Weavers Down walk on 23rd November 2022

The rain had been heavy overnight but thankfully stopped by 10.00am and we had bright sunshine for our walk over the Weavers Down area. Starting out from The Deers Hut in Griggs Green we headed across the common to the north of Forest Mere, before turning south to skirt the renowned health spa. A couple of days may be a bargain at £630, and it may or may not include the " tension-relieving hot stone back massage and deeply relaxing scalp & foot massage." We resisted the temptation to spoil the walk and instead found a pleasant spot under the trees to have a short picnic, which, if not quite so relaxing, was definitely cheaper. After a walk alongside the Liphook Golf Course, we turned into Foley Manor and a wander down the drive to find a magnificent statue of Lord Strathnairn. It was in storage for 33 years after being found to be in the way of a new subway for Knightsbridge underground station. Eventually Westminster Council gave it/sold it to Foley Manor on condition it would be accessible to the public. Lord Strathnairn died aged 84 in Paris, was buried in Christchurch, Hants and never married. A heroic leader and strategist, he walked from Mount Lebanon to Beirut so that some of the elderly American missionaries he had rescued could be carried on his horse. When in command of the Central Indian Forces of 1,540 men, he routed 20,000 men of Tatya Tope's army. Guns captured by him during this period were later melted down to be used for his statue. After this we continued through the Foley Estate until we reached the path below Holly Hills, this path eventually leading us back to our start point. The Deers Hut was serving some excellent food, especially the bacon and brie baguette! The walk was about 4 miles.