Bletchingley V - The Whyte Harte

The Possibilities are Endless

Tuesday: 23 November

Walkers: Farty, T.B., 12 Legs, Mrs P, Windy, Lil and Clat. Sally joined us for lunch. Registrara is working, and Hootsmon is in Delhi.

Distance: 71/2 miles

Finds of the Walk: a plastic decoy pigeon, and a colourful ballpoint pen - which worked!

Weather: sunny, chilly wind, grey skies in the background - at least it wasn't raining.

We assembled at the Whyte Harte, for our usual pre-ramble coffees and examined Windy's face. She is healing well, thank goodness, with a few visible remnants from her fall - the song 'two lovely black eyes' no longer applies. Clat's brain, on the other hand, has not improved, as she turned up with her trousers on, inside-out - time for a tablet? Sue is under the doctor (if you'll pardon the expression), with her knee, and we are hoping it will withstand today's walk.

Manly Sherlock Dawg

Heading south, west, then south again, we travelled a little of the Greensand Way, and eventually had the M23 on our right. Quite surreal , as we were in the countryside and the drivers, weren't. Soon we came to a field full of dead wood, and T.B. photographed a log which looked just like a reindeer lying down. T.B./alias Steve Carter, vet. was sporting a very nifty deerstalker, so was quickly re-named Sherlock Holmes. However, when the earflaps went down, the look changed once more, to a Deputy Dawg impression, so we shall call him Sherlock Dawg - piccie attached with him looking manly.

We came to Henhaw Farm, and crossed a field containing Shetland ponies and vertically-challenged donkeys, so we called it Heehaw Farm - haw haw haw. One of them had lovely black rings round his eyes - running with Windy then? He came over for a nuzzle and a cuddle and was given some goodies to nibble on.

Talking of which, we have to mention the weekly delights provided by Mrs P and her Aga - gorgeous concoctions of fruits, nuts and gooey things - always delicious, and very much appreciated - yum yum.

Our next venue was Burstow Park Farm, a lovely Jane Austen type building, offering fresh eggs (laid that morning, no less), and honey, so some of the party did a bit of shopping.

Some lovely open-country walking followed, and we were heading towards Outwood. Thank heavens that Lil did a reverse-look at a stile, and noticed the correct signage to turn left - otherwise we would have been horribly off-track. After many fields , mud, and the odd air shaft or two, we were soon on the final path to the pub. We spotted two fat women with 4 fat pugs - who said dogs look like their owners? Farty also pointed out another dead wood structure which looked like a screaming witch.

Yet again, a positive and warm welcome from the pub staff, who are really getting to know us, and it was all nearly perfect. Marks were lost because the original fab chips are not provided any more, and some of the fish batter wasn't crispy enough. 18/20 - still a good mark, though.

Next walk will be Tuesday 30th November, which is St Andrews Day, and Hootsmon can celebrate. Venue - The Plough at Leigh to do Leigh I - one of our originals. ta ta.

Reigate Hill II - The Yew Tree Pub

Now, Where Did I Leave My Brain?

Tuesday 16th November

Walkers: Farty, T.B., Chris 2/12 legs, Mrs Provincial aka African Queen, Registrara aka African Queen II, Hootsmon, Lil, and Clatchat.

No Wind -y today as she has taken a tumble resulting in two lovely black eyes - or was she at the Audley Harrison v Hay fight a few nights ago?
No Sue or dawgies, as she has a poorly knee and is awaiting an m.r.i. scan
Good luck to you both and hope you will be with us again very soon.

Find of the walk: a Toyota grille

Distance: 7 miles

Weather: pretty wonderful considering all the rain we've had - sunshine, blue skies, and fog earlier which caused the start of the brain loss - read on.

