So what is a typical Walkfest walk?

Well, at the halfway stage of this years Walkfest, I’m still no nearer to being able to define a typical walk.  Within the last week, I have participated in three incredibly different – and enjoyable – sessions.

Last Wednesday, I joined a walk entitled Bird Tweets.  We travelled out to Unstead Wetlands Nature Reserve with a couple of their members and had fun trying to identify the various birds.  The walk itself was less than 2 miles but we spent lots of time either in a hide or by viewing points to check out the waterfowl – and of course all our regular species ranging from robins to gulls.

This was one of those days where a glance out of the window on wakening might have made you check the weather forecast.  Mine was showing heavy showers – but would we get them or miss them?  In the event, it rained hard as I was driving to the venue and continued to do so whilst I put my waterproof trousers on!  It then stopped almost immediately so that it was fine by the time that we started walking – and stayed that way throughout.  The moral is, of course, don’t be put off by a bit of rain – just have suitable clothing!

The next walk was one that I was leading – a 22km walk from Guildford Station to Denbies in Dorking.  This is a lovely route and takes in wonderful views ranging from St Martha’s and Newlands Corner to those long-distance vistas across to the Greensand Hills and, indeed, away to the South Downs.  I had a super group with me, with several of them being new to the area or to Walkfest. 

Oh, what a contrast to our Walkfest route along this section last year.  On that occasion we got stuck in a horrendous storm with thunder, lightning, hail and heavy rain.  This year it was normal clothes nearly all the way.  On three occasions it clouded up to the point where we stopped to put on waterproof jackets and, on each occasion, it turned out to be a false alarm.  We did the route in very good time so that we even had the chance to sit outside Denbies and enjoy a well-earned cuppa whilst we waited for our lifts home.

My third walk was on Saturday.  This was a jointly hosted walk – National Trust Wey Navigation plus David Rose (a well known local historian) who has a wealth of local knowledge.  This walk was about 4 miles and took in the Wey from Dapdune Wharf to Stoke Lock before heading into the adjacent nature reserve and onwards to Stoke Park.  With David leading, it takes about 2.5 hours to cover the 4 miles because he knows so much about the area and can enthrall his audience.  A great way to spend the morning and nicely rounded off by a cup of hot chocolate in the café at Dapdune Wharf.

So what is a typical walk?  Well take a look at the programme, choose your topic and distance then come along and find out for yourself.  As for me, my next one is very different, yet again.  I’ll be walking around the Rosamund Community Garden on Tuesday.  Another shortish walk but full of fascinating sights and information.  Why not join me?