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A walk on the woolly side

Twelve walkers departed from the Ye Old Ship in Tatsfield on April 5, heading south towards the ridge of the downs and soon finding themselves on open farmland following the North Downs Way with glorious vistas of the Surrey Weald below. After a stretch through dense and overgrown woodland, they emerged on to the narrow but quiet White Lane.

Martin (from Wales) inspects Surrey sheep

A more dangerous half-mile section on the busy Titsey Hill followed, with Dave the Navigator leading the way in his bright red fleece, until all could dive into farmland again, this time on the Vanguard Way.

Dave's red fleece proved less popular as the group entered field patrolled by a large and intimidating bull.  Fortunately, he seemed unperturbed and the walkers exited into the drive leading to Titsey Place, a manor house nestling under the downs and part of an estate dating from the sixteenth century.

Sue, Hazel, Faith and Elaine stride out

The house, gardens and tea shop were still closed for the winter so the group had to pass by and start the steep ascent back up the downs through the Titsey Plantation. After much puffing and panting the group arrived at the car park at the top. Dave pointed out the signboard and indicated that some published pictures of this were copyrighted by one Philip Talmage as in this link https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/50245

The group were much in need of refreshment at the Botley Hill Farmhouse pub where they shared tales of Martin Perkins' 11 chips and Ted Mouat'sdispleasure at a tardy dessert on a previous visit. Soon they were off along the Limpsfield Road, this time with a wide footpath and extensive views  over rolling downland.

Extensive views of the Weald

After turning off the road, the path led down to Cheverells farm where our Welsh contingent communed with a woolly flock of sheep before ascending up to and skirting Beaver Water World, previously known as Tatsfield Reptile Centre.

The twelve walkers plus Ted at half time

 The Welsh were excited by the large sheep-like creatures who scuttled around in the field adjacent the the path and we had to inform them that these were in fact Alpacas with no particular affiliation to the principality.   A few minutes later all were back in the lovely community atmosphere of Ye Old Ship and tucking into dinner.