Box Hill & Westhumble# to Leatherhead, Sat 17 February

Trains: London Victoria 08.41 – Box Hill & Westhumble 09.37 (# buy day return to Box Hill & Westhumble)(Clapham Junction 08.48 – with many stops in between, please check out other stations for suitable boarding – preferably board nearer back of the train rather than the front). There are no public loos at Box Hill station, so please use facilities on train.

Walk: Quite a hilly walk (circular in the morning and linear in the afternoon – ca.10.5 miles in total). In good weather views across Denbies vineyard. Some longer sections will be on hard surfaces, but some paths will be muddy.

Important safety issues: Morning – a steep narrow chalky downhill path which is very slippery, esp. if rain during the week or on the day. Sturdy foot wear with ridged soles necessary and a walking pole recommended. We’ll also have to walk downhill a narrow lane which is also used by bikers that will come at a speed from behind us, therefore walking in single file absolutely necessary to avoid any collisions. Afternoon – we’ll have to cross over a very busy A-road (there’s no official crossing point) – extra care needs to be taken by each individual when crossing this or any other country road/lane on this walk.

Lunch: Westhumble – Stepping Stones pub. If you wish to eat in the pub, please confirm with me by Friday as I’ll have to confirm numbers. There’s a nice picnic area in a small sunken garden nearby, from there the walk to the pub is 5-6 minutes.

Break-off point: As we’ll be returning to Westhumble for lunch anyone wishing to break off can easily do so. Trains from Box Hill & Westhumble station to London Victoria are hourly (i.e. departing at 12.46 or at 13.46). No direct trains from there to Waterloo, but change at Clapham Junction an option. Happy walking….Sigrid