Today there was a smash on both sides of the wretched M25 between junctions 8 and 9. Clat and Lil departed early in order to navigate the horrendous traffic jams. Good progress was made, until Clat took the wrong lane at the approach to j8 and sailed off eastwards. Seeing the vast lines of traffic on the 'other side' she was determined to get back as quickly as possible. A heading North followed by a Westerly stretch, meant that they were only 20 mins late - marvellous. Mrs P also held up at j 8 and others had a trying time coming up Reigate Hill.

Matters were not helped by discovering that the loos on the hill were closed for repair, and there are no decent bushes at this time of year.

We did our meetings and greetings as quickly as possible - there was a bit of boot action from the back of Mrs P's car, but we assembled and departed (more brain loss later). Down the hill we went - North Downs Way - and boy was it muddy. Along the golf course - Pilgrims Way - and eventually the outskirts of Merstham Village. Across the road and along a bit, before heading steeply upwards - Windy a real fave for you.

We made it to Fanny's Farm in record time, and were met with a lovely welcome ,as we settled into the bohemian atmosphere which is typical Fanny. T.B. made a slice of cake disappear in record time, and coffees and teas were served to all. News of Windy's demise has travelled fast and far, as Fanny had provided a suitable sign. We said hello to the vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, happy in their 7" of mud and taking in the sunshine. Of course the chickens were observed and admired by - guess who?

Trekking on and enjoying the sunshine, we crossed some fields and found a man - not so odd you would think, but he was walking in a suit and tie and ordinary shoes. We asked if all was ok and he, quite flustered , told us he was - how odd, but you never know what/who you will find on our walking days.

Still maintaining excellent timings we were back at the car park , and admired Registrara's new racey, red, car. She and Hoots had to leave us so farewells were said. This is when Clat discovered more brain-draining as she found her car front door wide open, which, presumably had been left like that after her hurried departure for the walk. Well, Meriva intacta is all she could think, as nothing had been taken or interfered with - how's that for safety (and luck) then?

As our furry friends were not here today, we drove to the Yew Tree Pub and had another lovely welcome. Nothing was too much trouble, and the staff friendly and welcoming . The landlady told us she was pregnant - a surprise to her as this was baby no 3., and after a gap of 12 years , completely un-expected. She had also just sold her people-carrier car, and got rid of all the baby stuff from the loft - that is called sod's law.

Farty and T.B. had to sign a 'beef cooked rare' disclaimer, so they cannot sue for undercooked meat - what is this world coming to?

Top marks again, so we are now having to look hard on points to mark down with.

Next walk: Tuesday 23rd November - Bletchingley - The Whyte Harte - we may be cooking-up another new walk from this popular venue. keep warm and keep dry. xxxxxx

East Grinstead - Dunnings Mill

Un-hinged and Bracket

Tuesday 2nd November

Walkers: Farty, T.B., 12legs, Windy, Clatchat and Lil

The African Queen (aka Mrs P) is suffering with kofta balls, Registrara is in Sarth Africa, Sally - where are you?, Hootsmon - unable to make it.

Find of the walk: the bracket - some of us are, however, un-hinged.

Weather: Grey, windy in parts, some sunny spells - very mild.

Distance: 8 1/2 miles, and according to Janet Street Pawter, we only need to walk 9 miles a week to stave off alzheimers - nearly there folks.

Gathered together, ready for the off, and so eager that we missed the correct start of our route. After a little way up a little hill, we returned and found the right route - right outside the pub. We walked northwards, behind some big houses and came across an ornamental duck pond with different varieties of our beaky friends. The duck-house had been tethered - no more floating voters then? A stack of wooden pallets also took our attention especially when Farty uttered the word 'buggeries'. She meant a home for bugs and we thought different - moving swiftly on...........................

Found bracket with Arborfield Buggery

A little bit of roadage and on to the next track, where we were nearly knocked flying by a corpulent male who filled his little jeep with himself. He glared at us and we noted a plastic pig was covering his tow-bar - says it all really. We arrived at a land-fill site which was also the site of the latest workings for the Bluebell Railway, and the track has been laid thus far - good news. We found Meeester Pig again, and this time he was friendly. As it turned out he worked for a local gun shop and was there to test some shotguns, which interested Clat as she used to do clay-pigeon shooting.

