Into every life a little rain must fall. Today it fell all day, more or less. Mostly not that heavy. Promised sunny intervals did not appear till we were sat on rain-drenched tables outside the pub at the end. (Grrr!)

Still, one can’t complain. Looking back through my diary to find the last Saturday walk with significant rain, I get to mid June, and even that was sun and showers. A wet-all-day Saturday? This was the first one of the year.

At least you find out who the dedicated walkers are on such days. 7 hardy souls assembled this time - three off the London Bridge train, one off the Victoria one, two by car and I am not sure where the other one materialised from. We set off into the woods. There are a LOT of woods in this walk. Another time I might moan about this - surely more of an autumn walk than a summer one? - but today it was useful: the foliage kept the rain off.

By the time I got to Westerham the rest of the group were in the King’s Head. A chainy place, with intimidatingly smart decor and the rather unsmiling bar stuff such places engender. The food and service were fine, but another time I might try the more characterful Grasshopper on the Green.

In the afternoon more woods. And then even more. Perhaps the heaviest downpour of the day hit as we approached the pub in Limpsfield Chart. This seemed to me to be a cue to have a tea stop….but no one else thought so. So on we trudged into yet more woods.

In Oxted we diverted to the church to visit Delius’s grave, surrounded by other musicians we had never heard of. Perhaps as a result all cafes were shut by the time we got to the high street. This rendered moot the somewhat complex discussions about where to have tea. We went to the Spoons, the only available option. Two had tea, two puds. We got the 17.20 train.

4 walkers on this lovely walk..#bright and sunny with only two small showers that were over quickly. Lunch at the Cafe in Westerham which satisfied us. Spotted birds of prey as well as a lot of frogs gathered in one pond..Great views and not too muddy at all..

6 at the station with just the lightest of drizzle. Quite a fast pace, and we collectively missed the turn for the longer circular. The lunch pub had said it was fully booked, so we pressed on to the Bull, which was also claiming to be full. So lunch at the end in the Weatherspoons for 4 of us. A short not too muddy walk and staying dry. A good result given the forecast.

Not a bad day at all. Variable sun and cloud I call this type of weather. Often sunny, sometimes quite grey. Once after lunch drizzling a bit, but we’ll overlook that this time if it promises to try harder in future.

A very apostolic 12 of us. Good group cohesion in the morning, apart from yours truly stopping at Limpsfield Chart to enjoy a buddleia bush covered in red admirals, peacocks and commas, thereby also separating my companion from the group. We later got a bit….creative, shall we say?…. with the route.

Despite our tardiness, the others very nicely saved us two places in the not-at-all busy George & Dragon for lunch. (Are any pubs busy these days?). Eight of us ate there and very pleasant it was too. Nice service. The sandwichers waited patiently for us, but not that patiently as all but one had gone on when we finally emerged.

Two left after lunch to go to France. The rest of us carried on, in the aforementioned slight drizzle. I got left behind - not due to butterfly watching, but just because I was slow. Not expecting to catch up with the group and realising I was not that far from Chartwell, I went there for tea (scone, jam and cream - 745 calories: thanks for telling me that, National Trust).

I had a largely sunny walk to Hurst Green by my own route, getting the 18.22 train. The others apparently got to Oxted about 4.30pm, went to the cinema cafe for tea and got the 17.27. Another good rail strike day out….

Westerham is back to three pubs as the George & Dragon recently reopened. It closed during the pandemic but has now been take on by the Bel & The Dragon group (also at Cookham, Wendover, Odiham, etc), so looks rather upmarket.

Around 14 on this enjoyable walk in perfect autumn weather. Much speculation on why tree colour was still only starting. The few pub lunchers chose the George and Dragon, which has had a revamp. Mixed first impressions. The group divided after lunch between departing picnicers and picnicers joining the pub launchers, the latter getting the 1623.

No need to speculate about why tree colour is still only just starting: this is perfectly normal for this time of year.

Read this page:

https://nature-and-weather.walkingclub.org.uk/p/october-introduction-to-leaf-fall.html

I am going to say that there were 8 on this walk. I did the morning alone, having incompetently missed the intended training and followed on 40 minutes behind.

