Eight Poly Ramblers set off from Coulsdon South station to the grassy plains of Farthing Downs encountering a small friendly herd of cows, which was a surprise, as they didn’t put in an appearance on the recce last Saturday! A trig point a bit further on helped us identify some of the buildings on the horizon. We carried onto the Happy Valley going through woodland and out through to open pasture along the valley to Coulsdon Common. A slight uphill struggle on loose stones lead to welcome refreshment at the Fox pub. We could only stop for a drink as the pub manager wouldn’t let us eat outside despite the lack of people and probably cost him 2-3 potential meals from the group!

Suitably refreshed we began our return route to Coulsdon stopping to have lunch after a brief shower with some great views into the valley. We carried on for 2.5 miles along the top of the valley past a nature reserve eventually rejoinng Farthing Downs and on to the railway station.

Thanks to those who joined my midweek walk.

Kim.  Photos by Ida and Joyanna