Ripley walk 16th October 2023

 

16th October 2023         Ripley Walk           Linda and Alan Day.  15 Walkers.

Seven walkers met at Secrett’s to drive to Ripley Green car park, where eight more of the group joined us. We set off at 10am heading down to the Wey Navigation. The weather was cold but bright and gradually warmed during the day and was perfect for walking. We followed the river to Newark Lock with lovely views of the ruins of Newark Priory across the water.

 The route then took us along the road before a sharp rise to Pyrford Village where we stopped on the benches at the historic St Nicholas’ church for coffee. We then crossed fields before entering Pyford Golf Club where the footpath signs were sorely lacking but made our way across without disturbing the golfers, to the Anchor PH at Pyrford Lock. Here there was a civilised comfort break for those needing it before we followed the tow path back in the Ripley direction before diverting through woodland back to Ripley Green car park.

Fourteen walkers stayed for lunch at The Jovial Sailor PH in Ripley where after a short delay we were all accommodated on one long table. Heather used the wait for the food to carry out a necessary survey for the Christmas lunch. Everyone appeared to enjoy the walk and the food at the pub.