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