Leatherhead circular

Saturday 7 March.

Trains (two options): London Waterloo, 09.23, arrive Leatherhead 10.06 or: London Victoria, 09.11, arrive Leatherhead 10.00 – (Trains will arrive on platform 2 but please gather on Platform 1 where the loos are located). I’ll be travelling on the train from Waterloo.

Walk, 8/9 miles: Morning: with the weather dryer this week we should be able to walk along the River Mole before joining the lower level of Druids Grove. There’ll be some up and downhill along the way, expect that some paths will be muddy.

The afternoon route will take us uphill on Crabtree Lane and into Beechy Woods, up towards the Norbury Estate, then downhill to rejoin a level path to Bocketts Farm where we’ll stop briefly for refreshments. From there it’ll be about another 45 minutes’ walk to Leatherhead Station. Walking poles useful for the up and downhills.

Lunch: West Humble, Stepping Stones pub. I have provisionally booked for eight in the bar area for anyone wishing to eat. Please do not use the dining room area as it is waiter service only and also remember to bring covers for muddy boots. There’s a nice space for picnickers ca. 6 mins from the pub with one bench and low walls to sit on.

Early drop out point: Lunchtime – trains from Box Hill & West Humble station (ca. 5 mins walk from the pub) into Waterloo or Victoria station. [NB: Anyone wishing to return from this station will need to get either a single extension ticket to cover the fare from Box Hill to Leatherhead or buy a day-return to Box Hill & West Humble station.]

Hazards: Be aware of fast cyclists coming downhill on Crabtree Lane and after leaving Bocketts Farm we’ll have to cross a very busy A road; extra care must be taken not to cross when everyone else does as the cars come at a speed. Each person will have to look out for their best moment to cross, please.

Happy walking, Sigrid