Walking in the Wine Country

A damp Sunday morning found us at Denbies Wine Estate, which nestles in the Surrey Hills, just north of Dorking.  Not only is it Britain's largest vineyard, but it has good shops and restaurants, as well as being criss-crossed by many public footpaths.

http://www.denbies.co.uk/Groups/126187/Denbies_Wine_Estate.aspx

Striding through the vines

After warming up as the drizzle changed to light rain, about a dozen keen Nordic (and a couple of 'normal') Walkers set off  through the 600 acres of vines, until we reached the North Downs Way.   This National Trail has been a long-distance path for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.  This excellent site give details of local walks on it,  as well as its history and ecology -
http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Northdowns/

 The North Downs Way links Farnham in Surrey with Canterbury in Kent.  Pilgrims would use it to visit shrines at Canterbury and Winchester Cathedrals.  The rolling North Downs are made of chalk, and have very good drainage, which was just as well as the rain continued.

The poles come into their own on the slopes

Enjoying the views across the Mole Valley

On the gentle climb up onto Ranmore Common, we enjoy wonderful views across the Mole valley to Box Hill, Dorking and Leith Hill.

We often see the River Mole on our regular walks, as it joins the River Thames opposite Hampton Court Palace, but this stretch of it is very scenic.

On Ranmore Common we passed the church of St Barnabas, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, who built many of Britain's most famous and striking buildings.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gilbert_Scott

From Ranmore Common, we headed downhill through dense beech and oak woods, and after about 30 minutes, rejoined the North Downs Way. Retracing our steps through the rows of grape-laden vines,  we soon arrived back at the car park, for a warm-down and some warming coffee or soup from the cafe.

Despite the weather, everyone seemed to enjoy the walk through beautiful countryside.  Exercise, good company, lovely scenery - what more do you want?  Did I hear "sun"?

The walkers kindly donated £50 to "Go Pink - breakthrough breast cancer".  If you wish to donate or find out more about this worthwhile cause, go here -

http://breakthrough.org.uk/gopink/

 

Watch this space for future walks in the countryside.  For details of regular Nordic Walks in Bushy Park, please call or email me,

Peter

07703-404-931