NEXT WALK Thursday 19 May

Thursday 21 April – Dipping Into Ashtead’s Past & Present

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.

Thursday 17 March – Ripley & The Wey Navigation

Thanks to everyone who has patiently waited for the answer to the burning question – what was everyone looking at when Moleside members on our March Walk joined a sizeable crowd already at Walsham Lock. No one has admitted that they actually saw one of these little fellows – a European Eel – but they all could admire an attractive 21st C. addition to this 300 year old landmark on the Wey Navigation that has his best interests at heart.

All manner of fish in the canal will benefit from easier passage through the change of water height at Walsham Weir but the building of the new ladder owes much to a 15 year old European Directive that we should all be doing more to help conserve eels.

These are creatures who are born in the sea but spend most of their lives in fresh water before returning to the oceans to breed and finally die.

The UK’s 2016 decision to quit the EU did not mean an end to a project to address the obstacle to this life cycle provided by Walsham Weir and, though Covid put a temporary halt on progress, our March visit confirmed that a tidy solution has come to fruition.

Proceeding from here downstream we passed the unusually quiet site of The Anchor at Pyrford, currently undergoing substantial renovation, before striking out over the impressive golf course at Wisley, past the village church and across the River Wey itself on our way to Ockham Mill and finally back to Ripley.

And for several of the walking party the just reward for our efforts was a hearty lunch at The Jovial Sailor.

Thanks to Steve Mustoe for once again taking us to part of Surrey full of surprises, and to David Owen for his photographs.

Thursday 17 February – Albury Park

Molesiders have enjoyed many wonderful monthly walks but Feb 2022 must rank amongst the very best of them. 17 of us met in Shere and with the promise of clear skies and a little sun we set off under the guiding hand of Steve Mustoe westward along the banks of the Tillingbourne and into the land of the Albury Estate.

With dramatic views towards Newlands Corner to our right we soon came in sight of the spectacular Catholic Apostolic Church built by Henry Drummond. He was the successful banker and Member of Parliament who bought the Albury estate early in the 19th Century and wanted to study and promote the fashionable views of the Scottish preacher Edward Irving. Drummond died in 1866 and his daughter subsequently became the Duchess of Northumberland. It is her successors who continue to own the estate we were visiting.

Pugin, the Victorian architect also responsible for the interior of the Palace of Westminster, was commissioned to turn the old Saxon parish church into a mortuary chapel for the Drummond family, whilst the vicar of the parish at the time, who found he didn’t share Drummond’s interest in the Catholic Apostolic movement, was given a new church a mile or so to the west around which present day Albury developed.

The considerable hardships those displaced by their landlords must have endured in those days gave rise to the magnificent parkland that we now found ourselves enjoying almost 200 years later – and we were able to appreciate the magnificent trees we passed as we walked. I imagine some of us are now wondering whether all of them managed to survive Storm Eunice which struck everyone in our part of Surrey on the day after our visit. We hope so and are certainly grateful to Steve for sharing with us a most interesting and beautiful area of land so close to our own homes.

And thanks as well to Peter Wall and John Brice for their excellent photos.

There’s much more of the Albury story at https://www.alburychurches.org/history.html

Thursday 20 January 2022 – Power from going downhill

 17 Moleside Walkers took full advantage of the only chance the club has had in January to get together in person – and we found ourselves witnessing walking on water.  Gathering initially in Bushey Park we had a close to record turnout of regulars and an  impressive start to our 2022 programme. 

Led by our group coordinater Steve Mustoe we skirted the brick wall that marks the northern boundary of Hampton Court passing the  Flower Pot Entrance before gaining access to the parkland of the Palace itself by the Paddock Gate.Almost immediately we lost the clamour of the A308 and found ourselves pretty much alone in the 750 acres that stretch eastward from Hampton Court almost to Kingston Bridge.

Under sunshine and a wonderfully deep blue sky the January weather still had a sub zero bite to it sufficient to require the local moorhens to take a wintery walk over the ice on Long Water before finding somewhere to swim and feed.But well wrapped up and sporting a colourful array of woolie head gear, conditions proved perfect for a memorable stroll for us through this historic landmark.One or two of us wondered where the energy came from to power the fountains of clear water that feature at the end of the decorative canal.

Researches have revealed that the water we were admiring had already travelled at least 12 miles, extracted from the River Colne near Heathrow and carried downhill in an artificial river commissioned by Charles 11 and completed in 1660 to provide fresh water to Hampton Court.We were standing just feet away from where it finally spills back into the national river system by joining the Thames.

