It was still overcast, but the wind had almost disappeared, there was also some dampness in the air but not real rain. As it was still wet and flooded in places I chose to go back to Blackheath and walk from there into Guildford and back via Chinthurst Hill. A mix of some earlier routes that I thought about becoming an AAC walk at some point in the future. The idea was to park in the Littleford lane car park that although the Guildford web site says has a barrier - it does not (yet!).
Getting to the car park was complicated by following a lorry down the back lanes, then once I had reached the car park it was full - obviously the local dog walkers were out in force today!. The alternative was to park in a lay-by just past it, however to add to today's challenges, I struck a log pulling off the single track lane to make way for a car. The lay-by gave me an opportunity to check the damage - not rubbing but will need some serious work. Abandoning the van I set out across Derry's Hill and down the bridleway that is the Fox Way to Barnett Hill conference centre.
past the centre and dropping down past fields to the village of Wonersh
Across the playing fields, before crossing the B2128. Then ndown a track beside the village hall and Bowls club.
Luckily the B2128 (there are three roads round here with that number!) had a footpath as I followed it over the river (tributary to the Wey) and into Bramley. I turned onto the Downs Link at the old Bramley station.
Along the old railway as it followed the river (stopping to see the weir)up to the end of this section at the A281.
Over the major road and still on the old railway following it to the bridge over the Wey canal. Here I dropped onto the towpath.
Along the towpath, crossing the A248 at Broadford, and back on the towpath. I found a Pillbox I did not know was there at the end of a disused rail loop.
Still on the towpath under the main line (to Gatwick) passing the lock at St Catherine's and on to the chapel of the same name (and "beach").
Over the foot bridge under the chapel and continuing on the opposite side to the towpath, beside the flood plains.
At the rowing club, I turned back, now on the cycle route that paralleled the A281 and beside Shalford park.
The route curves away from the road and behind the church, and beside the water works before meeting a tarmacked track behind a row of houses.
I took a new route alongside a second church and graveyard to get back to the A281. Crossing over and down to the station
Over the railway using the station footbridge, however this was not where I needed to be and I had to go around the storage yard up to the A248 (I think the route I wanted was a bit further along the line). Along the pavement to get back on track.
Over Shalford Common on a footpath before it merged with a driveway to the allotments. Turning over the RGS playing fields (very squelchy) to a paddock beyond.
Over the paddock and stream to climb up a path that brought me back to the A248. Along this (luckily there was a pavement) to just before the junction with B2120. Here i followed the driveway to Lower Chinthurst Farm.
A sweeping U-turn behind the farm and close fields - with good views over to the hill. Then meeting the Downs link path to get to the access track to Chinthurst Hill.
I chose to start on the Bluebell route with its gentle start, before cutting back to the direct route once the steep section was over. Then up to the summit clearing.
All around the clearing before picking up the direct descent route and back to where I had started the ascent. Then along the flooded path past the car park to the B2128. It would have been better to walk down the car park driveway.
Over the road and throguh Wonersh Common to pick up the driveway to Great Tangley manor. Beyond the farm of the same name and still on the Downs link path
Following the Downs link as it climbed through the woods to Tangley Hill. Here I left the Link path and followed the path throguh the trees to Blackheath. I could not find the path into Derry's hill behind the chapel, so walked around on the road to an alternative entrance.
A loop through Derry's wood and back to the lay-by. Another check on the front nearside bumper before returning home.
