We were trying to keep the miles going so when we visited our daughter and family in Surrey, here was another opportunity, not only to add some mileage, but also to have our family with us again! Julia and Richard completed the whole of the Greensand Way at 108 miles from Surrey into Kent a couple of years ago now which they really enjoyed so were happy to do a part of it, close to their then home, with us too! Off we set from one of the Hurtwood car parks having left the other car at the finish point near Leith Hill. Our youngest grandson, Alfred, seemed happy to be taking part too! The Hurtwood is a beautiful, mostly wooded area covering about 2,000 acres which was given the the local people almost 100 years ago and which is now a charitably funded open access area.
There are spectacular views along its way both of the Weald and to the north, the North Downs
which we were looking at here. The woodland just suddenly opens up to give massive panoramic views.
At this viewpoint, an amazing shelter has been erected with seating inside. Not easy to see here but the whole outer wall is made up of little wooden plaques each with a personal message on. Some with philosophical thoughts, others with messages to family members who have loved this place. Quite moving, especially in such a beautiful position.
The woods are also home to many cyclist routes which must be quite demanding. Hard enough for walking in parts and not always easy with a pushchair on some of the narrower paths and the steep ones! The trees are just so magnificent and of all varieties.......native deciduous.
....and evergreen alike...
After many ups and downs along the way, the path alongside and beyond Ewhurst windmill was a particularly difficult pass for a pushchair. We were lucky though that it was dry at least, otherwise it would have been stream walking. Somehow, Alfred managed to sleep through the steep bit.
Then it was up Pitch Hill! Again quite a difficult push and the cyclists didn't find it easy either!
And along the way we did find the reminders of where we were walking...
It was a pleasant walk for a while as we approached the very magnificent looking Duke of Kent's School. A group of pupils looked about to set off on a much longer walk than ours complete with huge rucksacks.
Going on a path between fences soon after, we came across this huge bull, one of my nemeses on our walks! Thank goodness the fence was there!
At the top of the path, it was quite a steep pull, we found a little dell eminently suited for picnic purpose which was very well received!
And so we came then to Holmbury Hill. A really impressive viewing point, this hill was a very early hillfort and the outer earthworks are still clear to see.
The viewing platform shows the whole panorama to be seen from here. And Alfred was the king of the castle!
We were coming towards the end of the walk now and the last couple of miles were through lovely woods.
The bridleway showed the continuation of the GW to the left, but our car park close to Leith Hill to the right....
So it was time to say goodbye to the Greensand Way and wonder if we will ever pass through these lovely woodlands again....
Thank you, Julia, Richard and Alfred for accompanying us and achieving another 7 miles towards those 500!!!
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