Tadworth, Dukes Head

Words to follow (when someone can be arsed!)

Reigate Hill 2 - Chris's Big Birthday walk and picnic

Chris's Big Birthday Walk (aka: Oh dear I can't dribble on this scarf, it's not mine!)

Venue: Reigate Hill

Walkers: The Big Birthday gal, 10 legs minus 8, Farty, TB, Miss Windy Nohills and Mrs P. Clat and Lil joined us at Fanny's Farm and later for our picnic - acupuncture helping with the bothersome bursas but not fully fit yet.

Distance: 6 1/4 miles
Time Taken: 3 1/2 hours with 2 brief breaks and an hour at Fanny's Farm - so about 2.20 walking
Weather:Not as good as it has been lately, cloudy and occasionally threatening rain but thankfully it didn't materialise. A bit blowy on Reigate Hill for the picnic - so typical British summer picnic weather!
Find of the walk: Nothing! (maybe 2 old crones at Fanny's?, pic ed)

We set off at 10.45 and headed straight over the motorway roundabout (good to get that unpleasant part of the walk over and done with first). We managed to pick some flowers for the birthday gal - daisies and some blue flowers for contrast - which were then carried sticking out of Sue's backpack.

We turned down the footpath at the back of the mobile homes and had a look at a house that they are building there - not an ideal spot being just by the motorwa

y junction. The path leads to a private road with some lovely houses and we stopped to take a picture of a very beatiful wedding cake tree - Cornus Controversa Variegata for those budding Alan Tichmarchs out there!

At the end of the road we set out over the fields and it wasn't too long before we spied our first postman of the day - no RARA walk b
eing complete without seeing one! We soon stopped for our first mini break for water.

We carried on towards Upper Gatton Park which we have walked passed a number of times but know little about. Apparently the grounds and park of over over 100 acres were laid out by Capability Brown and the house itself is Grade 2 listed. It used to be owned in the 1600s by a Sir Samuel Owfield who was an MP, the borough being a rotten one! In 1784 the estate was sold to the owner of Lower Gatton so the 2 became united. I can't find any information as to who owns it now and whether it is still a private house. While we walked towards Upper Gatton wood we stopped to watch a buzzard who was being mobbed by a solitary crow - brave crow! - and we then noticed another one soaring close by. Great sight.

We were soon approaching Fanny's Farm where Clat and Lil were waiting for us. They wondered whether we had all fallen out as apparently they watched us emerge from the woods almost one by one! So, lovely to see them again and w

e were especially pleased as they had their car with them as were planning on driving back to Reigate Hill - cue shopping spree! We soon cleared the shelves of Garlic Pickle and found ourselves a spot to have our coffee and tea. Clat made a new friend - Fanny's beautiful Staffie who lapped up all the attention. He was wearing a tag on his collar saying 'nil by mouth' on one side and 'don't feed me, I'm on a diet' on the other - clearly he's been enjoying one too many of Fanny's famous teas! Before leaving we then bought some beautiful but pongy Norbury blue cheese and loaded our goodies into Clat's car - thanks Clat for allowing us to stink you out!

Us walkers continued from the farm to the daunting hill overlooking the motorway - much easier going down! - but we found it quite slippy as the ground is so dry. It appeared that Miss Nohills had slipped more than planned as was soon pulled up short by a pain in the bum - and it wasn't one of us walkers! We stopped for some first aid by Merstham church and while she stretched to ease the problem the rest of us discussed various ways of sorting her out. A sharp poke in the bum from Sue's ski pole seemed to do the trick as she soon pronouned herself feeling alot better - we think she decided to get going before we administered even more drastic first aid!

Through Merstham village and its lovely cottages and on to the golf course. We cut through Gatton school, dodging the footballs as the path cuts across the

playground, and stopped at the bottom of the hill to see the goats. As we were admiring them a knowledeable lady told us that the white one was probably a Nubian cross and the other 2 Golden Guernseys. So you learn something every day on these walks!

As we trudged up the hill we caught sight of a very large pussy cat who had just caught himself a rabbit which was almost as big as himself. He looked rather pleased with himself and was no doubt heading home to present his catch to his horrified owners.
Back at the car park we found Clat and Lil (delighted to get rid of our cheese from the back of their car!). Chris had no idea about our picnic plans but soon cottoned on as we emerged from the boots of our cars bearing goodies. Fortunately there was a spare picnic table so we set up our feast - yummy food c

ourtesy of Farty, champagne Clat and balloon Windy - roadside flowers courtesy of Jane Packer! We toasted the birthday gal with the bubbles, donned coats and blankets to keep out the cold and tucked in! Chris opened her presents - a very tasteful photo frame with a photo of us at Balcombe viaduct and an even more tasteful cow themed money box and mug. Classy, just like us! Chris, we quite understand if they end up at the charity shop!

