Programme 2014

Sat 11th Jan

1000 for 1015
Epsom Downs and North Downs Way
Starting on Epsom Downs, we will walk down to and along the North Downs Way, have a bite to eat in or outside The Sportsman then back via a different route. Bring a torch just in case we are delayed.

This walk is led by Chris Munt - contact details.

Starting point:
Car park near the Grandstand on Epsom Downs, (TQ220587 or approx KT18 5UL).

10 - 11 miles
Sat 1st Feb

0945 for 1000
Surrey Munro (extra walk)
Once again it time for our annual walk up and around Surrey’s Munro, Box Hill. As before, we plan to boldly go up/down/up/down/up/down.........up/down Box Hill and the surrounding peaks by as many different routes possible until it gets dark. Then back to our home locally for tea and cakes followed by a shared meal together. So join us for a great day out. Don’t forget - please bring a packed lunch, stuff to keep you warm and dry, and a smile.
PS It’s going to be hilly☺.

This walk is led by Duncan Parsons and Nicky Easton.

Starting point:
Burford Bridge car park at the bottom of Box Hill, (TQ171520 or approx RH5 6BX).

12 miles

3000 feet ascent
Sat 8th Feb

1000 for 1015

Greensand Way (Part 7)
We will start at Westcott Village Green, where we finished the last section, and walk along the Greensand Way to Brockham, and then north up to the North Downs Way for lunch on Box Hill. Either bring sandwiches or get something at the National Trust Cafe. After lunch we will follow the North Downs Way westwards towards Ranmore Common, and then back down to Westcott.

This walk is led by Geoffrey Payne - contact details.

Starting point:
Westcott Village Green (TQ141486 or approx RH4 3NR).

11 miles
Sat 8th March

1015 for 1030 
River Wey, Pyrford Lock and Wisley Common
The walk passes Wisley Gardens, Ockham Mill, along the River Wey Navigation, to Pyrford Church and onto the Anchor Pub at Pyrford Lock for lunch, or nearby for sandwiches. The afternoon walk takes in Wisley Common and Ockham Woods, with a possible stop to see Chatley 
Semaphore Tower. Back across farmland, near Ockham and across the disused Wisley Airfield. For those who want a shorter walk, it is possible to cut the afternoon walk shorter by returning to the start after 2 miles.

This walk is led by Daphne Stockwell and Heather Ranger - contact details.

Starting point:
Car Park at Boldermere, Old Lane, off the A3, approx ½ mile south of J10 of the M25. (TQ079587 or approx KT11 1NA). There is a cafe, WC and a countryside information room.

12 miles 

(6 in morning; 
6 after lunch)
Sat 12th April

1015 for 1030
Holmbury Hill and Peaslake
Circular walk of 10 miles to include Holmbury Hill, Pitch Hill, Reynards Hill and Peaslake. Please bring a packed lunch.

This walk is led by Valerie Breeze - contact details.

Starting point:
Car park by Holmbury St Mary Youth Hostel (TQ104450 or approx RH5 6NW).

11 miles
Mon 5th May

1345 for 1400
Rhododendron Wood and Leith Hill
An extra (1/2 day) walk for those who are not away on the Bank Holiday Monday. This circular walk will pass Leith Hill Place (former home of Ralph Vaughan Williams), include the Rhododendron Woods just south of Leith Hill which should be just coming into bloom, ascend Leith Hill (but without much climbing), and loop around to return.

This walk is led by Geoffrey Payne- contact details.

Starting point:
Landslip car park south of Coldharbour (TQ146432 or approx RH5 6HG)

To locate the start more accurately on your sat-nav, why not try this Android app written by one of our members to convert OS co-ordinates to Latitude and Longitude which most car sat-navs tend to accept.

5 - 6 miles
Sat 10th May

1015 for 1030
Puttenham Common and North Downs Way
The route follows the North Downs Way and heads for the Sands, Waverley and Tilford before returning to Puttenham Common. If wet there are sections which may be muddy. Lunch can be taken by the river at Waverley. There is a possible toilet stop at Tilford if needed.

This walk is led by Andy Hall - contact details.

Starting point:
Middle Car Park on Puttenham Common, about 2 miles SW of Puttenham and 1/8 mile NW of the Lake (“The Tarn”). (SU912458 or approx GU3 1BG).

To locate the start more accurately on your sat-nav, why not try this Android app written by one of our members to convert OS co-ordinates to Latitude and Longitude which most car sat-navs tend to accept.

11 miles
Sat 14th June

1015 for 1030
Frensham Ponds
Lovely heathland and woodland walking around local ponds with two ridge walks included. The walk is a loose figure of eight with the longer section in the afternoon. Either bring sandwiches to eat by the pond (advised) or lunch in the (small) bar of Frensham Pond Hotel. Arrive for 1330 if you want to join the afternoon walk only, across the road from the Frensham Pond Hotel. Optional tea at the visitor centre at the end.

This walk is led by Helen Goodman - contact details.

Starting place:
Frensham Ponds visitor centre on Bacon Lane (SU845404 or approx GU10 3DR).

To locate the start more accurately on your sat-nav, why not try this Android app written by one of our members to convert OS co-ordinates to Latitude and Longitude which most car sat-navs tend to accept.

