November 25th 2024

 GFC Walk Report November 25th 2024.

A group of 12 completed a 5.2 mile/ 3 1⁄4 hour circular walk from the Alt start at Peaslake

towards Brook and back. Thankfully the wind and rain of Storm Bert had passed, and the

group enjoyed a classic winters day walk with warming sunshine and good visibility to enjoy

the autumn views.

The members met at the Pond Lane Car park, just 100 yards from The Hurtwood Inn Hotel

and the start of the walk. An initial climb took the group up to the ridge, with long views over

the woods and fields. Thankfully the route was mainly lower greensand, so the heavy rain

from Storm Bert hadn’t caused much in the way of muddy sections. A wide path took us past

Hound House and Dilton Farm. The group stopped briefly to enjoy drinks and be nuzzled by

some horses, one who was very keen on Anne’s apple core.

We continued via Brook Lane to the Railway Bridge, where some members stopped to

admire and photograph the brickwork. Down Ponds Lane. Then through a field of

disinterested sheep and heifers - so the running skills of the group were not tested. Onward

via narrower paths alongside arable fields, past a very fine Duck Pond, and finally back

down to Peaslake.

After the walk, a smaller group of 6 took a very relaxed lunch at the Hurtwood Inn.