snowgood posted: " At 5:00pm on Easter Sunday 17th April George and I set out to complete the last leg of the Tandridge Border Path. We dropped my car off on the outskirts of East Grinstead, and Joe took us back to the starting point in his wonderful Volvo S60 D5. "
At 5:00pm on Easter Sunday 17th April George and I set out to complete the last leg of the Tandridge Border Path.
We dropped my car off on the outskirts of East Grinstead, and Joe took us back to the starting point in his wonderful Volvo S60 D5.
It was the perfect evening for a walk, and the first mile or so was down a very gentle slope, which eventually popped out onto a private grass airstrip.
All along the path we were heard vibrant birdsong, include Blackcaps, Great Tits, Wrens, and the drumming of Great spotted Woodpeckers.
I was less impressed by the electric fences blocking one footbridge, which had not got the usual shield hook to let walkers pass through without mishap.
A little further on we came across Starborough Castle, and a rotten signpost. The former was still standing in the guise of a substantial Garden House, the latter had fallen over and put back facing the wrong way.
I spotted the mistake, and we kept to on the correct course, but before we go it is well worth reading about this site HERE.
After walking up the lengthy driveway we turned left, walked about 200 yards and turned right up towards Hoopers Farm. On the way the evening sun added colour to a Red Kite on the bare earth, and showed even more detail as it flew up and away to the east.
A kilometre up the track we came across a few delightful buildings and sign offering walkers Free Range eggs. I couldn't help wondering how much passing traffic they get to make the display worth their while.
Further on we spotted another Blackcap flitting around on top of a hedge (in a Whitethroat style), then turned sharp left and up through Reynolds Woods which featured elaborate Bug Hotels.
George was setting a good pace, and I was glad the latter part of the day wasn't too hot. Pretty soon we reached the summit a good 120 metres higher than where we had been 45 minutes earlier.
Around the corner we got this great view into the barn at Beeches Farm, and a little further on we spotted a Badger feeding in broad daylight just beyond the hedge.
After waiting to see if we would run (he didn't) we kept going until the Ashdown Forest came into view, and at precisely the same time we caught sight of 8 Roe Deer who charged off moments later.
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