A change back to the North Downs this week, and another piece of the
Greensand Way jigsaw. I had decided to do this, very urban as it involved
negotiating both Reigate and Dorking towns, section in one linear push with a
return on the train. As the track went through Earlswood common, I made use of
the free carpark by the lakes rather than an expensive one beside the railway
stations, as this also gave me the opportunity to return by a number of
stations.
The first section through the Redhill & Reigate golf course - which seems
now to be a park was a gentle introduction to the day heading in the general
direction by any path.
This soon changed as we crossed over a road and into the urbanisation of Mead
vale. the route followed a number of tarmacked twittens and pavements through
the housing estates. The signage here was very sporadic and the true trace very
difficult to find without help from GPS and map.
This mazes of streets, cut throughs and "green" corridors had to be negotiated
with a series of chess like moves
Eventually we came out at Reigate Park, and climbed up to the trig point and
memorial seat. Joining a number of dog walkers along the broad ridge heading
West, happy to be in open countryside once more.
At the end of Reigate park there was a steep drop down to and across a road
before a more gentle ascent up the other side by a lane.
The lane turned into a bridle path through a small wood before exiting by a pub
in Skimmington.
We had great difficulty spotting the path from here looking both side and around
the pub before seeing it behind the bins.
This track led alongside the pub garden before coming out at a row of houses
... once more navigation was a challenge as the continuation involved
going down what looked like someone's front path before diving into a wooded
area. Finally coming out on a driveway in an open access area past a large
white house.
Across a minor road and rising up through heathland we came upon this house and
windmill. turns out to be the club house for another golf course, complete with
reserved executive parking and all that goes with it.
The route dropped down across the two fairways before we headed into the trees
beside a cottage, following a track between fields. The views over to the north
downs between Box and Reigate Hills.
At last a clean stream and running water, as we approached Dungate's farm, with
a huge pack of Labradors running free, then down the farm drive, before turning
into a path corridor between horse pasture
Approaching Betchworth, down steep steps to a road around Hartsfield manor, then
into the village past a camouflaged pill box
Through the churchyard and out the other side on a well maintained path
Approaching Brockham alongside the river Mole and another pill box. Across the
river on a concrete bridge and into the village
Across the village green, and down a lane on the other side
A strange zigzag through pasture fields, thankfully free of cattle and around
Pondtail farm before continuing to the railway line underpass
The start of the expensive end of Dorking ... the large houses looking
down to the Weald, climbing on drives and roads as they snaked through the
exclusive housing estate of Deepdene
Rising into the wooded top of Chart Park above the golf course. This renovation
is still ongoing, with gardens and a mausoleum, however my trail only took in
the sycamore avenue on the ridge top with viewing seat
Views across to Leith hill and the trees of Holmwood. Then down steeply to the
A24 road and a patient wait for a gap in the traffic to cross.
On the other side of the road the track took a rising path climbing away from
the road and up into an extension of Chart Park. The Greensand way here takes a
strange drop and re climb in this wood, avoiding a more direct path for
some reason.
Looking down into Dorking town coming out of the park.
Back in the urban sprawl, this was where we left the Greensand way to cut up to
the train station. The way comes out where we joined it previously at the
Nower.
Following the footpath we came out on Dorking High-street, before trying to find
the right path past the church and out the other side to get to Dorking West
station. We went around in several circles to find a public access route, before
we found signs to the station. In hindsight it would have been better to cut
over to Deepdene station from where we left the Greensand Way as this was more
direct, although slightly longer.
Riding the trains - getting used to it now, but still suspicious.
We arrived at the station and dropped down the underpass to get to the
northern side of the tracks. Fortunately the train was due in only a couple of
minutes, and we boarded bound for Redhill.
As we had plenty of time and had not lost any waiting for the train, I chose
to keep going beyond Reigate station and see how long we had to wait at
Redhill before deciding to continue or retreat from there.
At Redhill the on-going train to Tonbridge was waiting on the next platform,
so another trip through a subway and we were sat ready for the extension
to Nutfield.
Once there it was time for a pause to eat and drink in the platform shelter
before embarking on the section back to the van, there seemed to have been a rain shower here which we had missed. Though the sun of earlier had now disappeared behind the clouds
Leaving the station behind the next section was on the roads, through the
village and zigzagging to King's Mill - this was Ok where there was a pavement
or verge, however the King's Mill lane was very dangerous with speeding vehicles
and blind bends. Very pleased to be back into the fields
Wide open land with distant views to the North Downs beyond the M25
Skirting around yet another golf course ... I think we must have been
through 4 or 5 today we followed a very muddy section - our first of the day.
Bertie was disappointed that the brook was a bit fast and steep sided to have a
dip
Crossing under the main London/ Brighton line
Into Earlswood common and back onto the golf course working around what would
have been the sides of the course
Picking up a raised track slightly above and away from the lakes - they are
said to have Blue-Green algae and I did not want Bertie to dive in when I was
not watching.
Back in the more popular parts as we passed the second lake and the refreshment hut, and into the carpark.
A long day and time for a snack and briever before returning home.
