Walk Report

Guildford Circular, Sunday 20th September 2009
30 walkers, 24 miles - leader Don Bolton
30 walkers assembled at Guildford Station for a joint London & SWC walk of 21 miles. It was good to meet so many people that I had not seen for many, many months and to meet a few new people. The first 6 miles were along the River Wey and then along the Downs Link path, quite flat with few gates so walked very fast. Then we followed the Green Sand Way to Hascombe and then to the Merry Harriers pub at Hambledon for lunch. 12 walkers had opted for a cooked lunch and I had phoned their order to the pub about an hour before we got there at 1pm. We had not used this pub before but the food and the service was excellent and we were all out at 2pm. Then climbed up to Hydon's Ball viewpoint, down and then through Juniper Valley to Winkworth Arboretum. Descended the steep hill and then through The Rides and down to Hascombe for tea at the very attractive boathouse. We were served tea and cakes very efficiently by the couple serving who were completely unfazed by so many walkers turning up unannounced. Then back along the river to Guildford but at St. Catherine's Lock I asked how many would like to do an extra 3+ miles with a long hill to climb but would be rewarded with fantastic views. To my surprise 11 people opted for the extra miles and the remainder walked back along the river to Guildford Station. We 11 went west past the Police HQ, then past Loseley House, down a long track to Polsted Manor then north and uphill to the ridge walk that gives great views over Guildford to Canary Wharf and across London to Heathrow. Eventually steely downhill to Guildford Station. A good long day in good weather with good companions. My thanks especially to John Elrick and Steve Garnsey for aiding me by looking after those at the back and ensuring no one got lost or feeling that they had been left alone.

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