A walk of two halves on Saturday. Fifteen Poly Ramblers, led by Harriet, alighted at Box Hill and Westhumble station along with several other walking groups. We headed towards the stepping stones over the River Mole, but only Stuart and Chris were game to cross them as the river was quite high, the rest of the group opting for the bridge. Then we had to tackle Box Hill itself, a long series of steep steps. At the top we were rewarded by ……. zero visibility due to the mist. A little later we tackled White Hill, a long series of even steeper steps. For there it was level and then downhill to Mickleham. Continue reading 25th January Box Hill to Leatherhead
17th-20th January. Snow walking in Scharnitz Austria
Friday. A small and bijou group this year with only 6 participants. We flew to Innsbruck with BA and took a bus to the station. After some dithering about lunch in Innsbruck or Scharnitz, we decided to take the train and make our way to Scharnitz. This train journey is very scenic. We checked in our B&B, Gastehaus Frankenhof, and then had lunch in Gasthof Risserhof, where we received a warm welcome from the owner. She told us snow was expected during the night. We did a short walk around Scharnitz and went back to the B&B for a rest. 7.00 was time for a pre-dinner drink in Dominique and Sunita’s flat. Dinner was in Gasthof Risserhof, the only hotel in the village but a substantial establishment. There was a formal dinner in the next room for about 100 firemen, in their full uniforms. No wives seemed to be allowed but apart from some loosening of ties, it was a very orderly event. Continue reading 17th-20th January. Snow walking in Scharnitz Austria
Saturday 11th. New Addington circular
A large group of 24 walkers assembled at New Addington, a further 2 having failed to make it to the tram in time. The weather was unpromising, with plenty of moisture in the air, but we were soon out into open country and grappling with paths churned up by horses and bikes. Heading south we skirted Farleigh Court golf course, passed Farleigh Court manor house with its small 11thC church. Our route then took us round Great Park estate, a large private gated development built on the site of the now demolish Continue reading Saturday 11th. New Addington circular
Sat 4th January Wimbledon to Putney Heath
Twenty-six Poly Ramblers assembled at Wimbledon Station having overcome a number of problems with train cancellations. Our walk took us on a zigzag route through Wimbledon and on to Wimbledon Common. We wandered across the common following a fenced path until we reached woodland. We clambered over logs and skirted around some very muddy patches before reaching Warren Farm. After a further walk through woodland we progressed along the bank of the fast-flowing Beverley Brook. We followed the Capital Continue reading Sat 4th January Wimbledon to Putney Heath
CHIPSTEAD CIRCULAR – 28 DECEMBER
Saturday’s walk was completed under leaden skies with little or no sign of the sun, but thankfully it remained dry. Twenty Poly Ramblers convened at Chipstead station, most looking to walk off the excesses of the previous few days. We walked downhill past the parade of shops in the village and passed a coffee shop /wine bar which Stuart and Lorna had already discovered. We were invited by the owner to return for lunch or afternoon tea. Continue reading CHIPSTEAD CIRCULAR – 28 DECEMBER