In this summer’s reliably hot weather, eighteen members set off from Banstead station for a circular walk of just over five miles in the countryside along the Surrey border. The group first crossed a busy road outside the station and shortly after the A217 dual carriageway, before reaching the calm environment of a golf course. Threading our way through the fairways, we came upon a junction of paths. Having only completed a recce a few days earlier, I was confident about which onward one to take.

Strolling along, I started to have my doubts as the scenery looked different from what I remembered. I soon realised that we were on the return leg of the planned walk! Nobody seemed to mind, after I admitted my error, and we soon reached our lunch stop a little earlier than expected. Oaks Park was originally part of the estate of the Earl of Derby of horse racing fame, as one might deduce from its name, and its busy cafe provided sufficient refreshment for those not picnicking. Most of us enjoyed ice creams before setting off again. After crossing an open field in the sunshine, we followed the perimeter of the park and an adjacent golf course back to the expanse of Banstead Downs. Another junction of paths proved to be my downfall again but fortunately Geoffrey’s use of his phone kept the detour to a minimum. We finished by retracing our steps back to Banstead station and not too long a wait for a train back to town.

Danny
Photos courtesy of Melida D Paiva & Joyanna Lovelock.