The 8th time I've walked this one now! The route is very familiar, just a couple of glimpses at the guide book (see earlier posts) as the signage seems to be disappearing again in certain parts and from experience I know that any wrong turn can be a disaster for a walk that only just fits into a day (i.e daylight), at least for me. I have considered it my 'physical MOT' for some time now, 35 miles in 13.5 hours this year (12'41" last year, no idea how I did that...) carrying everything needed for the day, about 3.5 litres of water (2 litres drunk, but who wants to run out of water...), high calorie food and various other items, even a small book for the train on the way back (see earlier posts for packing details). The weather was a little wet later in the walk, and wet feet (need new boots, but they're just so comfy...) led to a rare blister despite frequent sock changes, though luckily not enough to be a problem. For me the distance is more mental than physical, often done on minimal sleep (about 4 hours this time after a 4.15 alarm) with periods thinking I'm physically tired and then pushing through to find new energy reserves. The very last section up a steep hill (for those travelling south of course) is always amusing, whoever designed the walk probably thought it was funny too!
Might be the last one of these that I do, other walking plans (possibly) next year, and the South Downs Way to do. One thing I would say is that the sense of satisfaction lasts for days, probably a lot longer, that you have pushed yourself to your limit, and beyond. A personal test of character, competing against your greatest adversary, yourself!
Millmead Lock in Guildford. About 5.25am, after a 5.15am start at Guildford station.
Old River Cottage, Guildford. Yes, 1403 !!! Though refurbished in the 16th Century.
Nice design IMHO...
The Weyside pub in Guildford.
Leaving Guildford.
Echoes of 1940.
Built by the Wey and Arun Canal Trust.
Bramley and Wonersh station, last train left in 1965...
The circular plaque remembers 8 people who died in an air raid in 1942.
Recent infrastructure courtesy of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust.
A deer, if you can spot it.
Very nice.
When I started this walk in 2017 there were large greenhouses here, though no longer in use.
The view from the houses above, at least for now.
Utworth Manor.
Beautiful timber framed house.
Boys and their toys? OK, I like it.
The Amazon!
Plaque next to the Three Compasses pub.
Entering Sidney Wood.
Sometimes not so obvious without the helpful signs.
Boots definitely needed.
Entering Sussex.
Love the entrance to this house.
The Onslow Arms, at the 'epicentre' of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust.
The Wey and Arun Canal Trust shop, next to the Onslow Arms. In the summer canal boat trips are offered.
I love the space in Sussex.
Pallingham Quay Farm, formerly an Inn for Canal traffic. Sometimes inaccessible from the front in very wet weather.
A particularly nice house IMHO.
In the far distance a slim tower can be seen, the Toat Monument, a folly built in 1827.
Coombelands Stables.
Greatham Bridge, completed in 1294, and the site of a small English Civil War clash, with a 19th Century iron section.
Approaching Amberley, this area is impassable in very wet weather, best crossed in the warmer months.
Picturesque Amberley.
The hill climbing up to the end point of the walk when doing it north to south.
The end point, also on the South Downs Way route.
The South Downs Way is on the list.
Amberley station. The joy of sitting in comfort on a train after walking all day should not be underestimated!
