Time moves on and it it time for the annual poddle - a sponsored walk for the
canal trust. Sue and I were already signed on, however we added Rachel and
Peter as they were here and up for a long walk (suitably medicated and
supported). We drove over to this years start at the Snoxhall fields in
Cranleigh and parked up. Once registered we were off - no hanging around this
year
Across the playing fields ( through the dog agility class just starting) and
over Knowle lane into Knowle country park. This ended up beside the new
developments and onto Alfold road.
Over the road and down the next developments that used to be Cranleigh
nurseries. Beyond the new houses the path deteriorated to an overgrown path that
led to the canal.
Now along the canal to the B2130 where instead of going through the gardens and
exiting through the gate straight onto the road we were allowed to go through
one of the fields to an easier crossing point. On the other side along the
driveway to Rye farm and the subsequent track.
A zigzag through the woods led up to the Downs link track - past a deer
nonchalantly hiding the undergrowth. Along the downs link rather than continuing
on the Wey south path as would become obvious on the return leg.
After several hundred meters along the Downs link we took the next bridle path
to cross over to the Wey South path along a fenced off section between meadow
fields.
Now back on the Wey South path along a farm track between fields util it dropped down to a flood plain around the river. Over the river and climb up the other side back to the next bit of canal as it went into Run Common
Along the canal throguh the common to cross Rushett common road. Over this and into the park land opposite and the first refreshment break.
Leaving the stop we returned to the road (apparently this was supposed to continue along the canal route but was blocked at the very last minute). We turned down towards the Downs link and followed it for a while towards Bramley.
Beside a WACT notice board we left the downs link and followed the canal bed (by special arrangement) - this was a very rough track mowed in the bed. Going past the site of a demolished lock we moved onto a towpath trace.
After Rooks hill farm we followed a proposed new canal bed marked out with wooden posts as it got around a driveway. this re-joined a restored section of the canal (still not opened to the public due to access issues)
We caught up with the standard access at the Birtley bridge 1 and followed the restored section along towards Bramley.
At Birtley Bridge 2 we left the canal and turned down to cross the river again. Once across we followed a farm lane climbing gently towards Shamley Green.
Over Lordshill road and into the residential area of the outskirts. A zigzag through the houses before coming out on a back road leading up to the village green and Arbuthnot hall. Halfway lunch stop.
After lunch we headed off across the village green and down Woodhill lane. Following the lane as it twisted up towards Woodhill. Up a steep hill to an avenue of trees. Down the drive to Little Cucknells
Leaving the lane and into the woods still dropping. then up past a new build behind an older house and through more woods (with a wrecked car abandoned in them). Now a drive up past a couple of barn houses.
Leaving the drive to drop down a dirt track to a couple of ponds, and climbing the other side beside a grass field with views down to Willinghurst fishing lakes. Then below some houses to eventually meet a shingle driveway.
Up to a house and then the driveway to reach Smithwood common road. Down the road to a sharp bend where we left it to disappear into the undergrowth. Eventually coming out at the top of Smithwood common looking across to Hascombe hill.
Through the grasslands dropping down grass tracks aiming for the four elms cottage (old pub). Along the driveway tot eh second refreshment stop.
From the stop through the remains of the common towards Rowly. and a crossing of the B2128 and down an exclusive residential road,
Down the road to Rowley farm and picking up the Wey South path - this was why we omitted this section on the way out,
Following the Wey South back to the Downs link, then turning towards Cranleigh, and a long section along the flat track bed
Still on the Downs link through Cranleigh until it took us back to the sports centre at Snoxhill fields. The end point and yet more refreshments.
