Harter Fell and Green Cragg

Following on from Saturday's ascent of the Old Man we decided to stay in the Duddon Valley.  I have this silly idea of walking all the Wainwrights, the hills Alf detailed in his pictorial guides.  This is a slow burning ambition and, to date, I've completed nearly 100 in about 15 years, however, there have been many repeat ascents and I'm in no real rush.

We drove up to Birks Bridge and began the direct ascent of Harter Fell which was reached surprisingly quickly although a little steep at times.  Kiki disgraced herself on the way up.  I assume she was chasing deer in the woods although, thankfully, I managed to catch Heidi before she could join in.

Looking back towards Dow Crag and yesterday's walk.

The gap between Harter Fell and Green Cragg was a little on the soggy side with only a very indistinct path.  There were also a couple of sheep lurking which we noticed before the girls but the final drag to the summit was pleasantly quick.

A lovely walk which was noticeably quieter than yesterday, I think we only saw about half a dozen people all day compared with a steady stream up the Old Man.  We retired to the Newfield for the usual post walk pint.

This had turned out to be one of those fantastic weekends in the Lakes.  The cottage was lovely and warm in temperatures that didn't move much above freezing all weekend.  Maybe I'm getting old but the thought of sleeping in a tent with two wet dogs didn't really appeal.  The Newfield was as I remembered and the isolation is a welcome change from London, you could even see stars.

The Old Man of Coniston

Well, that's been a lot longer than I imagined.  Sorry, life has got in the way.  We've still been going on walks but I haven't found time to document them.  There is some catch up to do if I ever get the chance but we were lucky enough to manage a weekend in the Lakes recently.

The original plan had been to camp but, following several weeks of rather wet weather, enquiries to various campsite suggested that they were mostly underwater, we managed to find a cottage, at very short notice, in Hall Dunnerdale that would accept two dogs.  This fitted in rather nicely with the original plan of camping at Turner Hall, somewhere I'd not been for around ten years.  It also meant that the Newfield Inn would be our local, somewhere I was looking forward to revisiting having fond memories of the previous trip.

The journey up was uneventful with a brief detour to Sunbury to collect Neil and a slightly longer one to Crewe for Glyn.  We made reasonable time and were able to stop off for a quick pint in The Prince of Wales in Foxfield.  The pub looks rather decrepit from the outside but was a real find and I would happily recommend a visit.  We were expecting it to be deserted, however, there was standing room only inside.

The following morning we drove over to Coniston with the intention of walking up the Old Man, a first for Neil although both Glyn and myself had climbed it on separate occasions in the past.  The day was beautiful and clear although there appeared to be plenty of snow on the higher ground.  We parked in the town and walked up the Walna Scar road before turning right to Low Water and then onto the summit.

 

We returned via Goats Water and back into Coniston for a quick pint in the Sun.  A fantastic day out although the wind was a little strong towards the summit.  Both girls behaved themselves, thankfully most of the sheep are down in the intake fields at this time of year although there's always one or two lurking so you have to keep an eye out.  Heidi particularly enjoyed the summit where a lot of people were having lunch and she was more than pleased to assist if they were struggling.

The journey home over Wrynose Pass was interesting in the ice, the conversation dropped noticeably at some point but we made it home for an enjoyable evening in the Newfield Inn.

The Well House - RIP

Sorry for the lack of posts.  We've still been out on walks but Kiki is proving slightly harder to train than we first imagined and has been staying on the long lead as a result.  This means all my time is taken up trying to control her rather than being able to photograph the walk.  We'll get there eventually, I hope.

On a different note, Sunday was a sad day for us.  We'd attempted to go to the Well House for a drink the previous weekend only to find it closed for refurbishment.  About time too you may say, it was certainly looking tired in some areas.  We were wondering if they could tidy the place up without losing any of the charm.

Alarm bells started ringing as we walked through the garden, staff were wearing uniforms.  The tables in the conservatory had place settings with wine glasses laid, something was clearly up.  On entering the bar it all became clear.  The pub has been taken and is now far more food orientated. 

Sadly, the pint of Shere Drop I tried in the Well was bland and lacking in life, they clearly used a sparkler on the pump.  Prices have also increased but I imagine this was inevitable following any refurbishment.

On the plus side it still welcomes dogs and both girls were pleased to be offered a biscuit.  We shall, no doubt, give it another go but I can see us using the White Hart far more in the future.