Our route then took us across open and muddy fields, with a wind that sprang up from nowhere - skiddy stuff, so we were pleased to be out and on to the Sussex Border Path. Some lovely countryside then followed - wide grassy avenues, vistas, and the glorious colours of an English autumn to be seen. At one point Farty transformed herself into a Thai bride, as a sweet chestnut decided to open up and land on her head - ' sawadika ' as they say over there.

A quick break and more lovely countryside - quite a few footbridges too, and eventually we came to Fenn Place Mill - a gorgeous home for someone. We were now heading southwards and came to Kingscote Station, on the Bluebell line. A quick chat to the stationmaster meant that the 'Fenchurch' was running today, with an observation carriage. We had a deadline to meet if we were going to see this iron beast in action so on we went, met a lovely Jack Russell called Booey, who laid a stick at T.B.'s feet, and arrived in time at our viewing point. T.B. got as close to the tracks as possible, whipped out his device, and photographed the on-coming train. We waved at the occupants, and they waved back - mission accomplished, although T.B. wondered out loud if any of us had brought some red knickers to wave - what HAS he been watching?

Homeward bound - we tracked through Mary Wood, The Rough, and High Wood, passed some hockey pitches and the Scientology place (heavily guarded), finishing along the High Weald Landscape Trail.

We were more than ready for our food and drink - we ate indoors and all was good although for Windy un oeuf was not enouef , but the fault was rectified. Forgot to mark it but reckon it was all pretty perfect. T.B. said the men's loo was good.

The next walk: Tuesday 9th November (we know already that Mrs P will not be coming - it's her birthday!): Reigate Hill - with, hopefully, a stop for cawfeee at Fanny's Farm. Cheerio x

Leigh IV - The Plough

Put That In Your Pipe And Smoke It! (kindly supplied by Windy)

Tuesday 26th October - blimey, soon be Christmas AND, the clocks go back next weekend, folks.

Walkers: Farty, T.B. (who was going commando today - with his leg gear), 10 Legs, Windy, Lil and Clat. SALLY JOINED US FOR LUNCH! HELLO LOVE!!!

Mrs P has gone back to her roots, literally, as she was at the coiffurist. No Registrara or Hootsmon.

Distance: 81/2 miles - woweeeee

Weather: well, it started off ok, a bit grey and claggy (as they say up North), but the rain (or a front, as they say out at sea), came in, the wind blew up, and we got rather damp.

Find of the Walk: a skip, full of goodies -more later - that should keep your taste buds going.

We set off along Clayhill lane and turned a left, to begin the walk proper. Our route led us down towards Mynthurst Farm where, once again, electric fencing seemed to prevent our intended route, and we detoured through the farm itself. Heading East we eventually arrived at Hammond's Copse Nature Reserve, where the plentiful bushes allowed a plentiful choice of relief - oh, and we had our break here. We had already seen one deer and a multitude of pheasants - all getting ready for the shooting season I fear. A 'bantams for sale' sign took the attention of our eggy friends, but we soon got them back on track.

put that in your pipe...

This then led on to Ram Field, and Ewood Farm, where we saw another deer, and along we went to Swires Farm . The weather closed in and we closed up - all very quiet, as we were buffeted along in the wind and the squalls. Mutterings from T.B. confirmed that he was not enjoying this very much. Then we found the skip, just by the sewage works, and a great rummaging ensued. Vintage Singer sewing machines, day-glo jackets, baby's bath, framed pictures, notepads - soooo much stuff. Farty gave us a demo with her 'hooker's ' pipe, and came away with a blue glass vase, and a fleece for T.B. - result!!

The sewage works lived up to its fragrant best, and by now we had all had enough. Right then, drastic steps were taken - ha ha ha. and we took the most direct route possible, to get home. This entailed a bit of road work, where we found a lovely mushroom tree, and then we arrived back at base, to find a funeral gathering, so it was a bit crowded.

