Capel - The Crown Inn

A Lovely Day for a Hoar

Tuesday 17th January, 2012

Walkers: Farty, T.B., Windy, 6 of the Legs, Lil and Clat. Sally came for lunch.

Distance: 7 miles - just under

Finds of the Walk: a spectacle case, and a scarf- all within the confines of the church - a lot of losing goes on here, then.

What a crispy day. Heavy frost, but with clear blue skies and sunshine - perfect for a wintry effort in the countryside. A new walk, kindly plotted by Farty, and we set off through the churchyard, dotted with some real Edwin Drood-like graves, (plus a small brickhouse which we think is where the dead were stored), and out the back into the plentiful countryside of these parts.

Very slippy underfoot, as the ground was rock-solid, and the stiles were a bit hoary as well - we manage. Through Bennett's Wood , after which we got a bit mislaid in our routing to cross the A24. However eventually we found the track in the middle of all the over-grownness and safely over this busy road. Onwards to Weaver's Wood, Church Copse, and a footbridge, and we were then on the A29 or rather the famous Stane Street (Roman Road). Time for refreshments, and we called in at the Inn on the Green, Ockley. A lovely welcome to be had from the barmaid and the big Boxer dog - Minnie needed some encouragement here. The coffees were very tasty, and, in the absence of Chris, it seems it was Sue's job to talk to a visiting male . She learned a lot from him - does anyone else remember the days of Fine Fare?

Trouble is, we all got warm and cosy, but we had to proceed, and Farty let out a weird squeaky sound - tracked to a miniature Hoppa she had found lurking in the pub - time to go. More lovely countryside and woodland to follow. Minnie and Sue were playing cats cradle at most of the stiles, and had to be dis-entangled from their craft. We came to Vann House, which is in the Open Gardens scheme - gorgeous, and then to a converted windmill set in the middle of open fields - wonderful views to be had 360 degrees, and think of all those stairs!

The homeward stretch was upon us, and we didn't waste time in the car park changing out of our boots. Inside the pub we found Sally, and the new staff as the pub has changed hands. We admired the blackboard menu only to be told that it was the 'evening' one. The daytime one was very reduced, and very chippy. In fact, the smell of frying chips lingered - but we ordered our fare. It arrived - 'very chippy', and very dry in many cases. We were not overly-impressed - sorry to say, and whoever is running this pub is missing a real trick. It's the only pub in the village, and is just begging to have a better menu. This place is a goldmine waiting to happen..............................

Right, that's the meal over with. Next week we MIGHT be going to the Dolphin at Betchworth, but please wait for the usual text.

Bad news: Farty has mislaid her map-holder, complete with maps and a compass. The pub has been phoned, Clat has been back for a look-round, but to no avail. What a shame - the complete walking history has gone - so we shall have to start another one!

See you next week. xxxxxx

Walton on the Heath - The Duke's Head

Tuesday 10th January 2012

And They're Off!!!

Walkers: T.B., Farty, Windy, Mrs P., 8 Legs, Clat and Lil

Find of the Walk: A large stick insect and some rather unsavoury track-suit bottoms.

Distance: 7 miles

Well, our first walk of the year - we are ready for action, especially as last week was cancelled due to heavy rain and high winds or vice-versa. The weather was the expected claggy January miserableness, but we were on top form. Off we go then.

Over the common, and past the rare Bum Bagel Birch tree, we arrived at Walton on the Hill and the duckpond. We continued, past the Bell p.h. and into some lovely woodland - lots of holly bushes laden with berries very evident. We then noticed the excellent views across country, towards London - bathed in sunshine, but we never were. The other view was towards the grandstands at Epsom racecourse, one of which had lost a section of roof last week - a very big wind then. Travelling along, we came across the stick insect, magnificent in his surroundings, and poised, ready for action.

Soon we came to our first break, and the Mrs P muesli bars were more delicious than ever - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. We decided it was about time we up-dated our group photo, and T.B. duly loaded his equipment in such a way, as to fit us all in. So, after a lot of posing and flashing, we finally got a few shots, but more was to follow......

We were on the edges of Epsom racecourse, but veered away, towards Headley and the Cock (this is a pub for you who are already sniggering). Another possibility of a group photo occurred, and once again T.B. got his gear out. This time, a passing runner offered to snap us, she did, told us it was a good shot, and ran off. Later, we discovered that her 'good shot' was a blank screen with a few whisps of grass at the side - what on earth was that woman on???

We had already dipped under the M25, and did it once more before heading 'home' via the butchers - 'eatmymeat.com' and Farty decided to buy steak to cook in the Heston way.

Back at the pub we found the place was packed, but soon emptied once we arrived. The staff were as friendly and welcoming as ever and we soon settled ourselves and compared notes on everything you can imagine. The food - excellent, and it was great to see Wendy the lovely landlady once again. It's been far too long since our last visit, but it was all as to be expected, and we enjoyed our meals. Sue produced a quiz from the Daily Mail, which, like Clat's similar one , proved to be tricky to navigate, and was soon binned. Lil did a couple from 'the book' and we realised Mrs P is a very clever lady.

 So, we then made our farewells, and readied for home. Next week is a t.b.a., but we are hoping Sally might venture forth and do a bit of walking with us. We shall keep you posted.