Oldies set record on steepest walk

Another select group of six, once again including John Rowe, met for the first walk of the New Year at the Warlingham White Lion on 26 January 2026.

Select Warlingham walkers at their tea stop

The initial stage followed the level accessible wheelchair path through Blanchman's Farm Nature Reserve, but this was soon followed by a steep muddy descent from Bug Hill to Woldingham Golf Course. Then a gradual ascent along the unmade Plantation Lane led to another  descent down High Lane before continuing the circumnavigation of the golf course on a muddy bridle path.

When near the clubhouse, Navigator Dave asked the three octogenarians in the group whether they preferred a steep ascent or an easier path as the route to the refreshment stop. They voted 2-1 in favour of the ascent and the three said oldies matched their junior counterparts as they headed for the summit, where they were greeted by a signpost reading "Old Man's Trot".

Record-breaking octogenarians relax at the top of Old Man's Trot

As the group followed the level path through Woldingham Garden Village, Dave explained its history as an assembly camp for soldiers going off to Flanders in WW1, and then a hospital for the returning casualties.

A long descent down Long Hill led to The Dene Cafe, part of Knight's Garden Centre. Tea, cappuccinos and enormous slices of cake fuelled the group for the return journey, which was a dauntingly steep ascent though the now deserted golf course which the octogenarians once again accomplished with aplomb.

The early start and finish required by winter walks meant the pub was still serving its lunch menu, so many tucked into a full three courses to recover.   The three 80-year-olds pointed out that never before, so they believed, had their age group constituted 50% of the walking party, thus setting a new walk group record.  They also pointed out that the scheduled ascent of 250ms was probably also some kind of record.

The route of the record walk