Our route then took us north, back across the busy A308 and we re-entered the much more populated Bushey Park by the The Church Grove Gate in Hampton Wick.Altogether a stimulating morning  demanding a very satisfying burst of energy for which all of us are grateful to Steve` and to Peter Wall for his great photos.

Thursday 16 December 2021 – Around West Humble

Is Walking a wonderful remedy for memory loss? Our December visit into the spectacular Surrey countryside to the west of the Mole at Burford Bridge certainly stimulated the brain cells as well as help raise our physical fitness levels.

Derek Elsley’s careful planning managed to take our largest group for some considerable time  to places that felt familiar yet still came as very pleasant surprises.Derek’s route ensured that we approached the edge of Norbury Park, Crabtree Cottages, Ashcombe Wood and the like from unusual directions.Kicking off from The Stepping Stones in West Humble agentle but steady incline lifted us from the river valley before allowing us to turn south and make a welcome descent from Chapel Wood towards Ranmore.

With plenty of opportunities for us all to catch our breath, the glory of the views around us were more than enough to keep us going.Shortly after midday we found ourselves on the North Downs Way and on the closing straight to a very welcome lunch in the pub from where we started.

Thanks to Derek for his guidance, and to Steve Mustoe who coordinates the Moleside walking programme.Here’s to ever greater enjoyment for us all in 2022.

Thursday 18 November – Sheepleas

Anyone who knows this beautiful part of Surrey close by West Horsley also understands that it is incredibly easy to get lost on Sheepleas.In the colours of Autumn the number of allegedly helpful finger posts, all saying Public Bridle Way, stand out stark against the woodland background, merely emphasising the variety of route options on offer to the visitor.

Happily we Moleside November walkers were in the safe hands of Brian Manners who’s lived for several years in the Horsleys and has successfully shepherded us through the maze on more than one occasion.Never, we notice, quite following the same route twice.

And our confidence was rewarded with glorious autumnal weather, no stiles and only a few inclines and descents to make us feel proud of our progressStepping out from Shere Road through Angel Clump we headed eastward and made the Green Dene Car Park within 30 minutes. With new Moleside member Mike Warnock joining us we turned north and  reached the series of woodland meadows that lead to the Viewpoint built to mark the turn of the century almost 21 years ago.

It was interesting to see how those two decades have allowed the trees to eliminate much of the view the stone platform was built to offer – but hopefully it’ll remain a landmark and be visited by many more Moleside walking groups in years to come.

Thanks to David Owen for his photos from this visit in 2021, and our last one back in 2017. And to Brian who revealed on our way home that if you rely on the arrow markers discretely placed on short posts in the undergrowth – and remember the colour you’re following – the paths of Sheepleas needn’t remain a beautiful mystery to any of us for any longer.

Thursday 21 October – Reigate Heath
The gallant dozen of us who set out after a night of dramatic rainfall had a memorable experience and certainly got more than we bargained for.

Meeting to the west of Reigate under skies still bearing a mildly threatening look, we were soon in territory new to many of us.

Confidently led by Peter Wall we stuck to his carefully reconnoitred plan and soon found ourselves in the light woodland and open fields promised in his pre walk summary of our route.

But as we reached the River Mole the sun came out and revealed a much wider river than the one we were hoping to cross.

We found the bridge close by Ricebridge Farm under an uncertain depth of water, providing an impenetrable barrier to our progress westward towards Wonham Mill – and were politely warned off using a privately owned field as our way forward. We resorted to advanced technology to plan our future. Having to negotiate more stiles than had originally been promised – not a big  problem – we retraced our steps via an inspired but very watery diversion which led us to the intended climax of our adventure – the windmill on the hill overlooking Reigate Heath Golf Club.

We may not have seen all that Peter intended us to but more than enough to confirm his assurance that Reigate Heath is considered the prettiest in the county. And close by is The Skimmington Castle where we all enjoyed out traditional, reviving lunch. Thanks Peter – and to Steve Mustoe who co-ordinates the club’s walking programme.

Thursday 16 September – The Thames & Broadwater

We passed D’Oyly Carte island with its substantial mansion well known to Gilbert & Sullivan and once owned by the impresario who was central to their success.

