Walk Report

The Thames Down Link, Saturday 16th December 2017
20 walkers, 18 miles - leader Keith Lane
The Thames Down Link starts at the mouth of the Hogsmill river as it flows into the Thames at Kingston and finishes at Boxhill and Westhumble Station after approximately 18 miles.
It can be divided into three sections:
* The first follows the Hogsmill river upstream.
* The second is defined by where the Link leaves the river just before Horton Country Park and onto Epsom Common, Ashford Common, and Ashtead Hall Park where there is a nature reserve.
* The third follows Stane Street which is a bridle way following the line of the Roman road which joins up with the present A24 at the foot of Boxhill.
20 walkers met at Kingston station on a freezing but sunny morning and walked through the Market Square now unfortunately spoilt by modern paving and viewed Clattern Bridge which is the oldest bridge in Surrey and the Coronation Stone which currently stands in the grounds of the Guildhall.
At about halfway, lunch was at or near the Cricketers Public House on Epsom Common which was not an ideal venue due to the lack of seating outside but we coped. As the afternoon wore on the weather turned warmer and hence the mud muddier but good time was made and having passed Boxill & Westhumble Station we reached Dorking station via Denbies Vineyard in time for the 16:26 train.
Photograph by Keith Lane; more by Bola Baruwa on the group Facebook page

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