The pub was very welcoming and the landlady was brilliant. Friendly, efficient, cheerful and so organised. It took us a while to compose ourselves, Windy stating she looked like Hitler will give you the gist of how things were............ However, lunch was served, and that was excellent, so full points in all areas. We shall be back !!!!!!

Next walk: Tuesday 2nd November - should be from Dunnings Mill Pub, East Grinstead. Don't be late or early - depending on which way you swung your pendulums at the weekend.

Tandridge - Barley Mow

Tuesday 19th October Barley Mow Tandridge
Walkers; farty 12 legs registrar hootsmon
weather: fab blue sky & cool breeze
Distance: um... forgot step counter probably 6-7 miles
Time; 3 hrs
Weather: fab blue sky cool breeze
Find of the walk: chestnuts!
Did the usual walk backwards crossing A22, up Breakey Hill picking up the Greensand Way turning & north thru Garston Park & then back via Garston Farm. Uneventful except for moved footpath which is still confusing & unsigned. Breakey Hill House worth a mention, but no info.
charming waiter at the pub with chris enjoying 'senior ham egg & chips'
score: 17

Rusper - The Plough

Bogeys, Balls and Bogs

Tuesday 12 October

Walkers: Farty, T.B. (Vet), Windy, Clat and Judy, (who we shall call Lil ).

Distance: 8 miles - wow

Weather: Perfect for walking - light, bright, and clear, and a temperate temp.

Find of the Walk: an abandoned motor bike -Honda City no less, and a blue ironing board

The others were absent - for all sorts of reasons, but we do know that 12 legs' Mum had a chinese dental appointment - at toof hurty, and Sue has knee problem (get well soon).

Clat doing extreme ironing!

While I am on preliminaries, if a walk is cancelled any week, then the proposed venue for that date will be carried forward to the next walk - a sort of rollover so to speak. Right, now that that is 'sorted' we shall proceed.

And so we did - through the tiny hamlet of Rusper and out , along, and downwards in a southerly direction. Beautiful weather, and the skies (well, full of aircraft mainly, as we were close to LGW ). We encountered some chicken runs, where our new proud parents (Farty and T.B.) oooooo-ed and aaaaaaah-ed over the feathery occupants of the runs. Their new babies are called Marcy, Miranda, and Joanie - and they have settled in well and proving to be a good lay - hmm hmm. We passed Rusper Court Farm, through fields and on into Furze Field, which was in fact a wood, full of firs- and we had to do a zig zag walk, with mushrooms galore, which eventually brought us out onto a farm track.

Along this we stopped for our refreshments by some old farm equipment. All was well, until a dog began to bark generously, and a hippie/hooker/druggie type woman appeared, and said 'can i help you' in a Lurch-type voice. We should have asked for 5 coffees, but said we were stopping for a break, if that was o.k. At this, she just turned round in a ~Stepford Wife fashion and walked away - how odd, and this keeps on happening in these areas around the airport - is it the jet fumes? have they been hit on the head by ice from the wings? or is it just good old-fashioned inter-breeding? We didn't stay long ..............................

Further on we saw lots and lots of pheasants -all getting ready for the shooting season - they have to learn to duck - ha ha ha .

The track led us into urban areas, and a few unsavoury types were encountered. This could be such a pretty area - but it isn't. We were walking beside Ifield Mill Pond - and ended up at the Mill itself (open on the last Sunday in the month). We proceeded up the Rusper Road, and due to some silly signage, ended up in someone's front garden. Retracing our steps, we continued on to the Ifield Golf and Country Club. Determined to claim our right of way we carried on through the car park, where we heard men comparing their bogies (how unsavoury). After the club house, we were soon on the fairway and playing hit and miss with the players who were playing hit and miss with their balls. They missed a few 'cos we found 3 of them once we were on the outside of the course boundaries. A dead tree took T.B.'s attention, and we stumbled on to Stumblehome Farm. Here, Lil stumbled onto some spectacular mud which looked flat and firm - wrong. A very impressive imprint followed, of her boot and her lower leg - a homage to the miners trapped in Chile.

