This looks like a good walk for new year's day as it's not too far, very scenic and the train service looks reasonable. It is customary to have a stop in the morning for nibbles and possibly champagne – please bring along whatever you wish to share. There's a good place with a fine view of Polesden Lacey about 4 km/2.5 miles into the walk.
Travel: 1002 from Waterloo (Vauxhall 1006, Clapham Junction 1012, Epsom 1038) to Box Hill and Westhumble arriving at 1051. You could get a 0940 service from Victoria arriving 1034, but if starting there you could leave a bit later, go to Vauxhall and pick up the above train.
Return trains at 10 past the hour to Waterloo or 16 and 46 to Victoria.
Lunch: Polesden Lacey (after 6 km, just under half way) has the Granary Cafe in Stable Courtyard for a sit-down self-service lunch and a coffee shop at the entrance with take-away sandwiches and plenty of (mainly outdoor) picnic seating. They are open from 10 to 4 on New Year's Day.
Tea: Unfortunately Denbies is closed on New Year's Day, but the Stepping Stones (01306-889932) pub, about five minutes beyond Westhumble station, is open.
For walk directions, map and GPX click here.
T=2.14.b
5 comments:
Bad news: Polesden Lacey is CLOSED including cafes
10.02 from Waterloo only running to Raynes Park. Some got the 9.40 from Victoria. If reading this at Waterloo get a train to Clapham Junction and get the 10.17 from there to Dorking. This is the 10.10 from Victoria. It does not stop at Box Hill but we can walk from Dorking, which is no big difference. I will be on this train.
Thanks Walker. I was going to pick up the posted train at Winbledon and am now teying to get to CJ for your suggestion
I'm at Boxhill. I'll walk across to Dorking now should be there in 20 mins
Well somehow, despite the train cancellation #10 of us made it - the four on Walker's suggested train met another waiting at Dorking and soon three more appeared through the drizzle having walked from Westhumble station. To their possible dismay we made them walk back again though Denbies to join the planned route, passing many runners, some on fancy dress, participating in an event there.
The weather improved enough for many to take some layers off before continuing, but that was just an illusion as we headed out into the wind and a torrential shower 10 minutes before we reached the appointed celebration spot. There we met two more who had driven to Westhumble and were about to give up on us appearing.
Bubbles, chocolate, biscuits and sandwiches and convivial chat were enjoyed at Prospect Lodge where the rain eased and we put a brave face on the conditions. Then back to Westhumble, omitting Polesden Lacey, in now steady rain which meant we were pretty soaked by the time we got to Westhumble. So #wind-and-drizzle-then-heavier-rain.
All fell into the welcoming warmth of the Stepping Stones pub which had just enough room for us to sit at three adjoining tables and enjoy more drinks and chat before getting various trains or buses home. I think everyone was pleased to have ventured out and many thanks to all who provided provisions or indeed just showed up.
Post a Comment