Car park charges:
   National Trust members - free
   Non NT members - £3

Loos and refreshments at the visitor centre hatch 10-4.30 inc hot snacks, bacon sandwiches, ice-creams which can be taken advantage of before the walk, lunchtime and at the end. The walk has long grasses so not suitable for shorts and short sleeved tee shirts if you have a grass allergy. Some muddy sections in the afternoon.

9.5 miles
Sat 12th July

1315 for 1330
Godstone and North Downs Way
An afternoon walk followed by a pub meal - note the change of starting point.

Walk to Marden Park, tea stop at Godstone Vineyard RH9 8DQ, then along the North Downs Way and return to Godstone via woodland and farmland. There will be an optional evening meal at The White Hart, Godstone RH9 8DU.

Starting place:
Godstone Green, east side by pond opposite White Hart pub having had lunch or bring a picnic to eat by pond.
(TQ349515 or approx RH9 8DU) Parking may be easier on west side of Godstone Green in Ivy Mill Lane.

There is a bus number 400 departing Caterham station at 1309 arriving Godstone Green at 1318 if you wish to come by public transport.

This walk is led by Robert Kipling - contact details.
Contact Robert if you would like a lift from Caterham station.

10 miles
Sat 9th August

0945 for 1000
Bracklesham Bay and Pagham Harbour
A joint Surrey and Hampshire walk. We will walk south-east along the coast to the new Medmerry Flood Defence (opened Dec 2013) and then to Pagham Nature Reserve Centre. Then we head west to Aldmodington before turning south to beach and return to Bracklesham Bay. Please bring picnic lunch. Option to swim (sandy beach). Refreshments at Billy's beach cafe.

This walk is led by Ben Harding - contact details.

Starting Point:
Bracklesham Bay car park. (Free parking in some side roads near-by.) OS197/Expl120 Grid Ref. SZ805964 or approx PO20 8JS

12 miles 
Sat 6th Sept

1015 for 1030
Chiltern cycle ride
Ride through the Chilterns to Great Missenden, Princes Risborough (lunch stop), Wendover and Chesham along Chilterns Cycleway, National Cycle Route 57 and minor roads.

Please contact Armin in advance if you wish to join the event. Bring lunch or buy it in Princes Risborough (there are several pubs and a Tesco in town).

This is a joint event with the London group and is led by Armin Kirthi-Singha - contact details.

Starting point:
Amersham station HP6 5AZ (see also here).

35 miles (cycling)
Sat 13th Sept

1015 for 1030 
Leith Hill and Holmbury Hill
Bring a packed lunch or eat at the pub (Hurtwood Inn, Peaslake). We plan to go for tea afterwards at Abinger Hammer.

This walk is led by Gareth Reed - contact details.

Starting point:
Landslip car park south of Coldharbour (TQ146432 or approx RH5 6HG)

To locate the start more accurately on your sat-nav, why not try this Android app written by one of our members to convert OS co-ordinates to Latitude and Longitude which most car sat-navs tend to accept.


11 - 12 miles
Sat 11th Oct

1015 for 1030 (prompt!)
Sussex Border Path & Bluebell Railway
This walk is from East Grinstead to Horsted Keynes (filmed as station at Downton), with return either via Bluebell Railway (£10.20) or by bus if preferred, The route includes a lot of woods so colours should be good. Lunch is at Sharpthorne village, departing by 1320 at the latest. There is a café called ‘The Sharp Thorn’, a garage shop but no pub. Very nice park with seats to have a picnic lunch (recommended).

This walk is led by Tim Bellenger - contact details.

Starting point:
‘Southern’ ticket gate on the eastern (Sainsbury’s) side of East Grinstead station

10 - 11 miles
Sat 25th Oct

1000 for 1015 (prompt!)

Pre clocks-going-back yomp on North Downs
This walk starts with Box Hill and its environs and goes to Reigate or Merstham, crossing many contour lines en route. Returning by train to Dorking. There may be the option for a pub meal afterwards. Bring a packed lunch.

This walk is led by Mark Helie - contact details.

Starting point:
NT Stepping Stones car park (TQ171513). Parking £4 payable by mobile phone or free to National Trust members. This car park is recommended rather than the free Rykers car park at Burford Bridge to avoid the risk of getting locked in.

15 miles (or so)
plus at least 3000ft of ascent
Sat 8th Nov

1015 for 1030
Banstead Woods, Kingswood and Mugswell
Please bring a packed lunch. However it should be possible to get a drink somewhere along the route.

This walk is led by Caroline Kendrick - contact details.

Starting point:
Banstead Woods Car Park at the bottom of Holly Lane, 1 1/2 miles SW of Banstead Village (TQ273583 or approx CR5 3NR). Chipstead station is only a 5-minute walk away.

To locate the start more accurately on your sat-nav, why not try this Android app written by one of our members to convert OS co-ordinates to Latitude and Longitude which most car sat-navs tend to accept.

9 - 10 miles
Sat 13th Dec

1015 for 1030

Surrey Hills
Starting from Westcott Village Green (TQ141486 or approx RH4 3NR) this walk will include the neighbouring hills and the option for a pub lunch (probably the White Horse in Shere).

This walk is led by Steve Moggs - contact details.

We have been invited back to his home in Westcott afterwards for tea and mince pies. Since it gets dark early in December it may be as well to bring a torch.

12 miles