Having hoovered all Farty's food we decided to move closer to the coffee shop in the hope that it might be a bit warmer. Coffees and teas all round and yours truly emerged with the birthday cupcakes. Unfortunately, due to a nut malfunction I couldn't do the 3 tiered cake stand so a single tier had to suffice - shame, as the 3 tiered one would have fitted the classy theme so much better! The bubbles had clearly gone to our head by now as we got gigglier and gigglier - Windy then uttered the immortal words 'oh dear I can't dribble on this scarf, it's not mine'! It then lead to a deliberation about our name RARAS - Farty thought FOWNOs was more us - Eff off, we're not old! We may have to take a vote on that one . . .
We finally called a halt to the festivities before it got even sillier and headed off our various ways home -or to IKEA in the case of Clat and Lil. A great day all round. Happy Birthday Chris!

Next week TBA.

Ardingly2, The Oak

The Nobodies go for a walk
Venue: The Oak at Ardingly

Walkers: Farty, TB, 10 legs minus 8, Windy Nohills and Mrs Provincial. Chris on hospital appointments, Clatters and Lil still laid low by bad bursas, Hoots on flying duties we presume, Polly being definitely Possibly not. Sally joined us for lunch - good to see you!

Weather: Beautiful: warm, sunny, a few puffy clouds and a nice breeze to cool us down.

Distance/time taken: 7 1/2 miles, 3 hours 20 including 1 stop, 1 water break and a few views to ooh and aahh over (and a duck feeding!)

Find of the walk: A solitary glove

We set off just about on time and headed out from the pub and through the village via the recreation ground - and very smart it was too, with pristine play equipment with the required safety surface underneath so the little darlings don't hurt themselves when they inevitably fall - much muttering about 'elf and safety' and 'it didn't do us any harm when we fell off onto a concrete surface and knocked outselves out'. We are obviously getting old! We passed a development called Hett Close and Hapstead House which looked as if the main house might once have been of interest - all I can find out is that it was a privately owned Victorian house before being converted into apartments (flats to you and me!) in 2000.

It was just a short time afterwards that we realised that we had missed our turning so we decided to carry on down towards Ardingly reservoir. TB spotted a field full of all sorts of equipment - not too sure if it was a horse jumping course? So, down to the reservoir, over a causeway and soon we arrived at one of the bird hides - this one called Kingfisher. Farty investigated but sadly it was locked - we disturbed some nesting swallows so spent some time watching them swoop and dive overhead - beautiful. We decided to take an early break and try as we might we couldn't see any of the elusive kingfishers.

Off we set and were soon climbing up West Hill and away from the reservoir - and quite a long hill it was too! The warm day probably slowed us down a bit but we soon reached the top and the views were beautiful.

Whilst heading downhill again through a pretty wood we then met the dreaded walking group approaching us up the hill. The tour leader, or should I say fearsome sergeant major barked at Mon (who was leading at this point) - 'and who are you?' To which Mon memorably replied 'Oh, we're nobody'! It turned out that they were a walking group from U3A, Haywards Heath branch - clearly, you have to be somebody to walk!! Well, we know exactly who we are, but think that for evermore we'll be known as the Nobodies - Banstead sub district, Provincial members etc etc!

We crossed the reservoir once again on a long bridge from where the reservoir appeared more like a fast flowing river. Uphill again, and more lovely views - this one was from a gorgeous spot where we found a stone bench dedicated to a lady who must have been a keen walker - we decided to take in the view from her bench but were sooned joined by a pair of his and her ducks who waddled down the hill towards us. They weren't daft - obviously used to walkers feeding them so they ended up with the last of the flapjacks!

The walk kept skirting Wakehurst Place and on one track we found some interesting purply plants - almost sedum like - which we reckon must have come from the gardens. Soon after we came across what we for one moment thought was another wildlife casualty (oh no!) - a young female pheasant just sitting in the middle of the road. She didn't move as we approached so I went to pick her up - at which point she very indignantly squawked and flew off into the undergrowth! There's thanks for you.

As the day was quite hot we decided to take another quick water break, this time just after passing through Tillinghurst Farm. We were skirting round a field of cows and their calves, and after setting off again rounded the corner of the field and decided to stop to look at them. We suddenly realised that one of the cows had - how shall I put it - rather a red looking posterior - so out came the binoculars and we then realised that much to our amazement it had just given birth! I don't wish to put you all off your breakfast/lunch/dinner - but I may just might! - as before our horrified eyes she proceeded to give birth to the afterbirth and then set about consuming it! Lovely. Just enough to put us in the mood for a pub lunch. And we thought cows were vegetarian!

