Whilst we have had to cancel a few walks this year due to exceptional circumstances, the programme is still going strong and attendance levels – any enjoyment – have been good. Since my last blog we have had groups discovering semaphore towers, the Wey & Arun Canal, Bookers Tower, the Kernow Stone, and, of course, the countryside and waterways around Guildford borough.
But it’s not over yet! We’ve still got lots to explore and places to discover. In this blog I’m giving another call-out for our Sponsored Walk on Saturday 1st October. If you join us, you will have the option of a short (4 mile) walk from Guildford to the former Bramley & Wonersh Station where we will stop for coffee. At that point you can leave us or (preferably) continue for a further 9.5 miles as far as Witley Station.
Our route to Bramley is flat and easy – taking in the Downs Link once we get out of Guildford. The second stage is more challenging – shortly after leaving Bramley, we leave the Downs Link and follow the Greensand Way for the rest of the trip.
Whilst this section of the Greensand Way may be a combination of footpaths and tracks, it does take in all sorts of scenery – from woods to open fields, stunning views to special features. Part of the route takes us through the Wintershall Estate and Gate Street farm. Here you will find rare breed pigs (including Mangalitsa and “Plum Pudding” breeds) plus – if you are lucky – a chance to see the storks that live and breed here.
Lunch – possibly the most important stop of the day – is scheduled to take place at Hascombe and there we will have the chance to peep inside the church or picnic beside the village pond. Our final push takes us on through Hambledon to Witley Station – which, for reasons that I’ve never understood, is actually in Wormley. From there you can catch an hourly train back to Guildford or – like most of us – arrange to be picked up by car and whisked off for a celebratory drink or long soak in the bath!
Yes, this will be a walk worth celebrating – not only for the satisfaction of having walked the route but because you will be supporting a really worthwhile cause. Our nominated charity is Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy whose Street Angels are best known for patrolling the cobbled High Street, bringing a calming presence to those who have enjoyed the night-time economy. Meanwhile their sister project – Community Angels – is a befriending project for vulnerable adults of any age. These may include those who face loneliness, isolation, illness or other personal difficulties.
We have supported the Angels on two previous occasions and raised thousands of pounds for their work. Let’s see if we can break our previous fundraising record and have a good turnout for our adventure on the Greensand Way at the same time.
I look forward to you joining me on the walk. In the meantime, enjoy all that Walkfest has to offer you in the coming days.
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