Extra Walk 2a - Woldingham to Oxted, omitting Godstone
Length: 11½ km, 7.1 m. Toughness: 3/10.
Train: 10:21 from Victoria (Clapham Junction 10:28, East Croydon 10.40) arrives Woldingham 10.56. Return trains from Oxted to London Victoria are at xx:00 and xx:29. Buy a return to Oxted.
I thought this short and scenic walk with a late start and several refreshment options might appeal on New Year's Day. The walk goes through the Local Nature Reserve of Great Church Wood and follows the North Downs Way to the top of Oxted Downs. Here, a bench overlooking a fine view of the Greensand Hills might make a convenient spot to toast the New Year before the descent to Old Oxted. In the afternoon, you pass St Peter's church and the magnificent Tandridge Yew.
There are several pub options for lunch and I'd suggest deciding which/calling them before heading off from the station. They'll be busy today so a large group would need to split between pubs. The walk passes through the village of Old Oxted and returns there later after looping through Broadham Green and Tandridge (which also have pubs). There are 3 pubs close together on Old Oxted's High Street: The Old Bell (Chef and Brewer, 01883-712181), The George Inn (01883-713453) and The Crown Inn (01883-717853). About 15 minutes further on in Broadham Green is The Haycutter (01883-776955). A further option (requiring a short detour) is The Barley Mow (01883-713770) in Tandridge.
At the end of the walk in Oxted are several cafés and coffee shops. On Station Road West, Robertsons at #42 (01883-712777) and Café Papillon at #54 (01883-717031) may be open but if not then JD Wetherspoon's Oxted Inn (01883-723440) next to the station will be. On Station Road East, Little Waitrose Cafe is open as are Caffè Nero at #139 (01883-730220) and Costa Coffee at #62 (01883-723149). Coughlans Bakery at #76 (01883-716972) may also be open.
You'll need to bring the walk directions (with maps) from the Woldingham to Oxted walk page. Click on option a to only print the relevant directions.
T=swc.2.a
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A large group assembled on the platform at Woldingham station. I didn't count but I'd estimate n=25. The weather was w=dry-and-mild-misty-at-times. Thanks to those who brought Champagne, crisps, cake and chocolate, we toasted the New Year at a conveniently located bench on a hilltop mid morning.
The group split between pubs at Old Oxted. The Crown was not too busy and accommodated several of us, though service was slow today. After a post lunch loop around Tandridge, we returned to Oxted where some of us went for refreshments in the Old Oxted Inn before hopping on the train home.
An enjoyable start to the New Year.
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