Oxted to Lingfield Walk
A short climb over the Greensand Hills followed by a gentle walk across the Low Weald, with a fine bluebell wood at its centre.
A short climb over the Greensand Hills followed by a gentle walk across the Low Weald, with a fine bluebell wood at its centre.
I counted 25 stiles on this walk. Several of which were dodgy. Only about 3 could be bypassed via gates.
Yes, there was a little sign on the gate into the field (just laminated paper), that's how we knew not to go through. The farmer told us lambing is the only time of year when they can restrict right of way through their fields, and it's just for a few weeks. To be fair, I did not call the local council to double-check, I was just glad she let us through!
Thanks for the good news about the pub on Tandridge Lane (the Brickmakers Arms). It had been closed for several years and looked unlikely to re-open.
I'm surprised that a public footpath was apparently closed 'due to lambing'. From what I read farmers can apply to have dogs prohibited from rights of way during the lambing season but not to close a path to walkers. Were there any notices about the footpath being closed or is it possible the farmer was just reacting to one of their ewes being distressed? [Sean]
I've just done the short version of this walk on April 14 2018. It was great, but extremely muddy throughout, so really worth bearing in mind when picking your footwear, and it makes for much slower walking than indicated in the directions.
The pub on Tandridge Lane towards the end of the short walk (near godstone) is no longer closed, and makes a nice stop.
One of the fields we had to cross was full of lambs and ewes, which was extremely cute, but one of the ewes chased us a bit as she thought we threatened her babies. Don't stop too long for photos! Also, the very last field before getting to south godstone station had no right of way for six weeks (until late May) due to lambing. The farmer was not happy at all to see us near her field and told us to go back where we came from. We pleaded with her and as it was getting dark, she let us through the farm. Wouldn't try it again though, i think the short walk is probably off limits until June.
The Royal Oak reopened today as a "Grumpy Mole Restaurant" (one of a small group of 'Country Inn and Dining' establishments in Surrey). The menu looks appealing and any feedback would be welcome. The walk details have been updated. [Sean]
Did this walk today (24/09). The Royal Oak pub was closed with a blackboard outside stating "due to refurbishment we are closed until further notice". As this is the only lunchtime option it will certainly be worth checking before setting out. Luckily, I had my sandwiches!