Bletchingly The Red Lion

Frolicking in the Bluebells

Venue: The Red Lion Bletchingly http://www.redlionbletchingley.co.uk/

Distance: 8 miles

Time Taken: 3 1/2 hours

Walkers: Farty, TB, Wendy Nohills, Polly Possibly and Mrs Provincial. Apologies for absence from Clat and Lil - Clat having major problems with her bursae - and 2 legs who had a touch of tummy problems. We wish them a speedy recovery!

Weather: Hot! Clear blue skies and temperatures that felt more like high summer
Find of the walk: Not much to report, just a rather grotty lacey headband lying in the path

We started just a little later than planned as poor Farty and TB had hit bad traffic on the way down but we soon set off from the pub, headed down the lane and turned off onto the footpath. We found some pretty Vinca plants growing by the

wall bordering the path - Mon soon acquired a few stems for Wend to plant in her garden!

We headed out of the village and onto the golf course which was looking suitably stunning in the spring sunshine - and full of golfers some of whom actually spoke to us - so not as snooty a course as you might expect in this pretty part of Surrey! The only thing to spoil the glorious day was a very overpowering smell of . . . . muck spreading - lovely! Ah well, I suppose one of the hazards

of walking in the countryside! We caught a glimpse of a beautiful fox who chose to watch us from a distance - TB felt it might have been threatened by his raging testosterone!

The path became quite sandy as we walked close to the quarry/sand pit and we soon arrived at Godstone. Across the green and out onto the path that leads to Bay Pond. We took our break here (very welcome as we were already somewhat hot and sweaty!) and divvied round the last of the gingerbreads from last week. We were very soon joined by some ducks who can obviously spot a mug from a distance

and yours truly gave them the last of my food!

Soon back on the road and almost
immediately came to Church Town and St Nicholas Church. We've been here many times before but this time decided to have a little look around. The church itself was locked, but a notice pointed us in the direction of the chapel which is attached to the beautiful almshouses, so in we went for a gander. It was really lovely, small with a wonderful mosiac floor and lovely windows and woodwork. There were a number of leaflets giving information about the church and houses and also local famous people, one of whom was a gentleman by the very grand sounding name of Edmund Seyfang Taylor (1853-1908) - aka "Walker Miles". Now, if I was really clever I could scan the information about him onto the blog, but only being a girl of limited technical ability I'm afraid you'll have suffice with me telling you that: he is buried in the churchyard, was known as Chief/Great Pathfinder, his "Fieldpath Rambles" book is well known and he is revered in the world of rambling! How appropriate for us Raras. We all thought the almshouses were just divine and as there are 8 of them reckon we could all retire to them and ramble away to our heart's content!


So we left Church Town and zig zagged out way towards Leigh Place and its Ponds. Polly Possibly had by this time spied a number of beautiful houses which she fancied

moving to, but we then found THE house of her dreams - a beautiful pink house complete with views, lovely garden with a summer house, balcony overlooking what we presume was a walled garden and the swimming pool - perfect! She was just about to dial the number of Pickfords when we dragged her away and back to reality . . .

It had also become apparent for a while that there had at various times been a strange whirring sound followed by even more strange clicks - lurking at the back of us we noticed a rather secretive Miss Nohills taking photos with a disposable camera, dateline probably circa 1985 . . it should have been on the antiques roadshow!! She's been dropping hints for ages about needing a new camera (well, that much is obvious!) so perhaps she thought if we felt sorry for her we might cough up for a birthday pressi . . no chance now, it gave us all such a laugh, can't wait to see how the photos turn out . . . if at all .. ..

We carried on passed Leigh Place Ponds, close to the site of our swan rescue, over the road just south of The Enterdent and along and into a lovely woodland. Still looking for the elusive bluebells, we began to slow down as the path climbed slowly uphill - the heat was definitely getting to

us! So we had another quick pit stop and once again set off - Farty leading the way, the rest of us muttering about how far it was to the pub! However, as we turned onto Tilburstow Hill our patience was rewarded and there in all their glory were swathes of magnificent bluebells. We kept stopping to ooo and aaahh - at this point TB felt that one glimpse of bluebells was quite enough for anyone - but did also mention that it did rather make you want to frolick in them . . well, Farty was having none of that and set off at a brisk pace to continue the walk!

So finally back into Bletchingly and the very welcome sight of the pub. It was looking exceptionally patriotic, decked out in a sea of St George's flags. We sat outside, the food arrived quickly and the conversation turned very quickly to the favourite breakfast time subject of all self respecting cabin crew - poo! We were obviously missing Clat and her quizz - so please get better soon!
We forgot to mark the pub, but I would think it rated fairly highly - plenty of space to park, (very happy for us to do so), welcoming, good menu, good food, good service and average prices. Ambulance was good - we liked the patriotic feel - but of course the sunshine did help.
Unfortunately I can't make next week (rellies staying) but think the plan is for a Bluebell Railway day - so await joining instructions!
Have a lovely Easter weekend - may it be filled with lots of lovely chocolate!

