A large group of 24 walkers assembled at New Addington, a further 2 having failed to make it to the tram in time. The weather was unpromising, with plenty of moisture in the air, but we were soon out into open country and grappling with paths churned up by horses and bikes. Heading south we skirted Farleigh Court golf course, passed Farleigh Court manor house with its small 11thC church. Our route then took us round Great Park estate, a large private gated development built on the site of the now demolish Continue reading Saturday 11th. New Addington circular →

Another walk full of autumn colours but this time we didn’t manage to escape the rain. Starting from Amersham in dry conditions and high cloud, 16 Poly Ramblers, led by Stuart, set off down tree lined residential streets and through woods. At one point we had to cross a recently ploughed field – very muddy. We reached the village of Hyde Heath where the village shop was open but not the pub. Continuing on woodland paths we eventually reached a fairly busy B road which took us into Chesham. By this time the forecast rain was Continue reading SATURDAY 9th: HYDE HEATH AND CHESHAM (CIRCULAR) →

Sunday walks are unusual for the Polyramblers these days but on this weekend it was fortuitous as the weather was so much better on Sunday than on Saturday. We enjoyed mainly blue skies, sunshine and hardly a breath of wind for a lovely walk in the Surrey Hills. Fourteen Poly Ramblers, including a rare appearance from the Honorary Treasurer, set off from Dorking station. We started on the busy A25 but soon reached the sanctuary of the prosperous lanes of residential Deepdene. An uphill walk took us to the Deepdene estate and its Terrace, the highest point on the walk with great Continue reading Sunday 3 November: Deepdene, Brockham and Betchworth Castle →

Despite the poor weather forecast and the rival claim of England v New Zealand in the comfort of one’s home,  a very  respectable 13 of us assembled at Horsham station. We walked though Horsham’s large public park and then the town centre, arriving at the attractive St Mary’s parish church. Outside was a volunteer cleaning lady, listing to the rugger on her mobile phone. We were fortunate to hear the final whistle and England’s historic victory. Buoyed up by this, we headed south, through grazing and woodland to Deene Park. This was formerly a medieval deer park, with an imposing house dating from the 17th century, now divided into apartments. Continue reading Saturday 26th October: Horsham circular →

The weather forecast  was for strong winds  leading to travel disruption so it was a pretty decent turnout of 16 who assembled at Sevenoaks station. We made out way up the hill and headed for Knole Park, stopping to admire a tree carving. I had previously found the park to be closed during strong winds and my heart sank as we approached the gate  and saw a park employee fixing a sign to it.   Fortunately, it was just a warning . Knole House is one of the largest houses in the country, and surrounded by a large deer park. Skirting to the west of the house, we emerged at the attractive village of Godden Green. Climbing up through woodlands, we walked along an old track at the top of the ridge before descending to Stone Street. Continue reading 10th August Sevenoaks Circular →