Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest

The forecast for Friday was far from inspiring with the afternoon in particular threatening to be most unpleasant, however, we were determined to go somewhere different and settled on Ashdown Forest.  It's a beautiful area, not too far away although we've always struggled to find a walk of a reasonable length.  We eventually settled on one from an old Pathfinder Guide near Colemans Hatch.

The girls seemed happy enough with the choice.

We headed towards Camp Hill from the car park.

Past Ellison's Pond.

One of the downsides of using older guidebooks is that things invariably change and so it was through the Old Lodge Estate where there has clearly been a lot of work since the book was published in 1997...  Maybe it's time to buy a newer one.

We headed to the Royal Oak in Staffhurst Wood for a drink and decided to stay for lunch.  We first tried the pub several years ago and the food was excellent.  Sadly it was not so good on the second visit and we've only been for a drink since.  Luckily it was back to the former standard and we shall look forward to returning.

The heavens opened on the way home, perfect timing.

Riddlesdown Common

Riddlesdown Common

The quest for somewhere different continued last Sunday and Riddlesdown Common was suggested, somewhere I'd never been before.  We were up early enough to negotiate Purley Cross  before the traffic built up which is always a relief.  

Riddlesdown is another of the Commons owned by the City of London and, while not as spacious as Farthing Down, is a lovely spot.  I imagine the views are impressive on a clear day but sadly there was a fair bit of mist around.

Overall, I feel it's one of those lovely areas to have on your doorstep but wouldn't consider it worth making a special journey but it never ceases to amaze how many of these areas there are around.

Box Hill - Stepping Stones

Box Hill - Stepping Stones

Last Saturday saw us at Box Hill once again for the Stepping Stones Walk.  This is another of those well waymarked routes that only takes about an hour.  It was a little overcast so the view from the trigpoint wasn't as good as it could be but was still impressive.

All was proceeding without incident until we reached the Stepping Stones over the River Mole.  The girls and Heidi crossed happily but Kiki decided to launch herself into the river and swim across.  At least we know she can swim...  Not the best photo I'm afraid.

A pit stop at Ryka's ensured the girls were happy.

All in all it was an enjoyable walk although we're hoping it was an accident on Kiki's part and that she's not really a "water" dog.  Heidi will happily walk around a puddle to ensure she remains dry, I remain concerned as there's little worse than the smell of damp dog.

Snow

Snow

After a light flurry at the weekend, today saw the first proper snowfall of the year on the Downs.    Thankfully, I'm not working today and we headed off once the school run was finished.  Heidi is never convinced of the widsom of walking to the Downs...

She soon cheered up

We headed up the main spine to the tree

And then dropped into Happy Valley

Before returning through Devilsden Woods

And home with two very tired girls.

Devil's Dyke

Devil's Dyke

The weather was beautiful and clear on Saturday and we decided to head for Devil's Dyke, on the South Downs Way just outside Brighton.  Thankfully the roadworks on the M23 are currently clear and 40 minutes later we were in the National Trust car park on the summit.  One of the benefits of membership is free parking and we try to take advantage of this as much as possible.  Which reminds me, I must chase up the cards, they appear to have been lost in the post yet again.

The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves despite the wind although we did have to be careful to avoid any sheep.

We stopped at the Eight Bells in Bolney on the way home, an extremely dog friendly pub where Heidi and Kiki were plied with biscuits by the landlord.