A CHILLY CHRISTMAS WALK

VENUE: REIGATE HILL

WEATHER: B ..... COLD! BUT BRIGHT - VISIBILITY NOT GREAT.

WALKERS: CLATCHAT, FARTY FALLOVER, TOKEN BLOKE, 12 LEGS, WEEPY WENDY NOHILLS, MRS PROVINCIAL

WE GATHERED AT REIGATE HILL CAR PARK ON A FREEZING COLD MORNING WHERE THE WIND CHILL MADE IT FEEL LIKE AT LEAST 5 DEGREES BELOW! MANY LAYERS, SCARVES, HATS, HEADBANDS AND THICK GLOVES WERE THE ORDER OF THE DAY. LITTLE MINI WAS LOOKING VERY WARM, SNUG AND SEASONAL (AND THE HEIGHT OF SARTORIAL ELEGANCE) IN HER SANTA OUTFIT, COMPLETE WITH HAT AND BELT! POOR JOSEPHINE LOOKED VERY JEALOUS, BUT APPARENTLY THERE WERE NONE IN THE SHOP TO FIT HER. DISCUSSIONS ON THE WALK ENSUED REGARDING POSSIBILITY OF ALTERING CHILDREN'S FLEECES TO FIT. A JOB PROBABLY BEST SUITED TO OUR WONDERFUL CRAFTSWOMEN OF THE GROUP, THE NEWLY RETIRED CLATCHAT . . .

SOME LOVELY DOGGIES EN ROUTE, INCLUDING AN ADORABLE DOGE DE BORDEAUX PUPPY (NONE SPORTING SANTA OUTFITS THOUGH!). PASSED THROUGH A FIELD OF HORSES WHERE YOURS TRULY, MRS PROVINCIAL, HAD THE FALL OF THE WALK - A SPECTACULAR DIVE HEADFIRST INTO THE DAMP GRASS/MUD. OUCH.

FACILITIES TO EASE ONESELF - NOT BAD, BUT SEVERAL OTHER WALKERS AROUND! ANOTHER CONVERSATION ENSUED REGARDING HAVING A WAZ....IT WAS DECIDED THAT LADIES COULDN'T HAVE A WAZ AS TO DO SO WOULD MEAN THEY WOULD NEED A WAZZER, SO THAT HONOUR FALLS TO TOKEN BLOKE. . .US LADIES JUST HAVE WIDDLES, PRESUMABLY MEANING WE HAVE A WIDDLER?? OH DEAR, THE COLD OBVIOUSLY SCRAMBLED OUR BRAINS!!

WENDY NOHILLS HAS ALSO ADDED A DOUBLE BARREL TO HER NAME, AS TODAY SHE WAS DEFINITELY WEEPY-WENDY NOHILLS AS HER POOR EYES DIDN'T STOP STREAMING ALL WALK.

FIND OF THE WALK: NOTHING OF NOTE, JUST A SAD LOOKING BEANIE HAT ON A POST. THERE WAS A BEAUTIFULLY MADE CAMP IN THE WOODS, MADE FROM ENTWINED BRANCHES.

LUNCH: THE YEW TREE, REIGATE HILL. A LOVELY WELCOME - ROARING FIRE AND VERY FRIENDLY, ACCOMMODATING STAFF. DEFINITELY OUR FAVOURITE WALKING PUB - LOVELY GRUB TOO. TOKEN BLOKE THOUGHT ALL HIS CHRISTMASES HAD COME AT ONCE, AS NOT ONLY WAS HE OFFERED TO WARM HIS FROZEN HANDS UP ON MRS PROVINCIAL'S HOT THIGHS, BUT HE THEN WAS OFFERED, AND ACCEPTED, A FEEL OF CLATCHAT'S MUCH ADMIRED MERINO WOOL VEST. WHAT A COUPLE OF TROLLOPS!

NEXT VENUE: TBA Tuesday Jan 5th

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

The Pig of Happiness!

The Pig of Happiness!

