Challenges and chill winds

There was more parking fury at the Feathers in Merstham on February 27, when some of the 12 walkers found they had to pay a non-refundable £6 to park, in contradiction to what the parking instructions appeared to say. The 12 eventually left the Feathers, crossed the M25 over the North Downs Way footbridge and were soon making the challenging ascent of Ashstead Hill.

Challenging ascent of Ashstead Hill

At the top we paused to recover and enjoy the panoramic views back over the M25, Reigate Hill Golf Club and the Weald beyond. We continued northward past Boors Green Farm, down a short stretch of rural Harps Oak Lane and across undulating paths up to High Road in Chipstead.

After turning right down White Hill, some walkers knowledgeable of the terrain were salivating at the prospect of refreshment at the Well House Inn ahead, but Navigator Dave took them off to the right along the contour through the farmland of Shabden Park.

Eleven of the 12 walkers beside Elmore Pond

Eventually within sight of former choir member Ernest Williams' Old Dame School house, we turned back uphill. As we peered over the wall into the aptly named Courtyard Theatre car park, the White Hart pub loomed ahead where we were greeted by a fine array of beers, consumed outside under welcome heaters.

We started the return journey along the road to the now brimming Elmore Pond and back across the chilling windswept expanses of Chipstead Rugby Club to Vincent's Green and its pond. We followed Starrock Lane to Starrock Farm and then a path alongside fields down to the A23 Brighton Road.

Sun and shadows on the homeward stretch

At this point, for the second walk in succession, we had planned assistance from public transport to complete our journey. However traffic was near-stationary due to an accident at the bottom of Star Lane ahead and the group had to continue on foot past the line of cars. Eventually we passed a slow-moving bus and managed to beat it to its next stop where we boarded. Again, passengers were surprised and delighted by the inevitable informal concert before we reached The Feathers and journey's end.