The Romans certainly walked in this corner of Surrey and, though Moleside’s regular legion was slightly depleted by holidays – and other current challenges – so did we on our April outing. Navigated by Alan Reilly
we left behind the 21st century residences of Ashtead’s Ermyn Way in glorious spring sunshine and joined the tree lined track that leads towards Stane Street. As we were reliably informed by the locals this was the route laid to carry the 1st century troops of the invaders between London and the city that they knew as Noviomagus Reginorum – today’s Chichester.
The 13 of us on today’s walk, including our most recent new member John Garland, shared the easy going pathway through the woods with dog walkers and local truffle hunters and before long we found ourselves back in today’s world amongst what must be some of Surrey’s most desirable houses.
It soon became clear why Alan might have been particularly keen to bring us this way and we paused momentarily by a notice announcing that the name of Reilly was top of the list of Independent candidates for election to the local council when voting takes place on 5 May.
We wish him well
But even a prospective councillor could not take us through the gates that prevented us from investigating the most private of the houses around here. But this is territory that Alan clearly knows well 
and with a change of direction he soon had us back off the residential roads and once again onto delightful wooded pathways that could lead us back to our original RV.
Thanks to Alan and Signe, and of course to our Walking Group coordinator Steve Mustoe, for another thoroughly enjoyable, easy going investigation of an area new to several of us. And one conveniently placed not too far from The Woodman on Barnett Wood Lane where 10 of us lingered over a well earned lunch afterwards.
For our reports on previous Moleside Walks click the Tag Button