Polly takes a bus

After departure from the Ramblers' Rest on 28 June was delayed for 20 minutes by a sharp shower, the group were soon ascending Chipstead Downs, traversing the Harholt Plantation and Banstead Woods before emerging near Perrott's Farm.

Steep stretch near Woodmansterne (photo: Banners)

From there it was a long straight downhill stretch towards Holly Lane, then ascending Park Downs and entering the little known Scratch Wood area of downland. It proved slow going for Polly as his feet were suffering from little use of his walking boots, but he eventually joined the others at The Woodman pub in the eponymous village of Woodmansterne.

Walkers near Banstead Woods

The group left after the customary refreshment and songs, and were astonished at the sight of Polly running ahead of them. The reason became clear when the 166 bus arrived and Polly leapt aboard to short cut the second leg.

No one was surprised to see Polly (and social member Ted) ensconced with beer at the Ramblers on our return. The audience in the beer garden for our singing this time was considerably more than one person, and included the very appreciative waitresses and the chef.