Fill Your Boots But Don't Look Back!

Tuesday 24 November

Hedgehog Pub, Copthorne

Walkers: Farty, T.B. , Mrs P., yours truly - Sally met us for lunch with her knees

Weather: very windy, mild, some spits and spots of rain - grey and forbidding skies

Conditions: yuk - very muddy and very wet in parts - ooooo matron

Another route from this venue - there are loads more to come. The circular walk started towards the West and round we went. It was obvious by the lack of signs, missing stile parts, and chained gates, that walkers are not encouraged in these parts.

Find of the walk: a row of plastic tulips

Not many livestock fields encountered - a couple of baby cows, and a few with sheep in., one with horses. Level ground virtually throughout, which would have suited Windy, but many parts very wet and waterlogged. A plane-spotter was spotted at one point - he had forgotten his sandwiches, and, close by, was a discarded old sofa, with bun-style feet. What was once a magnificent specimen, had been carelessly dumped and left to the elements - such a shame.

We passed close to Burstow Church (under renovation), and numerous farms, most of which were selling eggs. We noticed large gatherings of hens, and the cockerel 'sorting them out', which was all over in a flash - no comment. For those not on the in-continent plan, it is advisable to take relief early on in this walk, as open fields abound, later on. No looking back was the order of the day, whilst the reliefeeeeee had to duck down en-route, and hope for the best.

The sight and sounds of aeroplanes was constant - how could anyone live here? At times, you could almost touch them they were that low. However we had mud to attend to, and before long, loud expletives were heard coming from Mrs P (we were shocked!). Her once beautifully clean and buffed boots had succumbed to the quagmire, and she was millimetres away from a total submerge in the shud (shit and mud). However she soon regained her composure in time to navigate the lake which was once the footpath, and here, T.B. almost had a slippage.

However, we completed the walk in approx 3hrs, and about 7 miles - mud is heavy and slow-going. Lunch in the pub was good, as before, and excellent value.

Next walk: not confirmed as yet, so please keep blogging on for updates.

updates

Hi Everyone.,

just to let you know that although i am blogging each week, it isn't flagging up as before, with an alert e mail for you, so please go on the the website for news and info. martin is putting the photos into my drafts (if you'll pardon the expression) which may be where the problem is occurring. once i have left b.a., i shall try and do photos myself. xxxxx

That's the way I Leigh like it!

Tuesday 17 November - Plough Pub Leigh

Weather: bright, clear, very sunny, breezy and mild - fab

Walkers: Farty, T.B., Windy (not wheezy any more), Clat.

Distance: 7 miles - felt longer due to heavy mud and flooding conditions

Find of the Walk: Stuffed Rodent

Due to recent heavy rainfalls, much of the walk was flooded and muddy, and very slippery, but we all managed to remain upright.

This was a new walk, designed by Farty, and crossed some of our previous paths, so the odd sounds of footpath recognition could be heard from time to time. No livestock had to be walked through, although we did pass a herd of baby bullocks, and, later on, some small , very thick-coated sheep. one had a very noticeable cough - is this where the dish lamb kofta comes from?

Met a group of walkers who were an opposite composition of our group - all men, except for a token woman, who held things up whilst she oooooed and ahhhhd over a small footbridge. Masses of berries on the holly bushes - is this a sign of a hard winter to come? Fabulous views, and nearly 360 degree vistas in some parts. We passed by a school which did its level best to hide the way-markers, but we soon sorted that out.

We arrived at the pub after approx 3hrs, and had some fab food. A gorgeous 11week old springer spaniel was there, called Semtex - a dodgy dawg? The Plough Pub at Leigh

Next walk: Tuesday 24th Nov, at the Hedgehog, Copthorne 1030.

schools, pools and spotty toadstools

Wednesday 11 November - Armistice Day - Meeting Point: The Hedgehog Inn at Copthorne
Weather: oh dear! Wet at the start, damp in the middle, wet at the end (sounds like a lurid sex film)

Find of the walk: The Incredible Hulk - who had been suckered off!!