Ightham Mote

Saturday took us to Ightham Mote near Sevenoaks, another National Trust property.  I had downloaded a walk from the NT website some time ago but we'd never got round to visiting.  We took advantage of their parking facilities, membership does still have some advantages but they seem to be getting less and less these days.  I shall have a rethink when it comes to renewal.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the route we intended to take was now waymarked which simplified navigation, I'm beginning to get out of practice map reading and am mildly concerned for our visit to the Lake District in the summer.  Never mind, it all adds to the fun.

View across the Weald

Ightham Mote

Oast house near Mote Farm

View from Wilmot Hill

The walk itself totalled just over three miles according to my phone, not the four estimated in the description.  It was, however, a very pleasant stroll with lovely views over the Kent countryside, the fact the sun came out certainly helped matters.

Continuing on a theme from earlier posts, there were plenty of signs up warning of the damage dogs can do to livestock, however, there was no sign of any livestock anywhere along the route with most of the fields being full of rape.  I wonder exactly what damage a dog can do to this?

We attempted to visit The Old House pub in Ightham which has the rare distinction of being in both The Good Beer Guide and Doggie Pubs.  Unfortunately, despite it being well after midday, there were no signs of life and it looked like the pub may have closed although it could just be a relaxed landlord.  Anybody have any idea?

We ended up in The Chaser in Shipbourne.  This is an attractive pub with a nice garden but is clearly geared towards food and was very busy, not really surprising given it was Sunday lunch time.  We enjoyed our drinks in the garden and it was nice to see plenty of full water bowls for the dogs.

Thursley

Bank Holiday Monday took us to Thursley, between Guildford and Hindhead where we explored the Common and Nature Reserve.  Parking is available in the Moat carpark on Thursley Road just south of Guildford although this appears to be very popular and we were lucky to find a space.

The common is a nice mix of woodland...

and open healthland.

Heidi was enjoying herself although Kiki kept disappearing.

We also walked around the duckboards surrounding the nature reserve.  Signs politely request that dogs be put on leads due to ground nesting birds in this area. This can be something of a bugbear for me, many National Trust properties put similar signs everywhere despite there being no obvious risk or signs of the livestock mentioned, however, we were only too happy to oblige in this instance given the hunting nature of our two.  

We decided to try the Three Horseshoes in Thursley for a quick drink and I was very impressed.  The menu looks a little pricey but if the quality matches the beer then it should be worth it.  The pub is dog friendly and there is a large garden out the back.

All in, a lovely walk with a very nice pub.  We shall certainly return to the area.

Foxley Wood

The weather on Sunday morning was fairly awful and we weren't inspired to travel far so we decided to try Foxley Woods on the Purley - Kenley border.  We'd never been before but it had recently been recommended by a fellow dog.  We parked in Woodland Way, Purley and let the girls loose.

The wood itself is basically a rectangle which was relatively straightforward to find our way around.

The view could be quite impressive on a good day.

The girls enjoyed a good run around and thankfully didn't disappear.

All in, a perfectly enjoyable, short walk with no navigational challenges  It's one of those places which you wouldn't go out of your way to find but makes a pleasant option to have locally.  Thankfully the weather improved in the afternoon for the second walk over Farthing Downs.

Devil's Punchbowl

We decided to venture slightly further afield last Sunday and decided on the Devil's Punchbowl near Hindhead in Surrey.  We'd not been there for many years, certainly well before we had the dogs and were pleasantly surprised to find the busy road alongside has now disappeared thanks to the completion of the tunnel.

We walked up to the trip point with lovely views back to the North Downs.  It was still overcast at this point but given the torrential downpour on the way this was a nice surprise.

And over to the celtic cross.

We then dropped down into the Punchbowl itself, what a lovely spot to live although it's a fair old walk to the pub.  The day was beginning to brighten up by this time.

Heidi enjoyed herself as usual, particularly with the ponies.

And walked back through the trees with occasional glimpses back towards the bowl.

The view from the car park.

For post walk refreshment we visited The Woolpack in Elstead.  A pleasant enough pub although clearly more geared to food and dog friendly but be warned they have rabbits running loose in the beer garden.  We opted to sit inside...

Leith Hill

Easter Monday took us to Leith Hill, the highest spot in Surrey.  The hill itself falls tantalisingly short of the magic 1,000 feet mark so somebody had the bright idea of building a tower to make up the difference.  This now holds a small kiosk selling drinks and snacks which is always welcome to certain family members.  You can also climb the tower and the views can be stunning on clear days.

We parked in the newly expanded National Trust car park for Leith Hill Place although there are several other options dotted around.  There are several waymarked routes or you can just explore if you're feeling adventurous .

