This new walk for a Saturday is a short train journey but comes with the author’s signature motorway warnings! The worked-out sand pits around Nutfield Marsh are gradually being transformed into wetland nature reserves or country parks and the first part of the walk takes in a succession of these lakes. The walk passes under the M23 motorway before climbing to the “vile rotten borough of Bletchingley” The village has a wide high street, a fine parish church with some impressive monuments and a choice of two more lunch pubs. There is virtually no trace of its 12thC castle but there are fine views from Castle Hill as the walk makes its way back under the M23 to South Nutfield. Between South Nutfield and Earlswood the walk mostly follows the Greensand Way, It continues to Earlswood Common. After passing between the common's two lakes the remainder of the walk is a steady climb up and over the wooded Redhill Common and down through suburban streets to the pedestrianised town centre.
There is one shortcut before lunch and a second near the end.
Trains: Get the 0951 Thameslink train to Three Bridges from London Bridge (Norwood Junction 1002, East Croydon 1006) arriving at 1022. Frequent train service back. The two shortcut stations are the same fare as Redhill.
Lunch: in Bletchingley, after approx 10k, 6 Miles, The Whyte Harte Hotel (01883-744356) is opposite the parish church, with a patio and walled garden at the back; Lamingtons Tea Room is a few doors away. At the top of the village on Castle Street the Red Lion (01883-743342) has an outdoor terrace and a ‘secret garden’ behind its car park.
Tea: there are several cafes in Redhill's pedestrianised central area. A Youngs pub, The Home Cottage, just past the station and a Weatherspoons in London Road.
T=swc.425
1 comment:
Just 3 off the train, setting off in a steady drizzle. Later one took the short cut, but rounding the corner, we were joined by a regular catcher of early trains, so n=4
The wet lands would have been quite enjoyable except for a lot of deep puddles to negotiate. Lunch was a sandwich in the church porch, and we opted for carrying on rather than the pub. Some good views in the afternoon and mostly dry with the odd shower. Once we were on lower ground though, things got really soggy.
Uh-uh! Mud!
Thick oozy mud.
We can't go over it.
We can't go under it.
Oh no!
We’ve got to go through it!
Squelch squelch!
Squelch squelch!
Squelch squelch!
(Going on a bear hunt Michael Rosen)
I was very glad to have gaiters. Towards the end we split up, one taking a break, 2 going on to Redhill, 1 for the station and 1 for Weatherspoons.
This is not a walk for wet weather, but was very enjoyable despite the conditions and is definitely worth repeating in better weather.
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