Length: 17¾ km (11.0 miles). 4 hours 15 minutes walking time. 4 out of 10.
Two magnificent yew trees are just 4 km apart as the crow flies, in the Surrey hamlets of Crowhurst and Tandridge, the Crowhurst Yew and the Tandridge Yew. The walk itself is mostly through low-lying farmland (with occasional stretches of woodland) in the valley of the River Eden , but there are also good views from the low hills to the south of the river and the Greensand Ridge to the north.
Trains: Get the 1021 Thameslink, Three Bridges train from London Bridge (East Croydon 1036), changing at Redhill 1052, for the 1100 Tonbridge train arriving 1110.
Return trains are 1720 to London Bridge, 1723, 1753 to Victoria (repeated hourly).
The start and finish stations are on different lines but a return to Edenbridge Stations via East Croydon is valid on the return journey from Oxted or Hurst Green as well as the outward journey to Godstone via Redhill.
Lunch: The Royal Oak ( 01883-722207 ) on the edge of Staffhurst Wood, after 5.5 miles, 8¾ km. A “Grumpy Mole Restaurant” it has an attractive garden with fine views across the Low Weald.
Tea: Cafes in Oxted & a Wetherspoons next to the station.
T=swc.277
2 comments:
Just attempted to book a table for lunch at the Royal Oak. Nothing available until 15.00. Perhaps best to bring an emergency sandwich.
N=12 made their way to the Godstone train, which for some reason is at the far end of the platform at Redhill. After we recovered from a wrong turning 3 minutes from the station the group gradually spread out. As well as the old yew trees, the woods had spectacular bluebell displays. The Royal Oak was busy but around 4 got fed outside, sheltered under an umbrella from a brief attempt at rain. We all regrouped in the garden, which was subject to a cold wind.
After lunch and more bluebells, the majority took an unofficial shortcut! Which left 4 of us doing the full route via Tandridge. I skipped the little loop in Oxted, joining others in the Wetherspoons. Three of us were thinking of the next train when the last 3 turned up, and we felt we should be polite and stay for a second beer. An enjoyable walk, solid underfoot. Crowhurst church is a must visit.
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