The choice of pubs in Westerham was between a hotel which was sterile and corporate, with centrally printed menus, and a pub where the appearance was tired and the aroma could not accurately be described as fragrant. It takes a bit to make a neighbouring branch of Costa seem more appealing as a lunch stop, but they managed it.

I did brave the pub for a swift half afterwards, where eventually four of our group emerged from an upstairs space I hadn't previously seen, after lunches that they said were entirely fine. The temptation to think I may have been hasty in my judgement endured for the few minutes that passed before I encountered the bucket catching drips from one of the urinals. The four lunchers reported there were another two or three consuming sandwiches elsewhere.

Though the morning was faintly sunny, it was by now getting very overcast and beginning to rain, and there was little chance of completing the walk before dark, leading me and one other to take the bus back to Bromley South. It would be interesting to hear how those who did the full walk fared. clear morning with rain beginning pm .

Hi David,

I counted 16 at the station so 17 including you.

The bus service still appears to be running between Westerham and Bromley / Oxted.

I don’t know why I'm reporting. For one thing, I didn’t count anyone at the station, ( 15 )? For another, I accidentally did a different walk. While we waited for another train to arrive, we had a speech on how we should divide into sixes. We eventually set out in 'long walk' and 'short walk' groups. It would have been a keen observer that noticed the groups were indeed separate, as we threaded our way down a busy Station Road East. One walker hung back so as not to add to that impression. That walker had not realised that his printout pre-dated a major re-jig of the route and was soon in a group of one (would have happened anyway, let’s face it).

That walker went on his merry way, on a blissfully sunny day. Until, lo and behold, a longhorn bull stood on the footpath ahead. An impressive animal with big spiky horns (sadly my iphone has died and I can't retrieve the photo). Never daunted, our plucky walker said “hello“ to it. It sneezed and placidly walked past. It may possibly have been missing its gentleman’s bits. Anyway, it transformed from a raging beast into a little poppet.

About this time, I realised I was off piste and had to rely on Mr Google to get me through the dense forest that lay ahead. That and follow the road to Westerham

The way back was not without its challenges. I teamed up with two others not realising that their directions were different to mine! This may have resulted in some gibberish being spoken. Parts of the way back were the reverse of my morning, not that that helped much, my memory being what it is. There were one or two wrong turns and we nearly got hit by a golf ball (on the path). Coffee at Kiwis shut at four. So it was on to Oxted for us.

At least 2 of us did the extension via Chartwell, lingering in the grounds and cafe for over an hour. I realised that, while I've often been to the cafe, I had never previously had a proper look at the gardens. We got to Oxted at 5.45 and then had a decent meal at Cucina Italiana. They were booked up inside but found us seats outside. Thanks for scheduling this fine walk.

I sympathise with Mr Tiger on several counts, as I will explain. I agree the total numbers were roughly 15. In fact, as we left central Oxted we split into twos and threes, so I don't know how the day wokred out for others; however it dawned on me during the morning that I was also following an out of date route. But my companion had the up to date GPX, and after a lengthy discussion at one junction, we realised the situation and followed the "new" route; which we did successfully, even finding a reasonably effective way out of Crockhamhill Common which has always baffled me before. We had a sandwich at the churchyard in Westerham and didn't repair to the pub so I suspect we were ahead of the rest for the return leg. I was surprised that the final quarter of the walk is almost totally different from the "old" route, except for the visit to Peter Rabbit, so the line on my old map was pretty useless. However, I can see that the "new" route adds a couple of better viewpoints and avoids some sections which might be very muddy at other times.

Anyway, a final point to report is that we met a familiar face on the outskirts of Oxted, who had been on a slow journey from London Bridge and did the short walk starting at noon. She reported favourably on a pub in Limpsfield (can't remember the name) having been denied access to the Carpenters Arms without a booking. 1623 train for me.

Sorry not to be more informative; but thanks for posting a welcome return to this pleasant and accessible area.

