The Elusive Path to The Sportsman
Walkers: Farty, T.B., 12 Legs, Lil and Clat. Mrs P is in South Africacacaca, and Wind has gone on el vacacione to Spain. Others doing others things.
Sally joined us for lunch and brought us up-to-date with her others things.
Distance: 63/4 miles
Find of the Walk: The Sportsman - eventually
Today is in celebration of Farty's imminent birthday (14th) and what a good choice it was. This route was delayed from last week as the filthy weather meant a cancellation.
We set off over Banstead Heath. A marvellous bright and sunny day, puffs of cloud ,gentle breezes, and lots of birdsong. There was lots of Clats song too, but this is not appreciated by the others. Determined to find the correct path to the Sportsman, we headed in an easterly direction, but, yet again, not far enough. On our o.s. maps, only a few walks are marked, but on this heathland, there are many more to choose and confuse from.
However, thanks to compass-man, and Chris's stick, we kept our co-ordinates and kept walking. Finding a 'permissive ride' we turned southwards, and quite a bit of onwards. Eventually, even though we were not on the correct track, we recognised our 'patch' and adjusted accordingly. Thus we managed to reach the Sportsman.
The friendly staff served us our coffees and teas outside. The waitress told us she came from Riga, and all we could connect that to was the Eurovision Song Contest and Terry Wogan - hey ho that's geography for you. Minnie became rather vociferous at the arrival of a very pretty labradoodle, and jack russell, and us humans voiced our opinion on the size and quality of the owners' chips. Time to move on......................Our tracks today were wide enough to enable a good flow of conversation. For some reason, poor T.B is feeling stressed, about what he knows not - he just woke up that way - I think the moon may have something to do with it. We approached the bridge across the m25 and noted that the underpants had finally gone from the clutches of the bushes. At the other side Sue happened to ask Clat 'how's your hair fanny'? Much sniggering was caused by this remark, and then Farty asked if this was a 'pubic footpath' - must be the moon again.
We came out onto Colley Hill and some really lovely views across Surrey - gives you a marvellous feeling - but we had food in mind, so we had to come away and cross the motorway once more. This time we were on Banstead Heath, and its golf course in the vicinity. Crossing the Dorking Road, and then a parallel footpath further inland, provided good wooded shelter, as it decided to start raining. Here, T.B. told us that Lidl is selling a cagoule which can be turned into a tent - whatever next?
Well, next was the ending of the walk, and perfect timing for Sally, as she arrived just as we returned. Off to the pub then. It was busy as always, and friendly and welcoming as always, too. We were given waitress service, and a real variation of fare was ordered. Farty caused sniggering again, by ordering a rabbit in pastry (Anne Summers eat your heart out) - and very nice it looked, too.
Next week, we are hoping to do a walk at Bletchingley - The White Harte, so you can get a coffee beforehand - will confirm later on, in the usual way.
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