keep them looking splendiferous. We emerged onto a narrow road, with very fast cars whipping along, so, instead of doing a short trek uphill, we took a different road, which was level, and wound round corners. First we found a discarded road sign , then we found a skin - couldn't really identify which animal, but it hadn't long ago been removed from its poor unfortunate owner. We got down to goat or badger -and moved it to the kerb side.

Our turning right took us up such a steep hill (Windy you would have loved this - not), that we had to proceed slowly and steadily, until we reached the summit, and our direction for home.

Quite a bit of roadage, and we were back in Headley, following a track which Farty recognised. She fell over here a year or so back, whilst performing a manoeuvre, and hurt her shoulder for months. Luckily she didn't repeat the experience, and we did some more roadage before the final path came into view. She did, however, manage to find the odd chicken coop or two, and identified each and every breed she saw.

By this time the drizzle had arrived, and, mixed with the heavy winds, meant we got quite wet. We were laden down with hazel sticks, for Clat's allotment, and this will be an ongoing exercise, as she has a lot of staking to do.

So, sticks loaded, limbs stretched and rubbed, we headed into the Beefeater, which has undergone a complete re-furb, and the results are good. Friendly staff, nice and quiet after the pensioners' lunch-time rush, and just the sort of things on the menu to satisfy our tums. Full marks.

The maps were out, and next TUESDAY 8th we shall be walking as usual. The venue is The Plough at Dormansland .
See you, or some of you? next week then .

Copthorne - The Hedgehog

Triple Action!

Tuesday 25th January - Burrrrrrns Night

Walkers: Windy, Lil and Clat - hence the title. No-one else could make it, due to various reasons, but we soldiered on.
Distance: 23 miles

Find of the walk: a green plastic chair, as modelled by Clat.

It didn't take long for us lot to assemble and set off. Clat is wearing her gaiters the right-way round, but is not used to reversing into them, which is the right-way round to do it.

We turned left along the main road, until we came to a barking hedge on a corner. Windy identified it as alsatian, and we turned left here, and down a 'metalled track'. We continued southwards and on to the Sussex Border Path. It was very muddy, with drifts of leaves, giving evidence of flooding, and there was still a lot of water flowing about.

However, at one point, a 4-wheel drive car was bearing down towards us - and with nowhere to go, we thought that at the very least, it would slow down as it passed - wrong! We were wetted - right up the back of Wind's gaiters too. Sorry to say, it was a male driver, who no doubt found the episode very funny. We hope he used his rear-view mirror as Windy very kindly gave him a digital salute.

She was also sporting her stick supplied by Farty - in true majorette style, and swirled and whirled her way up and down the paths - a true artiste in the making. - cirque de soleil next then?

Further along, and after a right turn, we came to a halt near some horses and had our break, where Windy found the find. Clat broke off into the bushes via a fly-tipping site - heading to a fly-zipping site for privacy. On her return, she was told she looked like a character from World War I coming ' over the top'.

The horses tried to make contact, thinking we had food in our pockets, but we'd just eaten it. A little while later, Windy discovered she'd left her stick behind so a hurried re-tread was performed. Therefore , she walked 23 1/2 miles.

On to Old Rowfant, past the Mill Pond and a left turn to Ley house, and southwards. We joined up with the SBP again, and another left turn, brought us to a dis-used railway , complete with old station house, and, alarmingly, an elephant crawling out of the woodwork. A little further along, different and not very friendly signage had been created with a rubber glove - 'what next'? we exclaimed.

Before reaching the road, we found a pond full of watercress. Clat did a tasting, to confirm it was this peppery salad leaf, and then Lil pointed to the large outlet pipe, and wondered how long it would be, before a keeling-over might occur- or, a bit of a blue glow. It didn't , thankfully, and on we went to Rowfant House - home for confused? perfect for us then. We got a bit lost here, but some nicer signage got us on the homeward path, and on to lunchly delights. Clat has been using her camera, but it will be a miracle if she gets them loaded ok.