Hysteria was obviously setting in at this point: Sue has been walking with a stick which Miss Nohills was asking about. Sue replied that it wasn't a walking stick but a ski pole - our Wend then asked what on earth Amsterdam airport had to do with it (Schipol and all that -memories of short haul days!). Oh dear. The warm weather was getting to us!

In the bin?

We carried on towards the showground, passing through the village to do an 'add on' - down Church Lane with its lovely houses, down again towards the reservoir and along towards Ardingly College and its manicured lawns and posh pupils. Lots of dosh around here! The college is very beautiful - we wondered if the pupils actually appreciate their surroundings - and were much amused by a sign by at the front entrance called 'kiss and drop'. Once again, no such namby pamby nonsense in our day!

We were all feeling the heat and long last hill so were really glad to arrive back at the pub. Sally had beaten us to it and it was good to see her again. We do wonder how she copes with us oldies - she very kindly enquired what was new in our lives to which all we could muster up was 'nothing much really, nothing new or exciting has happened, just the same old. . 'The joys of retirement! Thanks Sal for putting up with us!

We sat outside - we didn't score the pub this time, but I think the general feeling was that although the food was good, the portion sizes could have been more generous.

Next week TBC - possibly Reigate Hill? Watch this space!

Ardingly The Oak

You wait for ages then three turn up together!

Venue: Ardingly, The Oak

Found object:  a stripey sock

Time: 3 hrs 20 mins + half an hour at the station

Distance:  7 ½ miles

Walkers: Tb, Farty, 2 Legs, Sue Wind

Weather: a fresh start, but turned out really nice and sunny later on

After last weeks complete lack of interest and subsequent non walk we decided a fresh pub and pastures new were called for so Ardingly it was. What a lovely surprise to find Ten Legs minus eight in the car park so Sue (2legs 2 knees) joined us for her first real post op walk! Oo-er, fingers crossed we set off to the south and almost immediately hit on a beautiful view. Cool breeze but sun and blue skies; fresh leaves on the trees - all was well with the world! On we went admiring views of Ardingly College, a short stretch of old railway hugely overgrown with trees woodland and farms and then  a lovely ‘pac’ of alpacas (well I don’t know the collective noun for a group of them – please text me or add a comment  if you do!). Their hair (fur? coats?) looked lustrous and silky soft and one appeared to be wearing pantaloons. After crossing a road we found ourselves by a field full of tiny Christmas trees and somewhat surreal at the next farm four reindeer! Who lives in a house like this we thought?  With no sign of a fat man in a red coat we pressed on only to find ourselves by a brook with the only way across being a footbridge leading straight into a field of cows. Poor Chris! As there was no other way round (and believe me, dear reader we looked) Chris was very brave and we made our way safely through. We crossed over the Bluebell Line and on to another farm and another large herd of cows to negotiate - no problem. As we walked down a field back towards the road we heard a whistle and suddenly –a Bluebell train with Pullman carriages, one called Christine, burst into view. Much waving (us and the driver)ensued. A hasty conflab on reaching the road decided us on a short diversion to Horsted Keynes station. we bought platform tickets, let the nostalgia commence and with much 'oo-ing' 'I remember' we crossed to the far platform to examine the train. A wedding was imminent. The engine was decorated with ribbon and the couple’s names and the tables in the Pullman coaches beautifully laid ready for the guests. While we were admiring all this another train hove into view. It was the observation car pulled by a small locomotive and then to top it all Sir Archibald Sinclair steamed in. We couldn’t have planned it! As our chosen pub stopped serving food at 3 and Sue had a physio session for the same time we reluctantly dragged ourselves away and continued the walk. Further along the path led through Orchard Wood a magical place full of May blossom and a myriad other wonderful trees. Perfect spot for a future picnic we thought. Down the slope the path led right through a private garden with stream, bog plants, and magnificent rhododendrons and azaleas. We said ‘hello’ to a gentleman working hard in his shed across the road. In another field we went past Brook House once the palatial home of the Clarke family and now private apartments. A 3 bed in the east wing a mere half million! Then after the whiffs of wild garlic it was ‘hill on hill’. Sue’s legs were all a quiver so we kept her going with views of Beachy Head and the excitement of the found sock and suddenly we were back in Ardingly. At The Oak fab fish and chips and liver together with a witty assistant manager (been there one week).Top marks all round!

Next week: It was so good let's go back to the same venue, but different walk