I met Mr M Tiger plus 2 ladies using their google maps on my way to Westerham an hour later than the specified train due to engineering works on the line to Clapham Junction. They were following the walk backwards to Oxted having suspected that the original directions if 2 years had been completely re-written. I had already lunched at the Carpenters Arms to make sure I got a table. Arriving at Westerham at 2..30pm I decided to have a leisurely look around and then caught the bus back to Bromley South rather than spend an exhausting afternoon in the direct sun trying not to get lost.

About 30 altogether on a dry sunny slightly chilly day. Muddy underfoot in places but not too bad.

A pretty walk especially with the autumn colour. (Not wishing too much lavish praise to go to the walk author’s head, I pointed out a couple of minor ambiguities to him in no uncertain terms.)

The Carpenters couldn’t cater for such a large group so, after a quick half, about half the group pressed on to the Bull for a late lunch which they declared to be good. Best not to mention the wine. It too was said to be good but cost an unexpectedly pretty penny. Those who stayed on in the Carpenters turned up later, having no doubt drunk themselves silly before leaving. And so a short stretch back to Oxted where the group divided between the Wetherspoons and a Costas.

Sunday, 10 November 2019 at 20:24:00 GMT Delete

Forgot to mention - there were favourable comments about Limpsfield's Coffee at Kiwi House.

Hi Bridie,

this walk looks interesting and I hope to attend. regarding Chartwell, will we have time to stop there or is it just a fleeting visit so to speak?

thanks

lily

Up to you, Lily. This is not the Ramblers. You are your own responsible adult, your own boss.

In the interest of avoiding confusion at the start please note that the route out of (and back into) Oxted was significantly changed in May. If you follow an old set of directions or GPS track you'll be on a different route for much of the day. That's not a huge problem, but it would be a pity if you dragged everyone else along and no-one did the revised route as written.

Lily asked about visiting Chartwell. This walk doesn't really give you enough time for a full visit of the house and garden, since you won't get there before 3pm unless you have a very short lunch stop. There are no buses from Chartwell on a Saturday so you'll have another two hours walking back to Oxted afterwards (or an hour back to Westerham if you're prepared to take a bus from there). See the Walk Notes for more detailed transport information.

Also Chartwell house can get very busy so better to book ahead as they limit the visitors

.

Is GPX track not updated?

The GPS track on the SWC site was updated in May. I was trying to prompt people who've downloaded it in the past to make sure they've got the latest version on their device.

Thanks, Sean.

Hi Guys hope to attend provided weather is not too wet and windy. Look forward to the updated version. Any takers for the the extension?

Regards

Monica

By the way, I think there is a bus running through the lunch place. Does anyone know the bus number and time table? Could be handy if heavy rain in the afternoon as the forecast appoints worse weather in PM

Full details of the buses from Westerham are in the walk directions under Transport. Click on the SWC.63 button at the top of the post.

From the past bus 246 goes to Bromley station or Orpington as I recall I think every 20 to 30 minutes. Hope this helps.

Monica

About 23 today. started cloudy then rainy getting heavy and persistent

As far as I know, all made it to Westerham, having lunch in several establishments. Quite a few in the George and Dragon, After lunch, a sizeable contingent opted for the bus to Oxted - it were getting wet, weren’t it. But others, myself included, nobly pressed on, determined to earn their medal for the day.

I was behind the others and encountered navigational difficulties on Crockhamhill Common. I couldn’t work out the “fork left after the five way junction” and spent quite a bit of time trying to find either it or the Greensand Way it allegedly led to. However, with the persistence of a badger, and the cat-like homing skills of a um..cat, I did eventually find my way back to Oxted.

1 got a slightly later train and decided to do the short circular, omitting Westerham and lunching at the bus shelter opposite the Carpenters Arms. Although it was raining heavily at this point, the afternoon stretch was as enjoyable as the morning with lovely views and atmospheric woods starting to show their autumn colours. A very enjoyable short excursion.

Well i had hoped to d this walk but I left my instructions behind at home Bestjfk

Yes i had hoped to do this walk but left my instructions behind at home .best jfk

hope you have a super day

just in case anyone is interested my Jazz choir are performing again this Saturday in a programme called Something like Summer.