Reigate Hill - 3

  Q - Where is Uranus? A - Great Yarmouth

Tuesday 12 April

Walkers: Farty, T.B., Windy, Trish, 2 Legs, Hoots, Lil and Clat.

Distance : 6 1/2 miles

Find of the walk: the same pair of underpants, lasting well in the elements, and thus a good advert for M & S.

Beautiful weather - forecast of rain incorrect (again). Reigate Hill was very busy - after all, the school holidays have started, and the little darlings are to be spotted in abundance. We set off in good time although the two gazelles were left to purchase coffees, but with their speed, they caught up with us soon after.

Magnificent views today - you could see forever, as the song goes, and the feel-good factor soon kicked in. Talking of which we noticed 2 legs do a quick veer and noticed a few hefty cattle plodding about - she doesn't do cows. Our walk today was designed to be mainly on the flat, and to take in the gorgeous spring flowers, which were gorgeous. A new routing took us past some rather large houses with cracking views, and huge drifts of daffodils in the gardens. Children everywhere, so we dodged Thelwell ponies, and crash-helmeted little people, thundering along on their bicycles.

Over the ever-fast and noisy M25 and towards Walton Heath and its golfcourse. Lots of players out today - recovering, no doubt, from the latest U.S. fest in Georgia. We obediently stood and waited to be waved through the fairways, (as the bishop said to the actress), and headed on our return track through Margery Wood (you know the joke). Once more over the motorway, dear friends, and then a near-miss with a tadpole on a bicycle. T.B. was heard to say ' a bell would be a good idea', and the tadpole told us he didn't need one, plus a few other unsavoury and in-audible words. T.B. , not to be harrassed by such behaviour, told us he would no doubt meet the tadpole in the car park - fair warning then, you young frog.

Back once more at said car park, we noticed a few policemen, partaking of refreshments, the view, and the sunshine, plus all sorts of doggies ready for action. Hoots had to leave us - she is de-cluttering, as the move is progressing. A cow has fallen into the cess pit of the place she is hoping to buy - she has a lot to deal with. So, after a quick stretch or three, it was time to make haste to the Sportsman for lunch.

The Sportsman Mogador

We arrived to find the place very busy - not surprising, given the weather and all. However, 2 legs found us a good table and we settled, and we settled, and we settled. This should give you an idea of the long wait we had from ordering, to food arriving. Farty had an appt. to keep, and after 45mins and a gentle prompt to the waitress, we were told our order had gone astray in their electronic system, and apologies, and, the chef would be out to talk to us - he never appeared. The situation didn't improve even though the place was emptying of clientele, so we did the quiz to bide our time. Tongues were loosened, and some confusing answers were given - hence today's title. The answer to alabaster is gypsum.

Well, scores low today. No service recovery offered, and we didn't like to order coffees as we would have been there all evening. Once the food arrived, most of us were dis-appointed with our dishes . The service industry needs a good shake-up. Here are the marks: Food - 2.5, Ambulance - 4 (but that's mainly down to us lot), Value - 3, Service 2.5 - total of 12/20 - we shall not be rushing back.

But you will be! Next week is The Red Lion at Bletchingley and we shall see what we can find there. xx

Tandridge - The Barley Mow

Up The Swanney

Tuesday 5 April

Walkers: 2 Legs, Windy, (don't faint) Mrs Provincial, Lil, JaneG4, and Clat. Apologies from everyone else. Farty sends her love, and is concerned that Uncle has got her back on the vodka. We hope to see her and T.B next week.
Distance: about 6 1/4miles
Find of the Walk: A damaged swan
Assemblage was prompt -well done everyone - and we set forth at 1030. Over the road, and straight onto the Greensand Way. The forecast (incorrect once again) meant that the weather was windier, wetter, and greyer than planned - but we soldiered on.
About 20mins into our walk and alongside Leigh Place Ponds, we found a very damaged swan - blood all over its feathers, looking very forlorn, at the top of a steep bank. Trish quickly got her networks in order, and was in touch with the RSPCA and the swan rescue people. Further along, we found a fisheries worker, who said he would look for the swan and show the rescuers where to go.

We re-commenced our walk, and the odd phone call or two kept us on track with subsequent events. Down to the Enterdent - promises of bluebells in the making, and onwards to Godstone Farm. Now fully re-opened after its e-coli problems, so there are notices everywhere telling you to wash your hands. Lots of tiny ponies and donkeys in evidence, and we visited the petting area (oo ooo Matron. Occupants included an ex race
horse, some more tiny ponies, a Gloucester Old Spot called Doris, and a mummy Saddleback with her crop of piglets, noisily glugging at the teat - sweet. We washed our hands and carried on.

The outskirts of Godstone were skirted, and then an upwards travail took us through Garston Park and beyond. At the top of the hill we had our break, and Mrs P whetted our appetites with her marvellous flapjacks, with ginger, and a hint of lime - we are so pleased she is back with us!!!!