Length of walk: about 10 miles, apparently.

Walking today were: Farty (who, living up to her name, had apparently done a spectacular fall into some bracken, a few days ago, losing her glasses. however, they were retrieved the next day). Token Bloke, Wheezy (the cold/cough is nearly gone now) Wendy No hills, 12 legs, and yours truly.

The Hedgehog hosts are very accommodating, so parking there is no problem. We set off in the rain, at 1045, and at 11 we stopped for a two-minute silence by a farm gate. This done, the walk continued through varied and interesting countryside, and no big hills to climb, much to Wend's delight , and comfort. Talking of which, there are plenty of places to relieve oneself on this route.

We found numerous fungi, some of which was photographed by t.b. - (I am going out with a mushroom tonight, he seems like a really fun guy - ha ha ha ha ha.) We walked near the Cheshire/Heatherly homes, Rowfant House, a monastery, which conveniently rang its bell as we passed, and we noted the 'retreat' huts in the grounds. A quick stop in Crawley Down, to get a coffee in the deli, and marvel at the cheeses on display, and the meat next door.

Most of the stiles were slippery, and members invented ways of climbing over and around them. We thought we were doing o.k. on the livestock front, until we found a field of some pretty big b---ers, and two of the 12 legs was last seen vaulting fences and heading off into the distance at an impressive olympic pace - but we found her again! later on we saw lllllllllllamas, and Minnie Meee did a spectacular job of trying to round up some unsuspecting quail and pheasants.

A lot of variety on this walk- in fact, it seemed to have a bit of everything. On our return, the food at the pub was excellent, especially as two mains cost £10. The pie of the day, had a blow-up topping, and the ham was pink and healthy, just like us!


Next Walk: Tuesday 17th November - The Plough, Leigh. We shall be walking the alternate route, so we may see some more llllllllllllllllllamas. ALSO
POSSIBLY Thursday 19th November - things are hotting up!

Walkers Wheelers Views & Vistas - 8 long miles but no sign of blisters

WEDNESDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2009

Meeting point; The Plough at Leigh
weather: brisk breezes, sunny and clear in the morning, 1500 rain

Walkers: Farty, Token, 12 legs, Clat.

Quite a few groups of walkers to be found, thankfully, not in our way. One, belonged to a group of 4-wheeler Morgan owners, who left their prized possessions outside the pub.

A bit wet underfoot, but on the whole, a good day for walking - views and vistas excellent, although the wind has blown off what were fabulous leaf colours. One couple were observed walking straight through a field of freshly sown crops - honestly! We, on the other hand, kept to the side and tutted a lot. One field did have livestock, much to the alarm of Chris (understandably), so Farty and Token 'headed them off at the pass', but those young bullocks were very interested in black , furry bundles of dog. Unfortunately Chris lost her oranges and water, running across said field, but we made it to the other side o.k.

Not much to pick, and hardly any places to relieve oneself - that cold wind does get into the vitals. No 'find of the day' today, but the pub was good as usual. This is a good venue for all of us we think, so Clat and Mon are going to draw up some more walks from here.

Right - next walk - Wednesday 11th november, which will start from the Hedgehog pub, in Copthorne. 12 legs know the venue, but, take exit junction 10 off m23, at the second roundabout - Duke's Head, take second turning - Mill Lane, (which is showing as 'road closed', but go down in). Go past the school, keep going, and the pub is at the bottom - got it? good luck - see you there next week, at 1030.

Piccies to follow. xxx

TANDRIDGE AND CHIPS TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2009

TANDRIDGE AND CHIPS 20th OCTOBER 2009

START POINT: Barley Mow, Tandridge Lane, Tandridge

WALKERS: Farty Fallover, Sal, Wendy Nohills and Mrs Provincial


DISTANCE: 16.19 k, 10 miles (phew!)

TIME TAKEN: 3 1/2 hrs

WEATHER: Cloudy and quite chilly - autumn is here!

