Ashdown Sailing Club
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About us Events Ashdown Log Members boats Find out more Links Back Home	Ashdown Autumn walk By Val Bennett Sunday 16th October was a lovely sunny day when we assembled at Denbies vineyard. The vineyard is on the south-facing slope of the valley between Ranmore Common to the west and Boxhill to the east, a picturesque part of the North Downs, just to the north of Dorking. Just after 10.30, Nigel started us off alongside the vineyard, up the slope and along the Trackway towards Ashcombe Wood with Milo, and his mum (John A's sister), in the lead. At the top of the slope we turned towards West Humble and followed the footpath to Blagden Farm, crossing a field full of sheep, that seemed to largely ignore our presence, although I think they were keeping a watchful eye on Milo. There was then a long climb to Tanners Hatch, well, it seemed a long climb to me. Nigel had a job to do, so we were able to have a short break at Tanners Hatch and I wished I had remembered to bring some water. Never mind, there will be an ice cream van along in a minute. Off again, skirting the Polesden Lacy Estate, past Yewtree Farm and onto the common, where there is a lovely church, which looked particularly stunning in the sun, with the tower set against a blue sky. It must have been getting hot, jumpers were tied around waists and there were shiny foreheads. We strolled along a tarmac road and then back into the woods, where the autumn colours were particularly striking, for a downhill stretch towards the big house, known as Denbies, from which the vineyard took its name. As we rounded the side of the hill, the vines in their straight rows were spread out below looking surprisingly green for the time of year. Finally down the slope, back to the start point, where we decided it was time for a bit of lunch and a well-earned drink, so off we went to the Stepping Stones pub at West Humble. Lovely. Our thanks to Nigel Barraclough and John Moore for organising the walk, which we all found most enjoyable. A couple of hours of walking, chatting, eating and drinking - what could be better!!