And very quickly it became clear that the river’s wild life were also taking full advantage of the wonderful sunshine. By the cafe at Cowey Sale we were greeted by a large number of swans, geese and ducks obviously disappointed  that we had little to offer them by way of treats.

Leaving the main river here we turned south heading for Broadwater and its desirable waterside residences Here we were delighted to come across a family of ducks perfectly happy to share the sunshine with us – and with a very patient heron.

Thursday 19 August – Langley Vale Wood

Established on land that was once the Tadworth Training Camp from which young men and women a century ago prepared to join the war across The Channel, David took us first to the Jutland Wood where more than 6,000 saplings commemorate the members of the Royal Navy and their 14 warships that were lost in the battle that helped to turn the fortunes of the war.

In years to come the elegant wooden plinths here, each one dedicated to a warship destroyed in the conflict, may be dwarfed somewhat by the trees as they grow around them – but for now they stand out, clear reminders of the price that so many of our countrymen paid to safeguard our future.

Around the corner we discovered the Regiment of Trees. Elegant ranks of sandstone soldiers standing amongst what will soon be a mass of native British trees providing shelter when the sun shines on them as it did, much to our pleasant surprise, on us thanks to one of our very few  truly glorious days in August 2021.

And standing proud there we found a commemorative sculpture in oak. Called Witness it is an amazing piece of art and a real landmark which includes carved texts, extracts from the work of the poets who recorded their recognition of those who fought and triumphed in The Great War.

Our lunch together at The Cock meant we had to leave much more to be investigated here on another day but we’re all grateful to David for introducing us to this special place in these its earliest days – and to Peter Wall for his fine photos.

Click here for more on Langley Vale Wood.

Thursday 17 June 2021 – Deepdene, Dorking

In the hands of Paul Tiller, ably assisted by his wife Britt, many of the 15 of us on today’s walk found ourselves not only in part of our locality that was totally new to us but also in the midst of of an estate described in 1718 as “an epitome of paradise, and the Garden of Eden seems well imitated here”.

Even after the passing of 300 years, which included at least one catastrophic family bankruptcy, one can appreciate the efforts of the volunteers of The Friends of Deepdene, Mole Valley Council and Surrey Wildlife Trust, as they help walkers like us to imagine the magnificence of this land that was once the home of Thomas Hope.

The magnificent Dorking residence of this 19th Century version of someone, who today might be described as an influencer, had to be demolished in 1969 but the site of its adjacent Italianate Gardens still provides plenty of clues to the determination of Hope and his family to create a very special place enclosed by the steep sides of the Deepdene valley.

Lush and exotic vegetation alongside ornamental architecture made those of us who saw Cobham’s Painshill in the 1970s remember how it had looked before its extensive and very successful rediscovery. The work here at Deepdene has already achieved much but the possibilities here still wait to be more fully revealed.

From the terraces above the garden we got a very cloudy glimpse of extensive views to the south. It’s claimed on a good day visitors here can see the sea. Those of us with grandchildren made a mental note to return soon – with a picnic – and enjoy checking whether the claim is true.

Thanks Paul & Britt -a real discovery.

Thursday 20 May – The Splendour of the Isabella
Steve Mustoe led a colourful wander around the Richmond Park taking in first of all The  Isabella Plantation with its impressive display of Azalea and Rhododendron blossom and a few late bluebells.

THURSDAY 15 April 2021 – Our first walk in 2021. Based in the Denbies area – and operated under the Rule of Six – this proved a successful pilot heralding the restart of Moleside’s much missed monthly walking programme after a 3 month break to comply with new Covid-19 regulations.  

Thursday 17 December 2020 – Bushey Park & Hampton Court
Though even in a year free of Covid regulations we don’t have a monthly full club meeting in December, we most certainly do usually have our final walk of the year during  the month. So working under strict Rule of 6 & Risk Assessment regulations 18 of us were blessed with one of December 2020’s sunniest days as we took to Bushey Park on the hour of 10. The Royal Park is a space certainly large enough to accommodate the several 100 other walkers and cyclists who also took advantage of the gloriously unseasonal conditions. Your photographer was part of the group of 6 led by Stephen Rouse  and we quickly lost the masses as we headed east towards Hampton Wick. Our route is well known and much appreciated by Moleside walkers – not a single incline, absolutely no stiles and water alongside us almost the entire way.

Our group of 6 was not intended to catch up with our first group and  we made the halfway mark beside Kingston Bridge in under an hour.

