An autumn walk

Six doughty hardy walkers left the Feathers Hotel in Merstham and crossed the road into the aptly named Quality Street. They headed west towards the North Downs Way through Merstham cricket club and Reigate Hill golf club, with its wonderful views in all directions.

The six plus Ted and Sally at the mid-walk break at the Yew Tree

We walked through the Royal Alexandra and Albert School then forked left onto a path across the wonderful Gatton Park, where a notice board overlooking the ponds and lakes explaining how Capability Brown had landscaped the grounds between 1762 and 1768 in his traditional "naturalistic" style. We turned into the shelter of Nut Wood and onto Wray Lane, then contoured around Quarry Hill before emerging onto Reigate Hill close to the halfway stop at the Yew Tree pub.

Autumn beckons

The group was delighted to meet Ted Mouat and Sally Blewett and enjoy a beer before contemplating the looming ascent of Reigate Hill.  The group became strung out as it ascended the steep narrow path, but all reached the summit without incident. Navigator Dave had promised ice-creams at the viewpoint kiosk but alas it was shut – at least 15 minutes before the published closing time.  Dave tried to motivate his disappointed troupe with the promise that it was only two miles home, all downhill, but they remained unconvinced.

Sunken lane

Halfway through the return leg, the route re-joined the North Downs Way, continuing back through the school, golf and cricket club. Sally and Ted were waiting for us at the Feathers hotel and soon the entire group was tucking into their excellent pies at their special Monday deal of half price.