Two bracing winter walks

Seven walkers headed north from The Woodman in Woodmansterne on December 2 and soon turned left into wet grassy fields. Then came a public footpath across the Mayfield Lavender Farm which alas was devoid of lavender on a cold winter's day.

The Woodman six (photo JP)

We crossed a busy road into the open grassland of Oaks Park and passed the cafe and golf club house. After crossing a second busy road we reached the tranquil tracks circumventing Old Lodge Farm which led to the Little Woodcote Estate, houses built after the First World War as "fit for heroes".

The footpath through Little Woodcote Wood led to another long track and residential roads near the now defunct Jack and Jill pub opposite Woodcote Golf Course. We crossed the Tattenham Corner railway line at Woodmansterne Station and were soon down in the Chipstead Valley at the Smugglers Inn for refreshment. 

The December 2 route map

The return journey was shortened by using the 166 bus along the Chipstead Valley to the bottom of Chipstead Way. From there it was a muddy ascent up Scratch Wood back to The Woodman for dinner.

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The walkers made a second outing, the first of the New Year, on 20 January 2025.   Thirteen walkers started from the Golden Ark in Selsdon and made their way along roads to the bottom of the Croham Hurst SSSI.

Banners and Andrew contemplate the infinite

A gentle climb led to the dramatic viewpoint where the group were able to admire both the spectacular views and the new benches proudly installed recently by Dave the Navigator. The descent led past Croham Hurst Golf Club, where our most recent concert was held. and onward towards the base of the similar SSSI of Addington Hills.

Thirsty walkers pose for photo at Surprise, the pub with no beer

Expectation was high as we neared The Surprise pub, our planned refreshment stop, but the main surprise was that they had no beer.   After a somewhat dry break, navigation went awry through the brambles until the group reached the Addington Hills viewpoint from which the London skyline was clearly visible.

Picturesque section on return leg

The route then mainly followed the London Loop path through Heathfield, Bramble Bank and Littleheath Woods back to Selsdon. An early supper was taken at the Sir Julian Huxley.

The first walk started at the Woodman in Woodmansterne with half time at the Smugglers Inn.