PLUSES: Great company (of course!), good views from the Downs, lots of lovely ponds/lakes, lots of friendly dogs, including a beautiful brindle boxer looking like he should - with his tail intact and wagging!! A few free foods in the form of the last of the blackberries, Godstone Church and the gorgeous cottages around it (Wendy Nohills went quite yellow with envy). Watching the mad cyclists cycling UPHILL on the steepest part of the walk (and also a jogger with his dog) - made us feel so much better as we were heading DOWNHILL at the time! The wonderful homemade chips awaiting us at the Barley Mow - and the roaring log fire!

MINUSES: The new detour around the quarry south of the M25 which added at least a mile or so to the walk - very boring and frustrating, particularly since it was only closed off a few days ago. I've just noticed on the map that the area is called Big Pickle - how appropriate! A not very attractive burned out car just north of the M25. The hill after the car! (We didn't tell Wend it was coming, but she managed brilliantly. . .) A few walking wounded at the end of the walk - brave Sal's knee started to play up, as did W-Nohill's blister, and poor Fartyfallover was suffering with her (or was it Token Blokes?! Sorry Mart!) cold - however, considering it was a 10 miler, think they all did brilliantly.

FIND OF THE WALK: Blue cycle helmet/hard hat, and a child's pink croc shoe. Neither of any use to man nor beast! . . . . and both quite filthy dirty!

Looking forward to our next meet - girl's boozy lunch in Croydon, Davy's Wine bar, 12.30 Tuesday 27 October. See you all there!

Sid

Sid (named after Sid Vicious! Oh, my lord!) arrives tomorrow afternoon!

As you can see Sid is an extremely handsome 6-7 month old grey tabby and white kitten - full of fun yet loving.

windmill, trees, and lots of knees

Tuesday 29 September 2009: n.t. car park, outwood, opposite the windmill

Walkers: fartyfallover; GRANDAD - token bloke (it's a boy - Kieran and a hefty 8lbs) wendynonills, sally, clatchat,
joined for lunch by maggie - see further.

Fabulous weather - again. For t.b.'s benefit, i shall be inserting more full stops - full stop!

Slight confusion over who was leading today's walk, so it became a joint effort between farty and clat. If anyone wants to lead a walk then please do so! full stop

Another slight confusion at the beginning of the walk, as we made a complete circle round a wood. n.b. - never trust the n.t. routes, as they are different from those marked on the o.s. maps. met rather rotund lady with 3 dogs - she had verbal diarrhoea, and you thought i was bad. however, she helped with guidance round a very badly marked route. the local farmer does not encourage walkers. we opted out of visiting Horne, which is apparently, a very pretty place.

Once on track, we had wonderful views, open vistas, and amazing aircraft spotting, as they came in to gatwick, long and low. only one field of cows, plus calves, who were not at all bothered by us, or the pretty young blonde thing with a husky-type dog, who we endeavoured to protect with our sticks. however t.b. found a lovely juicy fresh cow pat. lots of blackberries, and farms to pass through. one section took us alongside the m23 so talk came to a halt - what a racket, -found dead shrew - but once back into the woods ,we could gossip again. rather worryingly all the horses round these parts have shrunk - or have we walked as far as the shetland isles? ha ha ha.

the walk was reduced a little, due to tiredness and the onset of pub lunchtime hours, so another reason for a re-run round these parts. spied a pair of knees next to a hedge, but did not stop to investigate. walk lasted about three hours.

rushed off to the Bell pub, and just in time, but they were running late by 20mins for hots so ordered colds + one soup(when you order roasted pepper and tomato, you get chicken,leek and bacon. we were joined by another pair of knees belonging to maggie, who came appropriately late, and in-appropriately dressed. We advised against the wearing of bermudas, as colourful as they were. The shiny boots were very impressive, but we soon managed to dust them up in the car park.

