Sunny Winter Ups and Downs

Banners writes: Seven walkers gathered at The Feathers, Merstham on a gloriously crisp and sunny winter's day (February 12). We thought it would be eight as Roger Parkinson strode by the pub window in his walking togs, but coincidentally he was joining a rival walking group starting from the same place.

Walkers enjoy winter sun (Photo John Parker)

Navigator Dave spared the group early mud by following the Rockshaw Road tarmac for the first stage. We then turned onto the North Downs Way and sang a ditty in a tunnel under the M23, where we had gathered to sing in the Covid era as it was a rare location where we could legally do so. The long gentle ascent to the ridge of the downs caused some panting, but this was mitigated by the clear blue sky. The group paused and posed on a well-placed recovery log at the top.

Merstham walkers look into the sun (Photo JP)

We struck north towards the Grade II* listed Tollsworth Manor, founded in 675 CE, then turned northeast across an open field to Chaldon crossroads and down Church Lane. For once we resisted the temptation to pop into Chaldon Church to sing Jacob's Ladder by the Ladder of Salvation mural and instead continued along a muddy field path into Happy Valley. Local expert Dick Jones advised the group on the best route to descend and ascend and we were soon downing a refreshing pint in The Fox.

Merstham route map (courtesy Dick Jones)

Reinvigorated, with the sun sinking low, it was back down into the valley and up onto the ridge of Farthing Downs with its dramatic vistas in all directions. The final descent took us down and over the main London-Brighton railway to a bus stop on the A23. A short 405 bus ride took us back to The Feathers to warm up with a substantial early supper.