Another fine autumn walk enjoyed by 8 Polyramblers on a day which remained mild and misty, with only the odd spot of rain. At Box Hill and West Humble station, there was a very large walking party assembling but we set off and never saw them again. We walked through Denbies vineyard and up onto Ranmore Common with great views over Dorking and Box Hill. The trees were a glorious colour and we had a carpet of autumn leaves underfoot. Dropping down into the valley, we passed Milton Court, a Grade II listed 17thC house, now the UK HQ of an American company called Unum which offers insurance products to employers. Clearly a profitable business! Our lunch stop was Dorking where some of the group found a cafe and others headed for the pub known for its pies – they did not disappoint. We enquired as to their provenance but all that the barmaid could tell us was that”a lady brings them in.” The walk was such that people could do just the morning part, but in fact we all continued on the afternoon walk. This took us up past Rose Hill, an early 19thC estate of large villas built for the prosperous middle-classes, and then through the remnants of Deepdene estate. The house was demolished in the 1960s but some of the formal gardens are still visible. A circular route through Betchworth Park took us back to Dorking by 4pm just as the light was fading. There was time to say hello to a large black and white cat on the way to the station.
Sandra

Thanks to Pam for photos