We were welcomed in the pub, and had brilliant value for money - two mains for £10, although soup not recommended. The staff were friendly, and chatty, and showered us with more vouchers for Feb and March - we have to go back there soon!!!

Folks,, N.B. next week, the walk will be on WEDNESDAY 2 FEB; so we hope you remember, and can make it for our perambulations.

Forest Row - The Chequers Hotel

All Gas and Gaiters                                                     Tuesday 18th January 2011

Walkers: Farty, T.B., Windy, Mrs Provincial, Polly Possibly - now Polly Presently as she appeared!!!! , Lil, and Clat. 'Kneedless' to say Sue was seeing a specialist, so no canines today. Chris, Registrara, Hoots and Sally also in absentia - wherever that is.
Find of the Walk: A black Dunlop golfing umbrella - beautifully modelled by Token Beckham
Distance: a whopping 8 and 3/4 miles - i can hear the groans now!
We finally met-up after a bit of confusion in Forest Row, as parking spaces were difficult to find, especially ones without time restrictions. Matters were not helped by seeing two coppers busily noting down car registrations in these areas - getting ready for a booking fest later on. However, we did manage to find a free park, and we got going a bit later than usual, at 1100.

So lucky with the weather - it was clear and sunny today, after weeks of rain, and very welcome it was too. The birds were singing - marvellous.


Our route took us northwards through a veterinary centre - where was T.B.'s badge? We were then on the Vanguard Way, which had been hollowed out by the torrential rain, and was like climbing up through a stream. Farty said it was like being a salmon fighting its way up-river to spawn - she watches a lot of nature programmes. We can now substitute Forest Row for Forest Roe - ha ha ha.
No major slippages occurred, but the warmth of the day meant that layers were removed before proceeding upwards. We trundled on through wooded areas and made a right turn into Cansiron Lane which is also the Vanguard Way. This is worth giving a google, as it's history is quite fascinating , and gave a bit of light relief for our boots before we were once more in wet areas - this time across a field. The reward for us was the fantastic views - almost 360 degrees - of wonderful English countryside.

We stopped here for a break, wonderful flapjacks from Mrs P., and the gaiter conversation ensued. Father Christmas has been busy and provided Windy and Mrs P with said garments. We then discussed which way round they should be worn. Windy explained that she had had a leaflet and followed the instructions, which means Clat has been wearing hers back-to-front forever. Windy also confessed to some baginess in this area, so we solved the problem and deflated her legs. Farty broke out with a rendition of Baggy Gaiters which was her homage to Madness - don't go there folks!

We commenced a downwards traverse past a little pond, and on through some woodland - this will be fabulous in the Spring. Fields and hedgerows were taken in our stride, and we came to another pond/lake which was a fishery, complete with caravans round the edge - this was heaven for Clat, who is a 'caravanette', and can become quite an anorak on the subject. Here, we got lost. Then we lost T.B., who had had a boot malfunction - and you don't want mud down your socks where he is concerned either. He caught up with us, and we came to a very different style of stile, as it had a gate on the top - no idea what that was all about.

Eventually we got to the lower slopes, and crossed bridges over very flooded rivers and streams - one was performing an Oxbow effect according to Farty- who is still watching a lot of nature programmes. Finally, we got to the long, straight, and dry track which used to be an old railway line, and is now called the Forest Way. The pace picked up, and we passed the odd cyclist, runner, and even odder men. We noted a fenced-off area containing chickens and mountain goats, or rather, mounting goats judging by what they were up to. The blokey one was sporting a matching pair of wristbands - obviously to keep his strength up - matron.

Nearing the finish now, and a wonderful dead tree came into view, but no photos by T.B., as Farty says she thinks he has grown out of the habit, if you'll pardon the pun. The car park was a welcome sight for our weary legs, and after much brushing and rubbing-down, we got to the pub. A very happy Italian landlord in residence, and we soon had our drinks but the food took considerably longer - deduct a point. The ciabatta bread was not toasted - deduct another point - score is 18/20. The temperature could have been a little warmer as Mrs P will testify as she sat with her coat and gloves on - think we need to deduct another point - final score 17/20.