Sadly the current air pollution in the UK restricted the views somewhat.

Not that this bothered Heidi.

Leith Hill Place has opened to the public in the past few years with dogs being allowed in the grounds.

Thoroughly tired but very happy after her exertions.

We did want to pop into the Plough in Coldharbour but sadly we were too early and it wasn't open, hopefully next time.  Instead, after popping into a pet shop in Dorking, we opted for The Dophin, Betchworth.  A lovely little pub in a wonderful setting and one that actually allows dogs in the restaurant area.

St Margaret's Bay

The Saturday of the Easter weekend found us foolishly agreeing to meet one branch of the family at St Margaret's Bay, near Dover in Kent.  Certain relations have been reluctant to visit since Heidi arrived and the introduction of Kiki has only served to compound the problem.  St Margaret's Bay was suggested as due to the nearby Coastguard Pub although it later transpired that dogs are only allowed into the bar and not the restaurant as first suggested.

I'd not been to St Margaret's for many years having often enjoyed the walk from Dover with the dogs as a child.

We decided to travel down early to ensure the girls had a bit of exercise first although I foolishly forgot to consult the tide table and the sea was in when we arrived.  The day started off grey and cold although things did improve later on.

Heidi always enjoys a visit to the seaside.

 Memorial to the Dover Patrol.

South Foreland Lighthouse.

All in, an enjoyable day out and thankfully the holiday traffic was kind to us.

Toy's Hill

Toy's Hill

Sunday took us to Toy's Hill just outside Westerham.  We stopped at the large National Trust car park, free for once although the down side of this means there are no poo bins around.

There are a selection of well waymarked routes which make it easy to find something to suit and there are also some leaflets describing some longer walks for the more adventurous.  We selected our usual route of about three and a half miles although we invariably take a short cut towards the end to avoid a rather boring stretch.

The girls enjoy running through the woodland.

The Pond by Emmett's Garden.  Heidi has taken an accidental dip in the past, thankfully Kiki shows no interest in water at the moment after her swims at Box Hill and Tillgate Park.

There is a side gate to Emmett's Garden which is run by the National Trust near this point.  Facilities include a cafe and toilets if you feel the need.

The shortcut.  The official path does downhill to the left, if you follow the main track it's an easy five minute walk to the car park.  As I'm usually facing a mutiny after the steep climb from the pond it's usually an easy choice.

Tired but happy.

The local pub, the Fox and Hounds, used to be dog friendly, you'd often meet the two resident Bearded Collies, Cara and Bella, on your walk, however, it has recently changed hands and I'm not sure if our four legged friends are still welcome.  If anybody knows either way, please let me know.

St Leonard's Forest

St Leonard's Forest

The weekend promised the final arrival of Spring, how easily we were fooled...  We decided to head to St Leonard's Forest to the South of Horsham.  We've visited several times in the past but, as with so many places, never found a satisfactory walk.  I eventually located one on the Fancy Free Walks website of around five and a half miles that included a pub stop.

We started from the Roosthole car park and dropped quickly down into the forest.

Unfortunately, either myself or the author of the route is directionally and distance challenged and it was only with a little guesswork that we managed to complete the walk.  Sadly the Dragon in Faygate is now closed which nearly provoked a mutiny.

There are some lovely wide paths, and both girls enjoyed themselves chasing squirrels through the trees.

The forest was also rather muddy in parts.

The girls enjoyed themselves at least.

After the disappointment of the Dragon being closed, a quick look on Doggie Pubs suggested that the Cherry Tree, Faygate was nearby.  Unfortunately they don't appear to have a website and it was only en route that I realised we had driven past on several occasions, the large, yellow elephant in the beer garden being somewhat memorable.

It's not the best of locations, being on the Horsham bypass, although once inside it was perfectly pleasant.  Not sure I'd rush back but useful to know about nonetheless.

Reigate Hill - Snow

Reigate Hill - Snow

The snow returned briefly on Saturday and we found ourselves at Reigate Hill.  The views from here can be spectacular although it was a little overcast on the day.  The car park is at the top on the North Downs Way and has a nice little kiosk selling food and drink together with toilets.

Unfortunately, the car park at the top of the hill presents a dilemma.  If you want a circular walk then you are faced with a steep climb at the end, something which usually provokes complaints from certain quarters otherwise it's a simple "out and back again" walk.

A further problem is the National Trust have decided to put sheep in several of the fields along the way and there have obviously been issues with dogs attacking them.  As a result there are signs warning you to keep your dog on a lead.

Issues aside, the girls had a lovely time and were certainly tired after.