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.