It was dark when we left the pub and outside, and Clat demonstrated her new rape alarm before we said our good-byes.

The next walk on Tuesday 25th will be texted to you. Sadly , Mrs P will not be among us for a while as she is heading off to the Sarth to supervise an erection.
We wish her luck.

Bletchingly 1 1/2 - The Whyte Harte

Mud Mud, far from glorious Mud!


Venue: The Whyte Harte, Bletchingly

Walkers: Farty, TB, Hootsmon, Miss Wendy Nohills, 12 Legs and Mrs P. Clat and Lil in Portsmouth (where hopefully there wasn't any mud!). Sal's birthday - Happy Birthday Sal! - so presumably doing birthday things
Distance: About 6 1/2 miles

Time Taken: 2hrs 40 mins

Weather: Cold, cloudy but fortunately not raining

We all gathered promptly at the allotted time and set off sharpish as Farty had to made a swift departure after lunch to see her dermy man. We were all well wrapped up against the cold, especially 8 legs who were sporting their smart winter overcoats - did we detect a tad of straining at the seams of Minnie's?! One too many mince pies?!

Farty quite rightly suggested that all I needed to say about the walk is: Mud, mud, squelch, squelch, slip, slide, more mud, more squelch for 6 1/2 miles - and that just about sums it up!

'Field of Mud'

We set off through the churchyard and the first point of interested we reached was the Old Rectory, the beautiful house used in Sense and Sensibility. Through the gates of the garden we spied what has to be the largest plant pot we've ever seen sitting empty by the outbuildings. If we had that in our garden there wouldn't be much room left for anything else! Onwards through another muddy field where our intrepid Windy started a backward slide down a little slope and ended up with a very muddy posterior! It was a day spent trying to avoid any such mishaps, particularly when we hit the "field of mud". Our hearts sank as we saw what we had to cross but there was nothing for it except to plough on through. The mud just stuck to our boots and weighed us down, and if we stopped you could feel yourself sinking deeper into the mire - lovely!

We passed under the M23 and through Nutfield Marsh where the Inn on the Pond looked good and a possible venue for the future. On the field opposite were 2 rather sad and lonely looking horses who were tethered but came up to say hello. We think they probably belong to members of the "travelling community" - I shall be very pc and use that term rather than the one we used at the time!

When we reached Nutfield itself we followed a path around the back of a housing estate where the woods had been used as dumping ground for all sort of rubbish. How can people do it? Dirty lot! We were comtemplating which path to take when we met a lovely lady with her even more lovely bull terrier who offered to help us. (That's the lady, not the bull terrier!). The dog was very well behaved and very interested in our 8 legs - Minnie did her usual thing of barking from a distance, stopped when the dog came closer but started barking again after she walked on as if to say How brave I am!!

So back on the right track to the village where we had no choice but to do some road walking, but not for too long. We then had a choice of taking the slightly longer way home or to cut it short and head straight back to Bletchingly. In view of the time spent trudging through mud the vote was for the shortest route! so we walked on, into a very dark tunnel under the M23 and up the long hill back to the pub. Despite the gloomy weather there were lovely views as we climbed up the path.

The pub as ever was really welcoming, the food great although it has to be said that the chips aren't a patch on the first time we ate there - TB kept trying them out just to make sure! Minnie was soon zipped up in her designer dog fleece, made by the ever talented Clat, and looked snug as a bug in rug. Poor TB was very long suffering as the conversation turned girlie and all sort of female complaints were aired - he rightly buried his head in the paper to await his fish and chips!

walk's end

 We were finished in good time for Farty to dash off to see her dishy consultant - hope it went well!

Next week TBA so watch out for a text! And good luck with your standby Hootsmon - hope you get something good with loads of notice and don't have to work up!

Christmas jumpers and New Year walks

Firstly, apologies for the lack of photos of the walking - Pete and Val took the photos and are not yet home to be able to send them to me (no, they're not stuck in a snowdrift somewhere, they left us to visit their 2 sons and their families in North London!)

