Close to London, this walk combines stretches of both The North Downs Way, and the Greensand Way.
Length: 16¾ km (10.4 miles). Toughness 5/10.
Shorter option (missing out Godstone): 11.5km (7.1 miles)
Toughness: 3/10
Trains: Get the 10.21 train from London Victoria (Clapham Junction 10.27, East Croydon 10.38) arriving Woldingham at 10.55.
Return trains from Oxted run twice an hour at xx.31 & xx.59 to Victoria. All trains go through East Croydon where you can change for London Bridge.
Buy a return to Oxted.
Lunch: Godstone, 9½ km along the main route. The Hare & Hounds (01883-742296) serves typical pub food; the more up-market alternatives are the White Hart (01883-742521) and the Bell Inn (01883-743216). Light lunches are available at the Green Rooms of Godstone.
The Short Walk goes through Old Oxted after 5½ km, with three pubs close together on its short High Street. A little further on, however, the suggested lunch place on this variation is The Haycutter (01883-776955) in Broadham Green.
Tea: Various options in Oxted, including a Wetherspoons pub by the station.
For more details click L=swc.2
#2026-06-07T10:00
2 comments:
15 set off from Woldingham station and soon came upon the walk author who had come by car. It was a w=cloudy day and the sun didn't break through until late afternoon. The ground had softened after recent rain but it hadn't turned to mud so walking conditions were good. This is a lovely walk with scenic views and paths through varied woodland with large yews and other less common species which the walk author suggested might have been imported by past estate owners. We crossed the M25 twice via overhead bridges but it did not impinge on enjoyment of the walk as the approaches to and from the bridges were sheltered by trees and dense vegetation. Four or five people opted for the short walk, the rest carried on to lunch in Godstone. Just before reaching the pub, some were enticed into the sauna which is also a diving centre using a former sand pit/reservoir for swimming and diving. So, walks going through Godstone can now offer the chance of an outdoor swim https://www.diverscove.co.uk/
Four went for a pub lunch at the Hare and Hounds, seven picnicked on the green before joining them and saying hello to two who had driven there for lunch. The cafe in Godstone mentioned in the directions has changed hands and is now called Blossom's (across the road from the pub). A couple of people went there for tea/coffee. The carrot cake was very good. They also do breakfasts and savoury snacks. An additional pub luncher joined us for the remainder of the walk bringing the total to n=17. The afternoon section of the walk was also very scenic and enjoyable passing ponds - one a nature reserve - outside Godstone.
On reaching Oxted, one made a dash for the train, the rest went to Weatherspoons for drinks and desserts before catching the 16.31 back to London.
Forgot to mention this grave in St Nicholas' churchyard. Thanks to the walk author for leading us to it. https://godstone.net/aboutus/history/walker-miles/
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