HTAG Guildford - Country Walks March 05

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Country Walks March 05

Dear Country Walkers

We hope you have had a good winter and have escaped the 'flu, etc. Now that Spring is on its way (although it doesn't feel like it!), it's good to get out into the countryside again to enjoy fresh air, exercise and the first few signs of Spring. When we checked the first walk of the new season on Wednesday, we saw Hazel Catkins, Snowdrops, Gorse in flower and the first Primroses.

After all the rain and snow, however, the ground was in places extremely muddy. We have for this reason modified Sunday's route to avoid the towpath and some particularly muddy stretches on the Downs Link near Chinthurst Hill. Instead, when we reach Shalford, instead of returning via Chinthurst Hill, we will make for the higher ground, St Martha's Hill. The change has necessitated a change of pub: we will now lunch at The Seahorse at Shalford but please be warned: as it's Mothering Sunday, they will not reserve tables and it's likely to be extremely busy - we'll just have to take 'pot luck' and hope we get seated and served without too much delay.

Details are as follows: (Rail Travellers please note changed times below)

Sunday 6 March Chinthurst Hill 8 miles

(Meet 1045 Blackheath carpark: from A25 turn south on A248, then south again at Chilworth station; proceed up hill for about half a mile and turn left at crossroads to carpark at lane's end, signed 'Farley Heath - No Through Road'. Rail travellers depart London Victoria 0904 (Bognor Regis train), arrive Redhill 0937, depart Redhill 0950, (Reading train), arrive Chlworth 1020; 20 minute walk to carpark, following above directions - lifts back to station after the walk).

From the sandy heathland of Blackheath, with its gorse in golden flower, to Shalford, via Chilworth Manor, featuring the beautiful Chantries woodlands, fine views, St Martha's Hill and historic St Martha's Church and, finally, the site of Chilworth Gunpowder works. Lunch at The Seahorse, Shalford. (B) (June and Aubrey)

We hope to see you again soon.

Best wishes from us both
June and Aubrey
020 7233 6563
www.country-walks.com