Next walk: Tuesday 6th october, leigh church, opposite the plough pub. please be ready to start the walk at 1030 as we lose valuable pub time!!

hills and dales and fingernails

tuesday 22 september. west hoathly church start - park round the corner by football field, as owners of cat pub wouldn't let us park there - avoid in future!
walkers: farty fallover, token bloke, wendy no hills, mrs provincial and clatchat.

weather SUPERB and some glorious vistas and views. very mixed walking and it got hotter as the day went on, so quite a few stops, and even a lie-down at one point, but damp, and the thought of getting piles, got us up again. very quiet walk - i.e. not many cars, or planes, etc., and no livestock in the fields we had to traverse, although clat managed to tread on a cow pat. our route took us past the millenium seed bank (not ivf the plant type), and wakehurst place, fabulous carpet of mixed cyclamen to be seen, and we reckon we should do a visit here, and soon, as the trees are on the turn.
the walk ended with a slow climb up a fairly long hill, and wend coped brilliantly. waterfalls, herds of deer with their stags in charge, llama, sheep, and lots of birds to be heard - a real blue-sky day. we passed a quarry before reaching our end. much stretching and bending, and a trip to the white hart, as the walk ended later than usual, due to heat, we reckon. this pub is also open all day for food. here we lunched at 3.15 p.m. and the landlady, who had amazing fingernails (all her own, much to mrs p's annoyance) was accommodating and friendly, and making her way through the red wine. she wasn't enjoying looking after her 7yr old grandson, who was displaying signs of becoming a local oddjob man, and was last seen up a ladder.

next walk forecast for tues or wed 29 or 30 sept - will advise venue when we know who is attending. don't forget to grease your boots. xxxx

Reigate Hill Walk Tuesday 8th September

Start: Reigate Hill car park

Distance: 12 km

Find of the walk:

The weather was fabulous so the views ('vistas') wee amazing.

the big 60 oh oh !!!!

Monday 14th September 2009, 1400, at Fanny's Farm. Walk, followed by tea. Walkers: mon the birthday girl(farty fallover), sister Viv, token bloke, mrs provincial, wendy no hills, clatchat. Added guests for tea - Angela B and Maggie R.

Weather o.k., but a bit blustery and grey clouds at times - autumn is here folks.
Did about an hour and a half of walking, looking at things, and at one point, half the group losing their way. Not to worry, back on course, on the golf course, and a few swigs of champers near the 16th tee, or was it tee hee hee? Token bloke complimented on his knack for attracting women by passing golfer. champers consumed, we returned and made ready for tea and cake.
The farm was up to its usual quirky standard, and we stroked the pot-bellied pigs, who are very friendly, and were also mindful of e-coli.
Up in the tree house, the staff had made it look very welcome, with tea-lights and bunting. the food was impressive and delicious. we had copious cups of tea, a little bubble or two, and the rambling rose presentation to our mon. plus other gifts., and lots of laughs and amusement at the musical cake slice. toasts were made to all of you, there, or absent.
after a look round the gardens, we made ready to leave. our usual exit blocked, by a recent road-accident, but no one hurt. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MON., AND A GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL.

N.B. Token bloke will be blogging the frog blog, as and when. i should be posting photos, but need help - again.

NEXT WALK; tues 22nd september, either fanny's farm again, cos of huge blackberries, or i am looking at west hoathly. enjoy your weeks ladies and gentleman.

Mon's big birthday photos

Venue: The Tree House, Fanny's Farm

Present: Birthday girl!, the lovely Viv - (little sister), Token Bloke, Clatchat, Windy Nohills, Mrs Provincial, and in the Tree House, Angela B and Maggie (Robert)

Mon's Big Birthday - Fanny's Farm, Merstham Monday 14th September

goodbye blackberry way

saturday 5 september. 14.30 - the westcott walk with a different ending

walkers: farty fallover and clatchat.
weather: sunny at first - clothing removed/ cloud - clothing donned (as they say in s.e.p)

not too many general public around, which was good, except for a group of londoners on their duke of edinburgh award , silver level - think we might have sent them in the wrong direction. MASSES of blackberries, so pots were out pretty often. Nasty smell of poo at one point, and after checking our trousers, were relieved to discover the cause - silage in field - scary moment eh? not too much wildlife, lots of sweetcorn on the way. found alternate routes towards the end, and a much better finish, which avoids - wend n.b.- not so many hills and is away from the backs of people's gardens.

