Planning on going for a Bank Holiday stroll this weekend followed by a cheeky pint in a local hostelry but fancy trying somewhere a little off the beaten track? I’ve asked around the RL offices for some recommendations:
Outwood Common walk through Harewoods Estate – recommended by Robert & Wendi Leech
Enjoy a refreshing but easy walk through cool, shady woodland and across open farmland. See what the farmers are growing in their fields and discover an enchanting hidden pond. There is also an organised bluebell walk this Sunday 30 April, which includes afternoon tea at the Cricket Club.
Parking – Outwood Common Car Park
Post-walk Refreshment – The Castle, Village Eatery & Ale House castleoutwood.co.uk
Ridlands Grove Limpsfield Chart near Oxted recommended by James Stacey-Clear
This easy, child friendly walk takes you around Ridlands Grove, which has a spectacular display of bluebells at the moment. There are also animal homes to view along the way, including Owl House, Fox Villa, Hedgehog Hall and Peter Rabbit’s Post Office, where you can even leave letters for Peter Rabbit.
Parking – High Chart Car Park RH8 0TW
Post-walk refreshment – The Carpenters Arms, Limpsfield Chart carpenterslimpsfield.co.uk
Glovers Wood, Charlwood, recommended by Charlotte Simons
If you fancy a longer walk, Glover’s Wood, on the edge of Charlwood, is one of the largest areas of woodland in the Surrey Weald. The wood contains oak, hazel and birch trees and features historical relics including a medieval bank and ditch systems. At this time of year you may be one of the few people to witness some of the best hidden bluebell and wild garlic displays in Surrey.
Parking – Glovers Road off Rectory Lane, Charlwood
Post-walk Refreshment – The Half Moon Pub, Charlwood thehalfmooncharlwood.com
Gatton Park, Reigate recommended by Emma West and Sally Ewbank
Many of us walk the chalk park along Reigate Hill towards Colley Hill but not all of us go east from the carpark to Gatton Park. Here there are 260 acres of beautiful historic parkland designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown with Edwardian gardens.
Parking – Wray Lane, top of Reigate Hill
Post-walk Refreshment – The Sportsman, Mogador timewellspent.co.uk
Ford Manor & Grethead Manor, Dormansland, recommended by Mark Floyd & Richard Goman
A lovely walk to the east of Dormansland through open countryside and parkland around Ford Manor and Greathed Manor. The ground is gently undulating but in spite of there being no hills there are splendid views from many points to the North Downs and the low lying countryside around Edenbridge. Through the woods you will come across secret botanical gardens that look like they haven’t been disturbed for decades, truly magical!
Parking – Hollow Lane,
Post Walk Refreshment – Mark recommends The Old House at Home, Dormansland oldhouseathome.co.uk and Richard recommends The Plough ploughdormansland.com