Time to head downwards - big drifts of wild garlic here - back on to the GSW and huge areas of bluebells in the bud. This will be spectacular very soon, so we need to revisit this walk. I don't know whether I was talking too much (probably) , not concentrating (very probably), or 'reading' a different walk, but a wrong turn was definitely taken in the ensuing woods. The result of this was that we were heading back towards Leigh Place Ponds - and a good job too.

As we reached the ponds, the swan ambulance had arrived, and its two un-likely occupants emerged with their tackle and a loaf of bread. The fisheries man was going to point them to their patient who was in the pond - completely wrong. We then headed back to the victim (still in situ), and pointed out the error in i.d. The unlikely occupants then impressed us with their calm and professional approach and successful rescue of our bird. Blood very much in evidence, so it was obvious it needed help, and had we not been around, we wonder if the rescuers would have left the scene empty-handed. So, job done then, and we arrived at our start point earlier than planned - no problem, we were hungry.

Although quite empty, our pub staff made us feel very welcome, and gave us table service. They are running a Spend a Penny menu which means the mains are £10 and you can have either a starter or a pud for lp - brilliant. The food was a vast improvement on last week's pub, but one or two comments have to mean lost marks. So here goes: food - 4 (no brown sauce, the rhubarb crumbles were served cold), service - 4, value for money - 4, ambulance 4. Marks of 5 will be given for exceptional standards. 16 for the Barley Mow. A rendition of The Ugly Duckling was then sung, by some of us, while the rest of 'us' hurried the others out of the pub - shame, just as we were getting into full throttle.

It was raining and therefore a good thing we had finished the walk ahead of time. Next week is already sorted - Reigate Hill - we shall meet again xxxxxxx

STOP PRESS: Mrs P has reported that our swan was known to the rescuers as she was ringed. She is called Patsy and had been bitten, they think, by a dog. Had she been left in situ, a fox would certainly have devoured her. So we saved a life today. She is in a sanctuary at Shepperton and doing well.

Leigh - The Plough

Walking Back to Backwardsness - does anyone else remember Helen Shapiro?

 Tuesday 29 March

Walkers: Windy, 2 legs, Lil and Clat. - no Farty/T.B. due to Uncle's visit, and everyone else occupied. However, Hoots became an F.T.J. as she had overslept - that's what an SFO does to you. Sue who has now been re-built, joined us for lunch - hurrah.

Find of the Walk: a gloved tree

Distance: 6 1/2 miles, which was a comfortable length.
After trying to contact Hoots, we checked the time. Lil told us it was a minute past a freckle (that's what happens when you don't wear glasses) so we decided to get going and do this walk backwards, only Windy took that a bit too literally, and we had to turn her round - oh dear. Off we went, weather a bit grey, and we soon had a bit of rain accompanying us.

Over ploughed fields, through a little woodlet where we found a serpent-like vine wrapped round a tree. The spring flowers are really coming on - wood anemonemonemonemonemones unfurling their petals, and maids-a-milking in bloom and proud of it. Being just four of us, our conversations were shared and soon we were discussing recent t.v. programmes. It seems that one of the Chilean miners has now become an Elvis impersonator, and is feted and lauded wherever he goes - from miner to mimer then? 2 legs did a convincing Essex girl dialogue from the relevant programme, and how you dry your hair, from Embarrassing Illnesses was also mentioned - i leave this section to your imagination.

We headed towards Wonham Mill which is really getting sorted, and the renovation work has begun. A planning application for 6 dwellings has gone in - we shall watch and wait with interest. Here, Windy removed her cagoule and 2 legs remarked that she usually did this accompanied by music - and a pole.

Passing a cottage, we noticed two men emerging, covered in black dust. 'Are you chimney sweeps?' we asked 'no, we have been taking down ceilings' was the reply - you live and learn. The Blue Dolphin pub hoved into view, in we went, and had the most delicious coffee and peppermint tea. Whilst chatting, a tadpole entered. This is Lil's name for a cyclist, as they are clad in black rubbery stuff, rounded at the top, and then taper-off at the end. Talking of clothing, we've decided that trousers should be able to roll up and down, at whim, like blinds - someone needs to invent Venetian trousers.

25mins later, and we out walking once more. Along by the river, and through some fields, then more of the same, before eventually reaching the road which leads to the pub. This section had us walking at quite a pace, so not much was talked about. We spied Sue in the churchyard, with the other 'legs' who were overjoyed to see us - it's been a long time. We examined her tiny scars and bruises, and are pleased that she is doing well. Keyhole in the kneehole.

The pub was fairly busy, and it was warm enough to eat outside, so we went inside. Something has happened here - something is missing. The staff are the same, the prices have gone up, and the menu seems rather limited. Although we were served attentively, it just wasn't the same. The food arrived, some of it o.k. , nearly all of it tepid or just warm, salads were tired, and Chris couldn't eat her chips. What a shame, so here are the marks: service 4 (we weren't asked if the food was o.k. and it wasn't), ambience 4, value 3 (there's a lot of little +£1 signs all over the menu), food 3.

Out we came, muttering our dis-approvals and decided to arrange next week's venue, which is: The Barley Mow at Tandridge - see you there.