Haslemere Circular:
The leaders of this walk were determines to test the groups sense of humour and I am pleased to report that it was found to be intact and working well.
There was a dialogue with the front leader and the back stop that had a common theme 'Is this the way we go? Could be? Do you know where we are? Do you know where we are going? Possibly.' It was the twinkle in their eyes that gave the game away
And it was a lovely walk of ups and downs and views and sunshine and a very efficient pub lunch
Driving and car-sharing strongly recommended : Train journey possible but will require early start: Waterloo 08.00 / Clapham 08.09 , arriving Haslemere 09.28 owing to bus-replacement service between Guildford and Haslemere .
Return 1548 or 1622 from Haslemere Station, also bus replacement, 1 ½ hour journey anticipated.
By car : A3 to Milford turn-off past Guildford, A286 signed to Haslemere. Then negotiate round-abouts onto the A 283 to Haslemere . At top of High Street turn right/ west on Liphook/lower road to Haslemere Station, B2131 - 1 mile. White Horse on your left. Station car-park £1 all day on Sundays - takes credit card, not coins. Journey time c . 80 minutes from Hammersmith.
Route : on Surrey/Sussex border over mixed woods and heathland with fine views of Surrey hills from Black Down , the highest point in South Downs National Park. Easier morning stretch to Fernhurst for lunch via Marley Common ; steady but testing climb to Blackdown in early afternoon , followed by gradual descent to Haslemere valley and station. Only one stile.
Red Lion , The Green , Fernhurst . Lunch served from 1200 .
Food to be pre-ordered : menu to follow
Boots may be worn inside and own food eaten with pub drink just outside on pub benches or on Fernhurst Green. Dogs outside.
Haslemere was a major centre for the Wealden iron industry up to Stuart times. The advent of the London - Portsmouth railway via Haslemere in mid-19th century transformed a small market town into a genteel residential , educational and retirement centre , particularly popular with literary ( Tennyson ; George Eliot ) and musical figures ( the Dolmetsch clarinet family) . In 20th century substantial Tudor-bethan houses with fine views built for senior London commuters with lenient working-hours. Paths may be muddy in part: sturdy boots and sticks recommended.