6th January 2025 Blackheath Common

 

GPC Walk Report Monday 6th January 2025

 

Our first outing of 2025 was easy going circular walk of Blackheath Common, starting and ending at the Blackheath Common car park located at the end of Blackheath Lane. (GU4 8RB and WhatThreeWords: ///exonerate.pupils.twitches).

Although there is no historical evidence of any permanent habitation, the Heath is very much a product of human activity. Because of the very thin soil, clearance of the original forest for agriculture led to a heathland of heather and gorse. Livestock grazing on the Heath, due to its status as Common land, kept the number of trees down until WW2. Then the Canadian army was stationed on the Heath and grazing stopped, never to restart. Pine and Birch then rapidly extended over significant areas, now being cleared in certain locations.

It proved a better walking day than the forecasts had suggested. Although chilly, the rain held off, and the Greensand of the Heath meant the previous day’s heavy rain didn’t cause any issues underfoot.

Our route first took in the WW1 War Memorial, then skirted the edge of the Heath down to the excellent views back over to The Chantries and St Martha’s Mount. We turned back through fields, taking an ever-popular stop to feed some horses at the Horse Farm on the route. We then took a gentle incline back up through the pines and down a broad avenue to our coffee stop, at the Betty Edwards bench. Returning through the birch woodland and across the heather and gorse. In total, a 2 and a half hour walk of about 4.5-miles.

A smaller group then enjoyed a good lunch at the nearby Percy Arms. 75 Dorking Road, Chilworth, GU4 8NP.

Leaders: JE & SE. Walkers: AS/AP/HR/JR/FM/RM/SW/FB/PG/MD/IP/MC.