Snake in the grass

The weather was fine on July 26 as six walkers left the Hare and Hounds southwards across Godstone Green and along Ivy Mill Lane. We turned left and ascended the farm track over the Greensand Ridge and followed the Greensand Way westwards.

The infamous Polly's peak (photo: Banners)

The group voted against climbing a steep path onto Polly's Peak, preferring to keep to lower ground and view the site of the famous injury and rescue across the ragwort from the meadow below.

The group arrived at the Red Lion to join Walkmeister Peter Gillman who was still nursing a sore knee from The Bull Inn excursion and was walking the second leg.

JP's adder - first sight for many

This section revisited notable landmarks from previous walks such as the now-demolished William IV pub and the gatehouse of Bletchingley Palace. Then John Parker, who was leading the way, encountered an adder, the UK's only venomous snake, sunning itself on the sandy path. It was the first time many in the group had seen one.

Adder heads for cover

The group arrived back at the Hare and Hounds to join Ted for an excellent dinner.

The six pose en route