Islington U3A Longer Walks Group

Walk Title Hurst Green, via Walk No. 311

Area Limpsfield Common (NT) on the Type Circular Kent/Surrey border.

Date Wednesday 26 May 2021

Distance About 9 miles (14.5 km)

Timing 4 hours walking time + travel + lunch stop. Allow 7 hours in total. Therefore expect to be back in Islington by 5pm.

Meeting up Meet by 9.40 near the barrier for Platform 18 at Victoria Station for & travel the 9.50 train to Hurst Green (destination ) arriving at 10:34. Buy an off-peak day return from Zone 6 (boundary Upper ) to Hurst Green. With a Freedom Pass and Senior Rail Card it will be £3.35.

There are trains about every 30 mins for the return journey with an option of changing at East Croydon for London Bridge or Finsbury Park.

Route This is an attractive circular route following a mixture of woodland common paths, quiet lanes and field paths including part of the to Limpsfield Common before an early lunch. We then continue on forest paths through Limpsfield Chart to the Kent border before turning South and following the Border Path. We continue downhill through more woodland and then into open countryside, along field edges and passing picturesque Moat Farm and Tenchleys Manor before ascending to Pains Hill and good views. We then rejoin the Greensand Way for the home stretch.

Lunch Tables are booked at the Carpenters Arms for 12.15. Please indicate on the signing up form if you are eating at the pub. http://carpenterslimpsfield.co.uk/.

Or for a bring your own picnic, there is a Green opposite the pub.

Dropping out There is (purportedly) a bus which leaves opposite the Carpenters Arms at 13:10 and arrives at Railway Station at 13:23. Or get a cab from the pub.

Suitability See our generic Covid risk assessment on the LW webpage. Suitable for any reasonably fit regular walker. There are no particular difficulties although it might be muddy. Terrain: Pavement, undulating woodland path and field edges. Possible obstacles: One short, steep ascent with steps near the start and a couple of short, steep woodland descents. There is a long, slow climb towards the end but with stops to admire the view. And only one stile. Comfortable waterproof walking shoes/ boots. Waterproof jacket. Check weather forecast for temperature and likelihood of rain. Wear, or carry, an extra layer.

Facilities Toilets on the train, at Hurst Green Station and at the pub.

Walk source Pathfinder Guides - “The Home Counties from London by Train - outstanding circular walks”. Map & OS Explorer 147 (Sevenoaks & Tonbridge) other Links: references Leader & Walk Leader: Linda Pledger contact Mobile: 07879 335445 details Email: [email protected]

Interesting Limpsfield common. When the Lord of the Manor first tried to facts establish brick work there in 1830, he caused an uproar among the commoners who had held rights since the 14th century.

We will pass near a woodland house, The Cearne, where DH Lawrence visited. The house became a meeting place for writers, artists and Russian refugees.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/limpsfield-common