Of scrumptious teas and past mishaps

On 14 September, six walkers caught the 400 bus from Caterham Station to start the walk at the Quarry Road stop near the M25 roundabout. They skirted the Godstone vineyard, then climbed the steep steps of Winders Hill to the ruins of Marden Castle, a former shooting lodge of the Marden Estate.

Perfect weather for Godstone walkers (photo George Taylor)

After savouring the glorious views to the southeast over Marden Park and through the gap in the North Downs,  we followed the contour before descending to Woldingham School. The route passed around the south end of the school and followed a northward track as far as renovated cottages and buildings which were once been part of Marden Park farm.  

Here we called John Marshall who had travelled independently to our planned refreshment stop: The Dene Cafe at Knight's Garden Centre. We relaxed as he reassured us that it was still open and we had no need to rush.  We were soon tucking into tea and scrumptious gooey cakes.

The return leg followed a footpath up to the long driveway road leading back towards the school. Shortly after passing the back entrance to Woldingham Station, we turned right up a steep hill which had become notorious on a previous walk.

Scene of notorious Gillman accident (photo John Parker)

That was when walk supremo Peter Gillman slipped on mud and grasped the barbed wire fence, slicing his hand which had to be stitched at Caterham's Dene Hospital.  This time the going was good and we were soon on the summit plateau next to a deer enclosure.

After crossing one more secluded valley and ascending a long track we reached the new estate which had formerly been Tillingdown Farm, followed by the descent to Caterham Valley and dinner at the William Garland.

Route map courtesy Dick Jones