comfort stops = best taken during early part of walk , or maybe we should practice with some shewees /urinelles - all available on the net. no photos today. and not when they are in use either.
n.b. the car park at the wotton hatch is solely owned by THE COUNCIL.

next walk: tuesday 8th sept 10.30 - REIGATE HILL - bring containers for blackberries.

Missing pictures from British Wildlife Centre 25th August

Otter at feeding time

Scottish Wildcat (we thought he might just have been an ordinary moggie they sneaked in from the RSPCA centre as he didn't look very fierce!)

Eric the red deer - and his massive antlers!
Above: Ladies in Lavender - and above left 10 mins later when the sun finally shone!

Badgers asleep in their set -more aaahh

Well, sorry about this guys - this particular blogging virgin managed to post today's visit with only one photo on it - so have finally worked out how to upload more than one photo. . .so here are the rest, with my apologies! xx

Aaahh - aren't they cute!

British Wildlife Centre 25 August 2009

Start Point: British Wildlife Centre, A22 10m mins north

of East Grinstead

Walkers: (well, visitors!) Farty Fallover, Windy Nohills, Mrs Provincial

Weather: Typical English summer's day - sun and rain!

Time taken: around centre, 2 1/2 hours, pub, 2hrs, RSPCA Centre at South Godstone, about 45 mins

Distance: Not very far!

Pluses: Red squirrels, foxes, otters, deer, moles, owls including a beautiful European eagle owl, Scottish wildcat, stoats, weasels, hedgehogs, small furries of all sorts, adders, grass snakes (just as well Token Bloke couldn't make it!), etc etc. The lovely cats at the RSPCA.

Minuses: The rain and water skiers on the lake in front of us at the pub - and children at the Wildlife centre as it's only open during school holidays and weekends during term time. However, they were fortunately not too brat like!

Pub: The Wiremill (http://www.thewiremill.co.uk/) Good food, average pub prices, lovely old building with garden overlooking lake with water skiers - rather annoyingly noisy!

Special notes and links: http://www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk/ £9 entry. A great day out!

Quintessentially English Day Out 13th August

Start Point: Ightham Mote, National Trust Property in Kent. 700 years of history in one House!

Walkers: Windy Nohills, Mrs Provincial, Farty Fallover & Token Bloke

Weather: perfect by late afternoon

Time Taken: 3 hours for House & Garden then to the Pub for a 1 1/2 hr lunch followed by a 2 hr walk. Partly on the Greensand Way

Distance: 5 miles

Pluses: 2-for-1 entry with NT vouchers

Minuses: distance to start quite a long way (venue a bit remote)

Pub: The Chaser, Shipbourne, extensive varied menu but a little pricy. Food was very good though

Special Notes & Links:
Ightham Mote,

Tuesday 11th August Walk Report

Start point: :TQ336593

Walkers: Farty Fallover & Token Bloke

Weather: Cloudy to start; got hotter & sunnier as day progressed

Time taken: 4hrs (started at 11.15) but on top of this there were visits to 2 pubs, plenty of hills & a long chat with a glider pilot trying to persuade us to have a trial flight! (finished 17.15)

Distance: 7.5 miles

Pluses: Varied landscape with views to London & trre-filled vistas. Very pleasant day altogether.

Minuses: a little noisy from road, rail & quarry at the start

Pub: The Fox, Coulsdon Common. Fab fish & chips & good service

Special Notes & links:

This walk covers 3 of the 6 City of London Open Spaces:

West Wickham, Kenley and Coulsdon Commons, Farthing Downs & New Hill, Riddlesdown and Spring Park

The Kenley Oservatory at the edge of the airfield in front of some smallholdings.

walk Tuesday 11th August?