This will take place at St Andrews Church

Fulham Fields ,

Greyhound Rd

W14 9SA

7.30 pm Tickets £12 00 on the door

Thanks jfk

7 walkers on a hot sunny day, not counting one who showed up in Westerham and made fleeting appearances thereafter. Two pub lunchers looked no further than the Kings Arms and were rewarded with sour beer (grudgingly replaced) and a long wait for food that wasn't worth waiting for. The picnickers did better. In the afternoon grass-mowing was under way in the Darent valley, keenly watched by a pair of red kites which occasionally swooped down on some freshly-sliced unfortunate creature. The fleeting visitor popped up again in Ridlands Grove, then was gone.

29 on this walk including 2 late starters. Sunny until 3pm when it rained heavily . Gorgeous autumn colours - full tint on beech, oak, Norway maple. All looked ready to be stripped in the next gale so I would not expect much foliage to be left by next week. Inevitably the best colour - a heart-stopping panorama of golden beech - was just as the light started to fade and the rain started, so my photos did not work too well.

We split between three pubs in Westerham. The George and Dragon insisted on table service but were quick to take orders. A bit slow to produce it and the portions were a bit small for my appetite but the food was tasty. Lots of attention was needed to the directions in the afternoon but we all seemed to finish by dusk. The Papillon tea room must have been delighted or dismayed to get 17 late customers for tea and the pub entertained ten or so of us. The last of us got the 18.19 train and then rushed home to hot baths and Strictly.

If you do the longer walk via Chartwell, note that the alternative route in §10b is no longer feasible. The National Trust have blocked the back exit from the grounds on this route, no doubt because people were using it to sneak into the grounds for free.

At Easter you could still enter the woodland at the back of the grounds (in §10a) but the way through to the Visitor Centre was blocked by work on a new overflow car park. That should be finished by now but there might be other complications. All things considered, it might be best to do the standard walk for now.

[I'm currently revising the walk to include these and other changes, but I doubt if an updated version will be ready by the weekend.]

Intend going. Is anyone interested in viewing either of the National Trust houses?

8 on the main walk-sunshine with a cool breeze. 2 latecomers joined us at lunchtime and 2 others were seen at the Carpenters Arms later on when 3 of us stopped for tea and ice cream. Two groups of Book 2 walkers with USA accents were overheard on the train but did not alight at Otford so independent walking groups are making great use of the book rather than downloading from the internet an organised walk. 4 had lunch at the George in the garden and were served very swiftly but the other pubs and cafés were much busier and possibly better quality. In the afternoon 3 of us took a wrong turn in the final stretch of woods where the Greensand Way and the woodland paths diverge before Limpsfield and the busy B259. We couldn't keep up with the fast pace of the younger hung ho ladies but armed with an ordnance survey map and compass and SATNAV (recommended for all independent walkers) we sorted out the problem and revived our spirits at the excellent Carpenters Arms for tea. Recently refurbished the lunch food looked amazing and the place was still packed at 3.15pm. Perhaps Chris L could clarify the woodland directions in his revisions.

Trains were running bang on time and the 30 min service was a welcome change from some of the delays and cancellations experienced on previous outings.

12

Interested in doing this walk - anyone else?

Yes, I am going also

I'm going too. I might start it earlier as I would like to visit Chartwell house. Anyone would like to join me?

Intend going, incl. Chartwell House, but with the advertised train.

18 solidly overcast turning to blue sky with passing clouds but no rain

Very good turnout then for the two Sunday walks combined.

All 18 walked the long version via Chartwell, although only 1 (I believe) actually visited the house, some doubtlessly put off the idea by the huge amount of people at Chartwell (both car park and cafe were full to bursting).

A good walk with a fair amount of far views and grand houses, and a good mixture of woods, meadows and waterways. Plenty of muddy patches in the woods, but it was always easy to skirt around them.

After an underwhelming reception at The George & Dragon upon our arrival just past noon ("Have you booked? Let me check with the kitchen, we are expecting 2 groups of 6 in the next 5 minutes..." when the pub was completely empty...), we were then served quickly what were vast portions of good value meals.

Some took the 16.58 train, while most had tea and/or drinks in Oxted's uninspiring town centre, and then another one, as the 17.28 was cancelled.

Dinner in Pimlico for some to celebrate a walker's b'day.