We were at Hampton Court in time to hear the Palace clock striking midday and, sadly with no traditional post walk lunch possible in these challenging times, we were all agreed that we are most certainly missing all the opportunities to get together that our Walking programme offered us before we had to start locking down and social distancing at the end of March.  Thanks to Alan Willis who navigated Group 1 today and to Steve Mustoe who led Group 3.  It is great to know that Steve is already drawing up our 2021 walking programme.  We’re certainly looking forward to it.

Thursday 15 October 2020 – Norbury Park

Rule of 6 & Risk Assessments = totally compliant Walking
Following the revisions to the Covid restrictions which had caused us to cancel our September date Steve Mustoe, ably supported by Peter Wall & David Owen, redesigned the club’s approach to our monthly walks and 18 of us were blessed with sunshine as we explored Norbury Park in October.  Subdivided into pre determined groups of 6, each one navigated by one of our group leaders, we maintained 5 minute intervals as we followed a carefully prepared route, risk assessed following the guidance of the Ramblers Association. A very big thank you to Steve for wrestling with all needed for us to be compliant.  Two of us took advantage of the highly efficient woodland coffee bar that has popped up by the Norbury Sawmill whilst we all, in turn, took in the amazing view of Canary Wharf and Dockland London and admired the fine houses on the east side of the Mole Valley.

Through the woods, close by Druids Grove, and across the fields we progressed to the Crabtree Lane car park from where we turned north for the more open walk back to our starting point by Bocketts Farm.  As we made our return we got the news that the government had now further tightened the Covid regulations which may mean that this could be our last walk for a little while. But we cannot discount the determination of the Moleside Walkers – and our group coordinator – to think yet again about how we might continue walking whilst taking strict note of the responsible behaviour we must all support and demonstrate.  It’s very sad that we may not be able to emulate soon the record breaking turnout we enjoyed back in August – but all of us will be watching our emails closely for news from our leader about any plans for November.

Thursday 20 August 2020 – Through the Water Meadows to Downside

A record breaking Walker Turnout

towards Pointers Lane and the corner of Surrey that was sliced through by the M25 in 1986.  Apart from the short section of our walk where its route has to follow noisily close by the motorway everyone enjoyed the peace of the fields around Pondtail Farm to the north of the village of Downside. We returned past the tiny Chapel and onto the lane that skirts Cobham Park. And, almost like old times, a dozen of us retired to The Plough, the pub adjacent to where we had started our walk, for a thoroughly enjoyable outdoor lunch under the trees.

Thank you Paul & Andrea.

admire the confidence that Brian transmits here and this walk was one of his very best. As we knew he would he got us safely to the viewpoint which has featured in many previous Moleside visits here.   But it was the open spaces that stole the show this July, resplendent in wild flowers of many colours – almost as if the contents of an enormous sack of typical English meadow seeds had been carefully distributed across the many acres.

As Brian had promised there were a few gentle inclines but positively no stiles. Easy walking it may have been and any challenges would have come from the many finger posts we encountered, each one telling us no more than the routes in these directions were all Public Bridleways.  Not much of an aid to navigation but we had no need of such assistance  and we covered a little over 3 miles together in just 2 hours. The 6 of us in the group who, carefully following recommended procedure, retired to The Queen’s Head in East Clandon for refreshment afterwards, all felt we had earned a drink – and the pub lunch that followed.  Hopefully more of us will be able to do the same when we get together again in August.

Wednesday 24 June – Back to Puttenham

The Walking Group in action again – for the first time since February.
Our first walk for 4 months saw 9 of us revisiting Puttenham Common and the Hogs Back. We followed the North Downs Way for part of the route and enjoyed glorious sunshine throughout.  We walked this route last winter but this time we had leafy trees, fresh ferns and even an abundance of tiny froglets hopping across our path.

Steve Mustoe led the way and looked a daunting figure carrying a length of 4X2 wood over his shoulder because one of the stiles we had to take was broken.

Regrettably we still can’t retire to a pub afterwards but a few folk had brought a packed lunch to enjoy. Social distancing was observed and a great time was had by all.

Thanks Steve for getting things going again on two legs and thanks too to Peter Wall for his photographs.  He’s particularly proud of the one we feature below but wants it to be made clear that he is not checking whether it could be time to leave for home.  Rather than having to be behind the camera he managed to feature in his own group shot by successfully activating an impressive gizmo in his Apple watch.  An achievement of which he can be very proud.