Bluebells with garlic

Eleven walkers (and one dog) left the Hare and Hounds in Godstone at 2.30pm on April 28, aiming to view the spring bluebell display at its finest.  Unusually we started by bus, exiting beside the Caterham bypass beyond the M25 and heading steeply towards the woods above. 

We were soon greeted with shimmering  carpets of bluebells – mingling with the white blossoms of wild garlic, all the sweeter for the distinctive garlic aromas.

The eleven bluebell walkers (but no Goose) at the fabled Harrow

It was a warm, clear day, with patches of mud lingering from previous downfalls.  After zigzags along the forest track, the eleven (plus dog) emerged at the spectacular viewpoint above the M25, with glimpses of the South Downs beyond. 

And here is Goose

Then it was on again, with more ascent/descent, and a final foray up a steep path to the Harrow, the second highest pub in Surrey and a place fabled in club history.   

For it was here, during lockdown, that the late Ted Mouat enquired whether a party of 11 walkers had arrived yet.  When the group did pitch up they were banished from the premises. 

Beside the bluebells

Our greeting this time was somewhat warmer, and the group was soon ensconced with their pints.  It was generally agreed that the group had been enhanced by the presence of Goose, a working cocker spaniel belonging to Alex, the son of choir baritone and walker Phil Willis.  She was friendly and inquisitive, and proved a popular addition

The first part of the return leg, following the North Downs Way, was along a difficult road where care was required.  Then it was back to reassuring  tracks and paths, with more aromatic  displays of wild garlic, eventually crossing the M25 and regaining the Hare and Hounds, where the walkers who remained partook of a satisfying supper. 

Our route (courtesy Dick Jones)