Still in Surrey and starting and finishing today in Shottermill, so a Surrey day today. Lucky enough to have two companions today, Sam who will be the navigator and Toby dog who like me will be following the route. I’m still recording it but not really looking during the walk! Yesterday my app told me I was canoeing but all has now been revealed so hopefully I should only be walking in future!
We are heading north towards an area called Polecat and so quickly we are away from houses and into woods and the dark loamy soil that predominates around here. Firstly houses built to house builders as the area rapidly expanded. Past a school – I still feel very comfortable with the sound of children out to play. There are pockets of National Trust land in this area and it’s not long before we pass into one. New gates made of metal are gradually replacing old wooden ones.
The path is parallel to the A287 and there are one or two largish houses below our route. After about an hour we stop for a drink , taking advantage of the sunshine and reflecting on how ridiculously warm it is. Toby is very content to play with a stick.
I realise I haven’t taken any photos yet and as we set off again I take a shot, if nothing else it illustrates what amazing weather we had!
It’s been a long time since I’ve walked with a dog – ‘Cairn’ the border collie was good company on walks and only rounded us up a little bit if we were out with a group!
Our route continued upwards until we reached the edge of Hindhead Common and we set off round the edge of the Punchbowl on the old route of the A3 before a tunnel was built. We’d just walked over that!
After a while we climbed up through a steep bank until we reached the old, old road and up on to Gibbet Hill. Highway men and the like were hung incarcerated by chains and an iron casing but in such a position that others could see- to try to deter them.
Such great views today in so many directions, all different and all enjoyable to see. Blackdown, the South Downs and even through to the Shard and Canary Wharf on the horizon. Not quite clear enough as a bit hazy in the distance but two other people came along who had spotted the area previously and pointed out where they were.
Back down through a wooded area following some paths used as byways – not for ordinary cars! We rejoined a path we had taken on the way up and then a further different loop passed some huge pine trees which formed a very stately and impressive line. Back through a field used for school sports and down to the houses.
A diversion at the end to a great little cafe and a much needed sausage sandwich! Another great walk in this area and excellent company!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 