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Records tumble in mid-summer heat

Local expert Ralph Osborne made a welcome return to the walking group at the Grasshopper Inn near Westerham on 18 June. The brilliant sunny weather brought out a record group of seventeen walkers, including five women, also a record.

Braving the mid-summer heat

Dave led southwards across the A25 and turned west into rolling farmland.  A steady climb took walkers up to a wood where they were surprised to see a bright red postbox next to a small "house" belonging to Peter Rabbit. We exited the wood and reached Limpsfield Chart golf course, very familiar to local expert Ralph. The walk continued along the Greensand Way, with occasional glorious vistas southward across the Weald.  

Pat, Sue, and Faith - record-breakers, along with Katrina and Sally

As we emerged onto open downland the views were even more spectacular during the descent towards Tenchley's Manor. Once at the bottom it was time to ascend again, Dave valiantly trying to boost morale by claiming the half-time pub was only just at the top.

Spectacular downland vistas

The group were delighted to reach the Carpenters Arms and to find social members Ted Mouat and Pete Smith already there. Pete had cycled from Oxted Station so was as much in need of refreshment as the weary walkers. The Westerham ale was much appreciated and a group photograph was taken containing nineteen walkers and social members – yet another record.  

Dave led along the Greensand Way again into the Limpsfield Chart forest, emerging once more in sight of the A25 and the North Downs. The final challenge was to traverse a patch of nettles which was not appreciated by those wearing shorts.  Back at the Grasshopper we subsided into armchairs for a pre-prandial pint before taking our places in the deserted dining room.

The record-breaking nineteen at the Carpenters Arms

Unfortunately the kitchen seemed nearly deserted too, probably due to the England World Cup football match just starting, so much patience was required waiting for our food to arrive – and some members found it had hardly been worth the wait anyway.