Mar
26
2016

12 mile circular walks in Guildford and Hayes

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 This month I walked two 12 -mile circular walks.

riversided Guildford

Riverside Guildford

 

There’s’ no real reason why I should vet one walk against another, but I will anyway! The first  walk was in Guildford led by the UK Explorers group; and the second was in  Hayes,led by the South Bank Ramblers.I have to say, Guildford wins no competition.

 

Guildford-Water- Riverside, woods, views and good company.

Shapes of trees

Shapes of trees

 

Walking in Guildford, with The UK Explorer’s Group

This month I managed to do two 12-mile circular walks. My first walk was in the Guildford Surrey area. The day didn’t start off promising. As always I was determined to get out more, and joined up with the UK Explorers Group.

I wanted to try another walk with this group; as well I wanted to see a bit more of Guildford. I had been there for a day trip before and quite liked it. I like a circular walk, and 12 miles is a good distance, it feels like a proper work out. Two in a month is pretty good for me.

mad hatter tree

Can you spot the Mad Hatter

 

On a freezing cold Saturday morning I arrived at Waterloo station, I was a bit early and surprised to see a massive crowd of excitable cub scouts off on some day trip. They were all – hip hip hooraying and gearing up for some event. I wrapped my scarf around me wondering where my lot were in the station.

 I was thinking to myself why have I got up and out so early on a Saturday morning to go walking in the cold.

We arrived at Guildford station, where we waited around for someone arriving from near Guildford. It felt cold. Once the full group was together we made off and walked about 7 miles before we stopped off at St Martha’s hill. A steep walk, got us warmed up quickly, it led to a small church and cemetery. we took the opportunity to have a break, as there were a couple of benches tucked in the walled garden. We walkers, appreciate; a  rest to admire the view. A good leader knows where and when to stop.

On a better day, the caretaker told us you could see Surrey and beyond.

 

St Marthas hill for lunch break

St Martha’s hill for lunch break

 

Mellow Yellow

 

Hayes 12 mile circular walk.

 The South Bank Ramblers group, 12-mile circular walk to Hayes, was not a walk, I  enjoyed. It would be great if all walks were fantastic, but there are various factors, that can make a walk unenjoyable.

Being muddy and wet usually spoils what could be a lovely walk. The  problem with this particular walk is there was too much road crossing,

 We frequently went into a wooded area then came out onto a road and did that several times. The leader is an extremely fit walker, who marched us on at a pace, that I don’t mind, at times, but I didn’t feel we saw much scenery of any note, and far too close to the suburbs.

The highlight was the lunch in the village of Downe. I resisted the temptation to go into the George and Dragon, a pub where Zippy (Nigel Farage ) is said to drink.

It will soon be time for my walking weekend away in Derbyshire this is organised by the UK EXPLORERS MEET UP GROUP.

After Guildford, I decided they were an alright group. They are younger than the Ramblers, but that’s fine. I’m not ageist!

A whole weekend away with a group is a new venture for me. We may do some night walking which is not something I have done before. 

I ‘m looking forward to it and hope I have some good walks and pictures to post you all.

Until then

Happy Easter.

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