AAC Walk, North Downs Way, Reigate

The next AAC day walk in the south was one along the North downs way from Merstham, then back along the Greensand way. I knew of a "free" car park that was between the two stations, and this would save a train ride, so I determined to arrive early and walk up to The start point, then have a similar addition to the end of the walk. What I had not appreciated was that the country park gates would close at 6pm ...  normally this would not be an issue, but I noted it for later consideration (and I would need this information later!)

I arrived at the country park in a convoy of cars - it seems the lake is a very popular open water swimming venue. I found a spot and parked up before walking through the shanty of sheds to the large path up the side of the park.
Along this to Spynes Mere Nature Reserve (a further collection of lakes).

From here up a track to a back road and a short zigzag onto the continuation of the path, through a field towards the M23/ M25 clover leaf.

Across the final grassy area and up the berm above the motorway. From here (with the full cacophony of the vehicles on the motorway).
The path continued along the bank parallel to the motorway.

The track continued along the bank into some trees, before I got fed up of the background noise and dropped down to a grassy area in front off  a row of houses.

There were several sculptures along this lower path, before it came to an end butted up against a railway embankment.

From here I took a footpath under the railway, and to the edge of Merstham station.
From here I could go over the footbridge (luckily it was outside the barriered area) to cross over to the main entrance.
Waiting there was Lorraine, who let me know there had been a few changes to the walk
- first the leader had stepped aside as she was suffering today.
- second that the walk would end at Earlswood in place of Redhill - not that this impacted me much, due to my car positioning.
- third we would have a slow walker in the group, so we may be delayed along the way. This got me thinking about contingency around locked gates - I would have to keep an eye on the clock and rush off early if we ran late.

All the remainder of the party arrived on the train from London, and after quick catch up and the usual bureaucracy.
Through the backstreets to meet up with the North Downs away at Quality Street.
We followed the major path through the golf course and into Gatton park school and grounds, eventually reaching the NT car park, toilets and café beside Wray Lane.

Along the track on the top of the downs past the fort, and airplane memorial to the monument on the top of Reigate hill

We continued along the top past Coley Hill
and leaving the North Downs way where it dropped down the slope,  onto the bridle path that stayed on the tops.

The track reached an open field with benches on - the path followed the edge, whereas we could have just gone straight across on the "locals" path.
Continuing along the path until it crossed Buckland Lane. Here we stayed on the bridleway as it angled down the slope.

Across the fields to kemp's farm and over the railway crossing. At Glebe house we crossed a cow field and arrived at the A25 near a petrol station.

Over the busy road, curtesy of an island in the middle, and into a fallow field. This crossed the field and into the cricket pitch beyond the hedge on the far side.

Into the Red Lion pub for lunch - and hour and 20 mins - so average for an AAC stop. There was an interesting table outside on a tree stump that had been carved out. The picture was affected by the lighting.

After lunch I got concerned about the remaining distance and my time deadline.
The return was along the Greensand way in a number of zigzags. Initially through fields to Dungate's farm and on to Reigate heath golf club and the windmill.
More zigzags on the GS way to Reigate Park. Here we chose to bypass the climb by going around the base of the hill and across the A217 and into the Reigate Suburbs.

Final decision time ...  I made my excuses and left so I could speed up, especially along the housing estate pavements.
Across Redhill Common on a direct route towards Earlswood station.
Bypassing the station and through the backstreets over both railways before climbing steeply up to the A25.
At this point the forecast rain came down with a vengeance, but I continued down a footpath past a works area to reach a cycle path aroudn one side of a large quarry. This path was nice and consistent until it passed a number of lakes, where it got flooded and I had to take a rougher path along the quarry fence.

Reaching Chilmead farm, brought better condition along the back road to Nutfield marsh.
From here I crossed the cricket pitch and associated grassy areas to Mercers farm. I had hoped for an entrance to the country park from this side, but had to continue walking around to the gate I had used this morning.
back through the now almost abandoned huts to the car park where I was among the last cars. I had made it with 20mins to spare. With great relief I left for home.