Three more walks

Following its record-setting walk in January, the walking group enjoyed three more outings over the next two months.

First, on 23 February, a select band of five departed from Caterham’s Boundary on the Green for a 5.5-mile tour that took them past Kenley Airfield and over Farthing Downs, with a half-time break at the Wattenden Arms in Kenley.

Four of the February five (photo George Taylor)

Next, on 23 March, came a linear walk which was originally planned to start at the fabled Hope in Carshalton, intending to take a bus from there to Morden Hall Park.  In the event, the six walkers assembled at the Potting Shed Café in said park, departing from there at 3.15pm.  This time their midway stop was the Red Lion in Hackbridge, with the endpoint target The Hope. 

The March six at Hackbridge Red Lion

There was a minor diversion en route, when Banners led the group back in the wrong direction after a stop, only ended when walkers pointed out several landmarks they had passed earlier on in the walk.  Once ensconced at The Hope, the group refreshed themselves from the fine range of ales and craft beers on offer.

Finally, on 27 April, the walkers who congregated at the Hare and Hounds in Godstone  again used public transport to reach the start of their walk on Quarry Road on the north side of the M25, where the group comprised eight plus canine participant Goose, who had brought Phil Willis with him. 

This was the annual bluebell walk and there was a profusion of blooms to be viewed, although marginally past their best – a sign of climate change that they should be on the wane by late April.  

April walkers passing bluebells

There was a considerable amount of ascent (and descent), the group finally catching its breath at the spectacular Caterham Viewpoint, with a prospect of the South Downs across the Surrey Weald.  Then came further R&R at the Harrow, Chaldon, where the usual group selfie was taken, this time including Goose who had been omitted on a previous occasion. 

To finish, it was back to the Hare and Hounds for an excellent value meal and dispersal into the summer evening.

The April eight (NB Phil Willis and his minder, Goose)