The rain of the last two days had now stopped and after a frosty night it was
time to go for a walk. I thought that the sandy soils of the North down and
Greensand ridge would be a good bet for dryer paths. So I worked a route out
Starting at Silent pool, up onto the downs then across to Merrow downs
by-passing Newlands corner to St Martha's hill. Down to the tilling Bourne and
across above Albury to Abinger Hammer. back up the north downs and returning
to Silent Pool.
Several things conspired this morning, first the road down past Albury Park was
closed for an accident, then Silent Pool now has a parking charge... I thought I
would need over 4 hours to get around, but as this was prohibitive I had to
settle for up to 4 hours (I would have to adjust the route to ensure I came back
in this time. As it turned out other factors would adjust the route.
From Silent pool car park I climbed up the direct path to the ridge line - I
attacked this "with gusto" as they say so that I could clear the remnants of the
flu out of my lungs - a consequence of last weeks ski trip!
Over the top of the ridge and down the gentler side passing New Scotland farm to
the old version. Then along the north side of Clandon Down.
Angling away from the bridle path through the woods to the drive for Wellhouse
farm.
Along the drive and down to Shere road (A25) at the separate carriageway
section. I crossed over past some traveller caravans and into the woods
opposite. I used a path where the fence had been dropped to join up with the one
on the map.
Through the woods of Merrow Downs following a wiggly path - over Trodds lane and
across to meet the trackway from Newlands Corner. Then over tot eh edge fo the north downs ridge to look over.
The view down the slope south form the edge of the ridge... all the fog in
the low pockets.
Angling down the slope to White Lane farm, and along the path beside the back road. Up the track beside Keepers cottage to join the Pilgrim's way.
Along the very sandy major track to St Martha's church sitting on top of the hill of the same name.
Looking down from the church to the valley below.
Down the track into the mist below, before coming out the other side beside Chilworth vineyard.
Along the track above the vineyard, curving down to Lockner farm. Over the A248 and up the lane opposite to the railway line.
Leaving the lane to cross the fields heading for Postford farm cottages.
The last cottage had a cloud of steam rising from its fence, just before I turned up a path beside it. This climbed into Blackheath forest.
Through the forest following whatever tracks went my way - the mist was creating a great view.
Eventually reaching the track through Broomfields, and down to Brook farm.
Along the back road and under the railway bridge to Little London. At this point I was feeling the after effects of the flu and getting weary so quickly charted a new course back towards silent pool.
This curved around through Albury Heath and up to park road.
Over the road and down the wide track past exquisite old oaks basking in the sunlight. Down to The stream (Tilling Bourne) at Chantry Bridge.
Rather than use this crossing I elected to continue towards Shire and use the ford at Rectory Lane (just because I had never been across that one before!)
Across a back road and into the fields leading to Silver Wood, along the boundary of Albury Park.
Through the edge of the woods and down towards the church on Albury Street (there is a second church inside Albury Park)
Passing the church and up Albury Street to cross the A25 back to Silent pool car park. Lungs feeling much better for the blow, but legs feeling tired.
