Day 13 Hamsey Green to Banstead - the words

Whatever they say about public transport in south London, it's true. I've had more trouble or made more poor decisions on this bit of the walk than anywhere else. Anyway, this is about *yesterday* ie Friday's walk, the penultimate day's womblings.

This was a hilly day and to prove it there was the only trig point to be found on the whole LOOP route.

It looks lonely

There are plenty of rail lines around here even if they don't seem to provide a useful service at the station you want to use. I had a romantic thought that this view would have been lovely with an old steam engine puffing around the corner, but then this was on the day that the Flying Scotsman was scuppered on a journey elsewhere.

Use your imagination

As mentioned, there was a lot of going uphill, this can leave me feeling grumpy. I skipped on the  opportunity to make a diversion to see Kenley Airfeld, a Battle of Britain airfield. I did check with a lady who'd made the excursion and she didn't sell it well. However, towards the end of the airfield was a delight! A teeny weeny observatory belonging to the Croydon Astronomical Society! It's an active club, as witnessed by the member cutting the hedge outside.

Small observatory & very small observatory

Ground control

From Kenley to Coulsdon, via the Fox pub. I discovered the Royal Air Force Linguists' Association (never heard of them before!) as there's a plaque on the wall of the pub.

Did they enjoy a beer?

Lots of scenery, hilly scenery ensued as the route took me to Happy Valley and then Farthing Downs. I find it interesting that there is evidence of ancient settlements in some areas, for example a 7th century Saxon cemetery on the Downs. Only kings and great leaders used to get barrow burials like this but we don't know anymore who lies here. There was one of those topograph things which points off in all directions where things are and there were yet more views of London in the distance.

Topograph

Nearby, at the high point of Farthing Downs was something called The Folly, where a local landowner planted seven beech trees in 1783 to mark the summit. Only one of the original trees remained but others have been planted at various times to take their place.

The Folly

Away from Farthing Downs, shaking off the memories of cross country in the mud, it was through Coulsdon and on to Woodcote. Up here was a very good view of London in the distance.

London again

Further along, there was a very brief encounter with Mayfield Lavender Fields. It's a bit early in the growing season so there was next to no smell. I bet it's amazing in a month or two. The Oaks Farm is nearby, owned by the Derby family from the 1700s. They liked their horse racing and were responsible for naming The Oaks race, and allegedly taking a part in naming the Derby. There was more golf ball avoiding to finish the day and then the job of getting home from a station with an hourly train service.