Despite transport problems 19 Poly Ramblers gathered at Bookham station for a gentle ramble in the Surrey countryside, a walk characterised by stunning woodland, numerous often very shaky stiles and little bridges over dried out streams.

We soon entered the ancient woodlands of Bookham Common mentioned in the Doomsday Book and managed by the National Trust, an area very popular with dog walkers but we soon left them behind. Emerging from the woods our path led us through meadows, one of which was being used for clay pigeon shooting, and pastures of horses and cows. We passed a paintball centre where we could hear pop guns firing in the woods.

We then followed an extremely overgrown footpath through woodland but we were well prepared and armed with our secateurs. Eventually we crossed a two plank bridge and emerged into a wheat field. After walking through the hamlet of May’s Green we followed a path known as Downside Walk with its lovely views to reach the Black Swan pub at Martyr’s Green, Ockham. Once a bikers’ pub famous for real ale binges it is now a superior gastropub. The landlord allowed us to enjoy our packed lunches in the garden.

Our afternoon route took us along a beautiful woodland path through Stumps Grove, Hook Wood and Barnsthorn Wood, a long expanse of which was lined by rhododendrons, to a nature reserve known simply as the Forest and onwards to Effingham Common. A quick calculation and consideration of the infrequent trains led the leaders to decide to slightly shorten the walk and finish at Effingham Junction. This was partly because the final stretch was largely through streets of opulent houses of middle England. A misunderstanding however resulted in us curtailing the walk more than we intended but we resolved to repeat and complete it when the rhododendrons are in flower.

Carole and Jennifer.  Photos by Ida