National Grade:Moderate  Distance: 10.5mi /16.9km  Leader: Simon T. Date:  Oct 7th 2026

A select few braved the ominous weather forecast and spurious warnings of severe delays on the Victoria line to join Simon for this delightful walk where even the rain could not mask the sweeping views over the North Downs.  It seems a shame that there were only five of us to enjoy it.

So many highlights:

• St Martin’s Church in Dorking with its striking  210 ft spire 
• West Street in the old part of town where eagle eyed Sara spotted a plaque commemorating the home of William Mullins, a pilgrim father who sailed on the Mayflower in Sept 1620. 
• A deer who posed for Simon to snap a picture. Not as majestic as a highland stag but certainly more impressive than the muntjacs we are used to seeing in the wild. 
• Wonderful panoramic views over the Surrey Hills National Landscape where Pilgrims Way path emerged from woodland.
• Morning break on Denbies hillside with views over Dorking and towards Leith Hill. However, the Belted Galloway cows had left many reminders of their presence meaning finding somewhere to sit or even put down our rucksacks was a challenge. 
• Channelling our inner Kirstie Allsopps as we peered through windows and inspected the shower and toilet block of Tanners Hatch, a youth hostel that is currently closed for refurbishment. 
• Our lunch stop at Polesden Lacey with more fabulous views, a bit of history from Simon and a chance to warm up in the cafe with some hot food and drinks. This National Trust property is well worth a separate visit.
• Big fungi and a big snail - see photo.
• The strikingly named Roaring House Farm with a historic granary estimated to date back to 1790 and also, of more interest to Simon, an electricity generator where he posed for a photo.
• Bocketts Farm with an excellent tearoom set in a lovely 18th century barn where we stopped for afternoon tea. Simon and Alan shared a very indulgent Rocky Road while Anthony gave the walk full marks for ‘quality stops’.

The final leg of the route followed the river Mole towards Leatherhead. We paused to admire the pretty flint Shell bridge, an ornamental feature designed by Capability Brown. 
In Leatherhead we discovered a heritage trail with some surprising plaques including one about the Bluesette club where many famous musicians played in the 1960s.
As we thanked Simon for a great day out we all agreed that it would be worth repeating next year when hopefully more people can attend. 

And finally - a colourful cockrel from Brocketts Farm barn.

Report by:  Catherine Kelly  Photos  Simon T and  Catherine K