Grayshott Walk on 10th July 2024

Drizzle on windscreens on the way to Grayshott was not a good sign. However the rain stopped and whilst we had clouds, we also had sunshine. The walk started from the Fox and Pelican and took a journey through the backstreets and paths of Grayshott. One excursion was unfortunate as it only went as far as a nursery school, at which point we were told the old access past the school had been closed! Luckily it wasn't too large an error and we were soon on our way. We crossed the road to Headley Down opposite the Grayshott Hall Health Spa (once home to Lord Tennyson) but now sadly closed, a victim of the Covid epidemic. We walked through Ludshott Common, now an important area for several endangered species. Used by the Canadians during WWII for tank training and despite all the glorious heather being turned to mud, it has recovered well. We eventually reached Summerden, the residence of the National Trust warden and just below it, the wishing well with the poem on a plaque composed by Lord Tennyson. We then walked the length of the three Wagonners Wells ponds and spotted a few large carp and many ducks enjoying this tranquil area. From Croaker's Patch, a path took us to Stoney Bottom from where we turned up Hill Road and so back to the Fox and Pelican for a good lunch. The walk was about 4.8 miles,

Fox and Pelican car park

Grayshott Millenium Memorial - nice bit of stainless

There's no place like gnome

Ludshott Common, with the Hogs Back in the far distance

Ludshott, home to the dartford warbler, the silver studded blue butterfly and perhaps some magic mushrooms!

The wishing well at Summerden - incredibly clear water!

Flower in the crannied wall, I pluck you out of the crannies, I hold you here, root and all, in my hand, Little flower - but if I could understand What you are, root and all, and all in all, I should know what God and man is. Tennyson 1863