Secondly, thought you might all like to see the wonderful results of the fabulously talented Clatters' knitting challenge! What an absolute masterpiece! Chris was just thrilled (and surprised) when he opened the present and I have to report didn't have the jumper off his back all of Christmas! Clatters, your fame is now spread far and wide as everyone wanted to know where it came from!

Now for the walking . .

Venues: Isfield to Barcombe, and Balcombe Viaduct from Ardingly

Distances: Isfield - about 6 miles, Ardingly about 6 1/2 to 7.

Times taken: Isfield 2 1/2 hrs, Ardingly 3 hrs, including stops

Walkers: Capt & Mrs P, Pete and Val (brother and sister in law)

Weather: Both days cold, damp, but luckily we avoided most showers

On New Year's day we decided the only thing to clear the muzzy heads was to put on the walking boots and head out! We also needed to work off some of those mince pies, christmas pud, brandy butter . . . the list is endless!

We set off on one of our favourite local walks (almost the one I did with Miss Nohills and Polly Possibly, but backwards this time if you see what I mean!). It's very flat (especially designed for Miss Nohills) and pretty and follows the course of the river Ouse for much of the walk. Surprisingly, it wasn't that muddy apart from having to plough across one very sticky claggy field. Being New Year's Day there were loads of walkers out, mostly big family groups with dogs and none looking very ramblerish! We decided not to stop at the pub (the Anchor at Barcombe) as it has recently changed hands and all the reports we've heard are not good, so moved swifly on and drank instead in the best local hostelry - chez us! Much cheaper and no-one has to drive home. En route home we passed the scene of our eventful cow dunking and fortunately this time the field was devoid of cows - think they must have learned their lesson and are keeping well away from the river!

Pete and Val were keen to see Balcombe viaduct, so on Tuesday (4th) we set off for Ardingly. We parked in the village close to the church and headed off down Church road towards Balcombe reservoir. I fell in love with most of the houses on this road and have decided that if ever we move - this is where it'll be! Despite the gloomy weather the view from the top of the field was just stunning and there were flocks of Canada geese flying overhead before landing in the water. Walking around the lake we came across a beautiful young black lab taking his owner for a walk and he was so excited to see us he managed to cover all our jackets in his muddy paws! We forgave him as he was so adorable . . I then began to recognise parts of the walk from previous RARA outings - however, Capt P and bro in law had as usual taken over the map reading (once a pilot and teacher, always a pilot and teacher . . .!) so Val and I did our usual thing and carried on gassing while the boys lead the way.

The field to the viaduct was incredibly muddy so we squelched our way across feeling as if we were carrying lead in our boots! However, much ooing and aahhing under the arches and everyone was suitably impressed. We then carried on retracing previous walks (mostly) and stopped 2/3rds of way round for a little 'brew-up' with sandwiches and cake! How civilised! Mind you, once we stopped it became b....y cold so we were soon back on the road. We rejoined our original tracks back at the reservoir and headed off up the long hill to Ardingly.

The walk was voted the best so far for us locally- lovely views and scenery, interesting as it has both flat and hilly bits, the reservoir, viaduct, trains, water, views - we'll do it again in the spring or summer.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a belated Happy New Year!

See you tomorrow!

Reigate Hill I

Legs 11 - or, Happy New year 2011!!!

Tuesday 4th January

Walkers: Farty, T.B. who is back in his Steve Carter vet mode, 12 Legs, Lil and Clat

Trish is in the Balcombes - relatively speaking - gettit?, Windy is on a road somewhere, returning her sister, and Registrara is working, as is Sally and Hoots.

Find of the walk: a dog lead

Distance: 8 miles, or a smidgeon off it

Weather: damp, dank, misty-fog, with trickling sun later on, and quite cold.

Well, we needed to kick-start the year with a good long walk, and what better than this one? After a few false starts - which included Chris returning to her car, we finally made it onto the view point - and what fantastic views - ha ha ha.

We met a lot of dogs and walkers, which is not the norm for us - why hasn't everyone gone back to work? they've had long enough off! Quite a few horses out and about too, so much activity in the world of four legs.