Rahras,
Who wants to walk this coming Tuesday the 11th? Morning or afternoon? Text Mon

Tuesday 4th August Walk Report

Start point: Jolly Farmer Pub car park, Whitewood Lane,Horne:TQ346450
Walkers: Farty, Windy Nohills, Sally & Token Bloke:
Weather: on & off drizzle
Time taken 3hrs 10 mins
Distance: 8.3 miles
Pluses: No cows, no stiles, easy going, good views & broad beans!
Minuses: care not to get lost after outwood turnoff
Pub: Good food reasonably priced & very pleasant service
Special Notes & links:

St Mark's Foundation

A private chapel at South Park Farm, listed grade II and occasionally used for public services.
Osney Lodge Farm Shop
Foraging recipes: Broad Bean & Goat's Cheese Salad

Try anything once

If this appears it will be a miracle but here goes.
As texted to Mon the next date is bit dodgy but hope to make it .Only due to everyone elses appointments etc. and difficult to change at short notice. Will still need backup with text or email until got the hang of this and also don't always use computer everyday!!!!
Will post this and see whether it appears from the ether..
TATA RAHRA 4 NOW.

emails

You should all get an email now of the blog whenever there is a new posting!

Not sure if doing this right but just signed into rahras blog! Couldn't remember if I had a name either so just used my own !! Shame weather stopped play today but let me know when next walks planned - I have standby starting on 5th aug so will have to play it by ear in August- hope to see you all soon xxx

walks catch up

Hello - only me - just trying out this new thing, and thanks to Martin for getting it all set up. Thought this is a good time to start blogging re our latest walks so here goes:


Sunday July 19 - me, Mon and Mon's sister, Viv, did a fab walk from the Wotton Hatch near Dorking - over three hours, and covering varied terrains - and another pub! The Stephan Langton is in Friday Street - a quiet (eerie place in the winter) pub by the side of a large pond. Walking round here is ideal for dawgs, as no livestock threatened - only at the beginning, but that can be sorted out with an alt. It is also good on muddy days, as lots of it is through pine woods and sandy soils. Just as i said 'this is a real bambi place' two of them kindly popped into view - otherwise, rabbits and birds but not much else. lovely walking though, a few hills wend. but nothing you can't manage. recommended for another date, but realise trish and wend how far it is from you.
Tues 21 July - me, Mon, Sally, Wend, Chris - 10legs sorting out parents - Martin (token bloke) 'stuff'- and Trish was graduating up north. Start point: the church at Shipley -near the windmill. Weather dry to start with sunny bits, then rain towards the end.
Good walk - quite easy to find the venue. a mixture of tracks, fields, and pathways. much livestock to be viewed - trish., you missed the animals! much of the walk was through the Knepp Castle/house estate - pigs, boar (apparently), cows, sheep, and ponies who got out of our way, thank goodness. we crossed the a24 twice, and towards the walk's end we found the Crown pub at Dial Post. Good food, good prices, and friendly staff - we shall come again! Walked on after about an hour's stop, and found this good for walking off the food. Back into the estate, and some posh farms - found gorgeous springer pups for sale, and after much oooooing and aaaaaahing, we continued our walk. some very pretty parts(oo matron) including a lily pond, and the windmill at the end. - nice 'young man' up a ladder. managed to fall over in big muddy puddle. wend said i folded like an origami swan - it felt more like a tena lady relapse moment.

monday 27th - rain stopped play - is this the long hot summer we were promised? i think the weather forecasters need to go on a dyslexia course. see you soon, although august is pretty not nice, due to trips and 10days of standby. enjoy whatever, and i shall catch up soon.

Welcome to the Rahras Blog

Sorry, but the Token Bloke won't be with you on tomorrow's walk. I'll be there in spirit if not even in the pub
Watch this space & please feel free to contribute whatever you like. Remember when creating an account to use your agreed RAHRAS name as the Display Name

Watch this exciting space
TB