A chilly winter walk

Ten walkers gathered in front of a roaring (gaslit) fire in the Boundary-on-the-Green pub (formerly The Fleeting Brooking, formerly the Ladybird) in Caterham-on-the-Hill on January 16 2023.

Initial stretch in Happy Valley

On a chilly winter afternoon, the group set off past the old Caterham Barracks buildings on to Green Lane before turning down a muddy track to Happy Valley. With the target destination of Farthing Down in the distance, the group chose a gentle upward path through the woods before emerging on to the summit ridge and its blustery north wind.

Fortunately local Dick Jones was there to guide us back to the more sheltered valley and up on to New Hill (which included lovely views of Dick’s back garden). A short uphill stretch on the road led us to the Tudor Rose the Congregational Church opposite, the venue of our next concert.

Winter shadows lengthen as walk progresses

Surprisingly the group spurned the option of a pre-half-time refreshment and pressed on past St John’s Church, down into another valley and up again to the Wattenden Arms. It was lovely to meet up with choir supporter Lyn Mouat for a beer and a couple of songs.

Happy Valley ten plus Lyn pose at Wattenden Arms

The return journey over waterlogged meadows and muddy tracks was short, giving time for post-half-time refreshment at The Fox pub on Coulsdon Common. The sun was setting and the cold intensifying as we left for the final 10-minute stroll back to The Boundary and dinner.

Homeward bound into setting sun