No maps required today which is just as well, as underfoot it was very muddy and slippy in parts. We headed on through Margery Wood - or wouldn't she? and over the M25 towards Walton Heath. Nothing of note to mention here, except more walkers and more dawgs. Over the motorway once more , followed by the nasty steep hill downwards, and care was taken , especially with Sue's knee, but we managed without mishap.

Good walking followed, and further on we ventured, keeping a respectable pace, and lots of chatting. The final upward hill is a long and fairly steep one, so Clat was very grateful to Chris for pushing her along - and soon the car park was in sight.

After a quick rub down - ooo matron, we jumped into our cars and headed for the Sportsman in Mogador, which is a very friendly and welcoming pub, even for the dogs, on the carpeted floor too. The food and service got top marks, and we left, feeling satisfied, albeit a little weary, ready for our next adventure.

So, folks, next Tuesday 11th we meet at Bletchingley, and that will definitely be a legs 11 on 11th - see ya xxxxxx

Walton Heath - The Duke's Head

Shoe Me The Way To Go Home (supplied by Lil) 

Tuesday 14th December

Walkers: Farty, T.B., Windy, Lil and Clat. Everyone else has commitments and stuff.

Find of the Walk: a black trainer - hence title of blog

Distance: A whopping 91/2 miles

Weather: murky, dull, damp, wet, snowy in parts, very muddy in parts, cold.

Being so few of us we were suited and booted earlier than the norm. and set off over Banstead Heath towards the pond, which was 90% frozen over, and loads of ducks were on the periphery quacking about. Here, we found a road name which was suitable for Windy, so we got her to pose - and now this is the end to references about beds! A workman nearby - who wasn't working (surprise, surprise), offered to move his 'men at work' sign for our photographic shoot - ha ha ha, but Windy carried on with her poses extraordinaire.

Upwards now, through fields and woodlands, a subway under the M25, before reaching Headley, where we had our first break. This did not last long - too cold, and we set off again, passing many horses and ponies, who were dressed in the height of fashion with their Cath Kidston and other, bright and modern coats. A bit of dressage action was also going on - and then a bit of un-dressage action, as the rider took her jacket off.

T.B. is sporting some new eyewear - making a spectacle of himself - and we admired his new look. At various points, we found items of leg gear, starting with the trainer , and then a horse leg-gaiter followed by a hoof guard - what next? Actually, it was the same pair of underpants we had found a few months back - no takers then. We also spotted three deer - the sort with the cream bottoms.

Slightly before this we encountered some hosses on the loose. It appears that they'd managed to knock their field fencing down, and one of the stiles too. The result was that they were then in the footpath proper, and judging by the amounts of poo ,er sorry, rose compost, they had been there for a goodly time. Some manoeuvres were made and we were safely past them.

There followed a very muddy and icy track and no accidents - thankfully.

Back over the M25 and on to Banstead and Walton Heaths. The Sportsman pub was heaving, and we then wondered if our pub would be packed too. However, we had to get there, and the many tracks/paths and deviants meant that a little re-arranging of our route was necessary.

We got there in the end, and were pleased to soon be in the very welcoming atmosphere of one of our fave pubs, which had space for us. The landlady (always partial to a sighting of T.B), was her usual friendly self, and we had a good meal (altho Clat had burnt skin on her jacket - potato that is). We have decided we need to nominate a pub of the year, so we welcome your suggestions please, and the winner will be told, when we next get there.

Talking of next - the walk next Tuesday 21st. Farty and T.B. will be going to Brighton for the Burning of the Clocks event in the evening. They are hoping to get there for 1130 for walking and eating beforehand. Please contact them if you wish to go too. 21st is also the shortest day of the year, so the evenings will be getting lighter from then on - marvellous.

For the rest of us - undecided at the moment, as a walk will depend on people who are 'definites', bearing in mind the way the world seems to descend into chaos and busy-ness at Christmas. Failing this, a walk is planned for 28th - hopefully.

Right, for those we didn't or will not see - our love, thoughts and best wishes to you all for Christmas and the new year. Take care and cheers xxxxxx