The Wey-South Path (May 2018)

Had another go at this in May 2018, this time choosing May in order to have more light, i.e 15 hours plus. Took the first train to Guildford from my Woking base, so started walking from Guildford just after 6am, finally arriving at the end of the walk in Amberley around 9pm, about 34 miles later. (The website 'time and date.com' is good for looking at daylight hours for any date you choose.)

The route is difficult to navigate (though the 2nd time is easier!) and again I would suggest that the walk booklet (available from the Wey and Arun Trust online shop) is an essential companion.

On the plus side the route is incredibly peaceful and quiet for South-East England, well away from the beaten track, with some very rewarding and beautiful views. I heartily recommend it!

Guildford

Old Gunpowder store, kept off the ground to avoid damp.

Passing the turn off to St Martha's.

Coming into Bramley. This is also the same route as the Downs Link for a few miles.

Here the Wey South Path and Downs Link part ways.

The Downs Link ahead.

But I'm leaving for the Wey South Path at Run
Common.

Is it just me? Uplifting.

Really was a beautiful day.

Yikes, a house!

This section can catch you out.

Yes, a few yards later you go through this gate and across someone's garden!

What Rat Race?

Nice country pile!

Once was a canal, one day it may be again if the Wey and Arun Trust have their way. I hope they do.

Slowly being reclaimed by nature...

Lucky children!

The signage can be tricky to follow at times!

It's a nice idea, but if I stop I know I won't make it. A few 10 min stops (& change the socks) is all I can do.

Amazing restoration work by the Wey and Arun Trust.

At the Sussex Border Path, and on into Sussex of course.

Love this rest area!

A rare breed.

This is a worry!

As far as I got last September (Pulborough), as the light ran out.

The Sun is dropping!

Not long now, crossing the marshes on the way to Amberley. You can't do this walk in the winter, so they say, this area becomes impassable.

Amberley!

The official end of the walk.

Amberley station, looking forward to a well earned rest on the train home.

Newlands Corner to Abinger, Surrey - 21st March 2018. With some new boots!

Newlands Corner to Abinger, Surrey - 21st March 2018. With some new boots!

Tried out a new pair of boots on this familiar 10 mile walk, a pair of Salomon Mudstone GTX's (i.e Goretex). Unusually had to go up a size as they were quite tight length-wise, other than that they have been great so far, very light too which will be a bonus on long walks. Despite the time of year there was still some snow on the hills. Saw a Roe Deer (probably) just off the North Downs Way on the return leg, and it wasn't very shy!

Salomon Mudstone GTX boots, nice and new looking. That won't last...

Beautiful weather!

Frozen solid, it had been -4oc the previous evening, but by 1030am it was T-shirt weather, almost!

I never linger under this tree....

Guard those veg Captain Mainwaring!

The White Horse pub, as featured in the film "The Holiday" released in 2006, starring Jude Law etc

Shere, always pretty.

In the film "The Holiday" the cottage was just behind this sign. Made of fibre glass and reduced in size, with artificial snow in the field, ah the illusion of  the television and cinema world.

What can I say.

Now that's a house.

Halfway, approximately.

Terrible picture, but a 100 foot drop from this narrow path awaits those who stray too near the edge.

Testing the new boots, they passed.

A road of kinds back to Shere. I wouldn't chance taking the caravan down there though.

Roe Deer, can you spot it?

Still plenty of snow in parts.

Back at Newlands Corner, a chocolate shake - why not!

In case you didn't spot it....