Lil also spotted a deer, and we saw herons, chooks (again) and llamas. A very friendly donkey came over to us, and after giving us a very loud heeeeee-haaaaawing welcome, let us cuddle and stroke him for as long as we wanted. His coat was a bit like a dirty carpet - every time we patted him, he produced clouds of dust.

We were nearing home and picked up the initial part of our outward journey, but this time it was uphill - so the pub was a very welcome sight. The pub serves food all day now, and the landlady was friendly and welcoming. Here are the scores: Food 4 (chips cannot beat Bletchingley), Service 5, Ambulance 5, Value 5. A cracking 19 points.

Next week - Clat and Lil are away so Farty will be letting you know what and where. If she forgets, then please get in touch with her.

Bletchingley IV The Whyte Harte

Hips and Haws (yes, this is the right spelling!)

Tuesday 28th September

Walkers: Farty , 12 legs , Mrs Provincial, Clat and Judy- No T.B. as he was out celebrating his grandson's lst birthday. , and that meant no camera, so no piccies - sorry folks. Windy is away in the Balearics, and Sally is preparing for a 9 day epic round the antipodean areas. The others - working or busy.

Distance : 7 3/4 miles - excellent

Find of the walk: a fuchsia (yes, this is the right spelling again) balloon

Weather : grey and miserable throughout (but we weren't). quite warm , and drizzle came on later.

After the initial caffeine hits in the hotel bar, we were booted and ready for off. Down Church Lane and past the houses which Windy had 'posed' in front of. The effect of which, has resulted in two of them already up for sale - no comment. It was here that Mrs P trod in some doggie do, but managed to scrape it all off - yuk. Further up the road we came to the ho ho house with the permanent Christmas decorations outside, before turning left onto the Greensand Way.

We did a good forking off and stopped to pick some rosehips - Clat's latest idea to make jelly. (Apparently you can only make rosehip syrup - but don't get the seeds on your bits, as these are used for itching powder).

We then turned left and yet again, mislaid the correct track and ended up on the wrong side of the disused workings. We climbed a hill and proceeded along a high and wooded area - evidence to be seen of much wood-peckering action. To one side, the path has eroded alarmingly with trees literally teetering on the edge, and we had to restrain Minnie from doing a kamikaze manoeuvre.

We came to a road, turned in the wrong direction, and then got distracted by some massive tractors and trailers, roaring along and not really bothering about who , or what, was in their way. We retraced our steps and found the right path.

More wooded areas and lots of stops as Farty, complete with her 'what you can eat' mushroom book, went into raptures about the many species she could identify - a mushroom mecca. Then, weirdly, just as we were chatting about encountering odd 'types' on a walk, we bumped into one. Moving swiftly on.......

We came to a junction, called The Enterdent , which is nothing to do with teeth, but Sue's new crown does look good.

Some woods then led us towards Godstone Farm, which has been shut (due to an e-coli outbreak), but now re-opened , with very few visitors today. We looked at some various goats and watched them jumping about, until Minnie went on the verbal attack, and we withdrew.

Next was the track up through Garston Park, which is where the blog photo was taken, a few cows were avoided, and two giant schnauzers weren't - and Minnie went verbal again. Hey ho, all was well, and we came back on the correct side of the disused workings - bingo! we cracked it.

Walk finished, into the bar for our food and drink - all good, think it is top scores as no-one seemed to complain. We are trying to think of some names for Farty's 3 hens, which she is hoping to obtain soon - how about scrambled, boiled and fried?

Next week we are meeting at the Plough in Rusper. You can park in the village car park opposite, and prepare yourself for another rip-roaring and exciting perambulation round Surrey.