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WALKERS STEP UP PACE

The choir walking group has been stepping up the pace and has accomplished two more walks in the space of three weeks.

Looking over the Surrey Weald

The first, selected once again by our new navigator Dave “Banners” Bannister, began and ended at the Sportsman pub in Mogador on June 17.  Ten group members took part. The route, totalling 5.6 miles, led across the M25 and then contoured the Buckland Hills to pick up the North Downs Way, heading eastwards and merging with the ancient Pilgrim’s Way.

 

 

Walkers pause on the Pilgrim's Way (photo Trevor Watkins)

Refreshment was taken at the Yew Tree, followed by a stiff ascent of Reigate Hill.  The group was rewarded with spectacular views across the Surrey Weald, coupled with visits to the historic Reigate Fort, built as a defence against possible invasion in the 1890s, and the domed folly known as the Inglis Memorial which proved to have a good acoustic. The group crossed the M25 again and reached the Sportsman in time for an evening meal at 6pm.

 

Farmland east of Limpsfield Road (second walk)

The rendezvous for the second walk, on July 8, was the Botley Hill Farmhouse pub and restaurant near the top of Titsey Hill.   The group followed Limpsfield Road for half a mile before striking east across rolling farmland under a spectacular cloudscape.   The walk was just over five miles and the refreshment stop was at the Old Ship in Tatsfield.

Walkers startled by horse (Photo Trevor Watkins)

The group was honoured during the second stage by the presence of club chair Kimball Ormond and his gracious wife Annie, bringing the numbers to eleven, together with social member Ted Mouat who joined the group at the start, mid-point and finish.