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.