It’s been a long and hard winter. We’ve been luckier than many, staying healthy, working at home and having our daughter (and her dog) with us for three months, rather than at university. But nevertheless getting vaccinated and being able to get out for more than a very local walk, along with a burst of spring warmth and sunshine last week, felt liberating.
Last Tuesday , in that brief preview of spring and summer, I finally did my first proper walk fully outside Greater London since last October. My route took me from Gomshall station up onto the Greensand ridge, west of Leith Hill and a succession of ‘peaks’ (what counts for a peak here in southeast England!) and dips before descending through beautiful Blackheath to Chilworth, a ushaped walk of just over 14 miles. It’s all part of the Surrey Hills area of outstanding natural beauty and one of my favourite walking areas in the whole south east. Reaching the Greensand way , and skipping Leith Hill, having been there only last year, going east to west you climb first Holmbury Hill, dip down to the Duke of Kent school, before climbing again to Pitch Hill, the Ewhurst windmill and then Reynards Hill.
Even before the deciduous trees have their leaves, with daffodils appearing, scattered pines, a blue sky, panoramic views from the hilltops and unseasonal warmth, it was a wonderful change from our south London house, the grey streets and our (now very familiar) local parks.
The downhill via Blackheath, with its wonderful sandy heathland, was equally beautiful, as I made my way down to Chilworth station, I lingered at times, but who wouldn’t want to?
Let’s hope we are all able to have many more days like this soon.
Across the Alps to the Adriatic 