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.

Denbies Hillside

Denbies Hillside

Last Sunday promised to be another lovely day and we set off for Ranmore Common, near Dorking, intending to walk around Polesden Lacey and Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel.  This is a pleasant walk of some four miles or so with the benefit of the tea rooms half way round, always a plus for the girls.

The plan, however, soon changed as we noticed a leaflet describing an alternative walk over the other side of the hill.  We were immediately rewarded with stunning views over to Leith Hill where you could even make out the tower through the trees.  Unfortunately, I'd forgotten a camera and had to rely on my phone.  The resulting photos don't really give the day justice.

Over to Leith Hill

The walk itself is well waymarked and Heidi was able to run free from the time we left the car park until our return.  There were even a few squirrels to keep her entertained and she disappeared for a few minutes only to emerge from a completely unexpected direction.  There were cows grazing in one field but they took little interest in us.

The only minor drawback was that the walk as detailed is only two miles in length.  We therefore decided to continue along the broad track at the bottom of the hill until we met the North Downs Way and were able to follow this back to the car park.  Sadly, this proved a little too much for the girls and there were soon mutterings of mutiny as the return took slightly longer than expected.

To Box Hill

At one point we came across an old pill box which, unusually, remained open and we were able to explore the interior.  Heidi refused to enter and contented herself with exploring the surrounding woods.

Overall, this was a nice little stroll in an area we hadn't really explored before.  The views were quite exceptional and I'd recommend saving this for a clear day.  Given the manner in which the extension was viewed I considered it best for a placatory drink at the Well on the way home.

Box Hill Hike

The Box Hill Hike

One of the advantages of only working part time this summer has been the chance to go for a walk during the week while everyone else is suffering at work.  Having become thoroughly demoralised in the job hunt, Heidi and I took the opportunity of the Indian Summer to have a go at a slightly more energetic walk than I would otherwise suggest with my partner and daughter in tow.

Having completed the school run we jumped into the car and headed to Box Hill, near Dorking.  For those who are unfamiliar with the area, this is a delightful spot with panoramic views over the surrounding Surrey countryside.  Facilities on the top include a cafe with toilets, shop and water bowls are also provided.  It is one of our favourite weekend destinations although I have a suspicion that this may be more to do with the cafe than anything else.

Viewpoint

The National Trust have mapped several walks and we determined to try the longest, the Box Hill Hike, at a reported eight miles, taking an estimated four hours.  All the routes are very well waymarked so even the most directionally challenged should struggle to get lost but knowing my ability we also carried a map and compass together with a selection of mapping aps on my phone.

Outlook from Box Hill

All in we were walking for a shade over two and a half hours.  There were four, fairly steep climbs but I was pleased that steps have now been built up Mickleham Downs which could be particularly treacherous in the wet.  There were four road crossings, the drop down to the road near Cockshot Cottage, Point 7 on the leaflet, being very steep where Heidi had to be encouraged to stay nearby.  The paths around Mickleham village are close to roads so I considered it best to be safe and used the lead.

Are we nearly there yet?

Heidi managed to chase a few squirrels on Headley Heath, it's amazing how she changes from looking like she's unable to take another step to full acceleration up a steep bank.  There were also some pheasants near High Ashurst Outdoor Centre although thankfully she didn't see them.  Another squirrel chase down Headley Heath Approach left her looking forlornly at me from behind a house gate, oops.

We also met a pair of Rangers having some trouble moving cows from one field to the next.  Thankfully Heidi isn't interested in cows, unless they start running that is.

Cows

We retired to the Well House Inn, Mugswell for a thoroughly earned pint of Shere Drop and the obligatory packet of crisps.  This is a lovely pub where dogs are welcome in two of the three bars and the majority of the scenic garden.  It has featured in the Good Beer Guide for many years while prices are extremely reasonable for the location.  All of which combine to make it a favourite.