Essex Man Does Walking

Well, the day has eventually arrived. I was getting a bit anxious about it as the weather looks very hot for the first few days. The route does spend most of those days in woodland so hopefully that will help.

I said goodbye to everyone and walked to the station. Taking a train to West Ham, then a tube to Waterloo. I then got on a train that took me down to Farnham

Getting off the station the wrong side, I had to wait for the level crossing to open. Passing a pub I decided one beer to see me on my way would not hurt. Very nice too.

The start point is around the corner next to a very busy road. I take the obligatory picture. The distance says 153 miles but that includes the extra loop to Canterbury so it is in fact 125 miles.

Turning off the path beside the A31 into a wooded path provides some relief. This path continues beside the River Wey before heading under the railway. The wooded path continues, past the North Downs Way seat and onwards towards a road that I turn on to. A steep hill soon has me sweating the beer out. There is a fairly hidden path to the left which the route goes down and then right. There are lots of cherry trees here as I head into the Runfold Wood Nature Reserve.

The path heads onwards but eventually reaches a road that I have to follow into a village called The Sands. It continues until a rich looking golf club where I turn left and then later past a postbox right to walk beside the course. Reaching the Hampton Estate with a vineyard in front of me I continue up the sandy path. Sadly, I miss my turning, and end up on the Pilgrims’ Way. I continue on using my GPS to guide me back en route.

Moving onwards I head onto Puttenham Common. This consists of a long climb up a sandy wooded path but the views at the top are wonderful. Heading round a campsite and back into a wood I continue until I reach Puttenham. a small village but very crowded today as the local pub, The Good Intent has a festival going on. Feeling in need of food and refreshment I head in and have a pint of Guinness and burger whilst watching the live music. Regretfully, I leave after that pint and head to the bunkhouse opposite the church. A lovely small place, I am greeted by the wardens with a cup of tea and shown around. A shower and a change of clothes and I feel ready to relax.