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Regional Ramble in the Surrey Hills Peaslake to Pitch Hill 18th September 2019
On this sunny Indian summer day six members with able companions set off on this 5 mile figure of eight ramble. From the forestry car park west of Peaslake the group proceeded along the valley bottom of the Hurtwood, a large area of woodland and common land forming part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Then the climb began up the aptly named Zig Zags in our endeavour to reach Pitch Hill. After this short but steep climb a stop for a well deserved coffee break by all was in order.
Onwards and gently upwards around the Hurtwood we arrived at Pitch Hill for lunch. Above the village of Ewhurst Pitch Hill (831ft above sea level) stands out from the Greensand escarpment with commanding views over the Weald to the South Downs and on a clear day the sea is just visible on the south coast.
After lunch a descent on another track through the Hurtwood, then a short sharp climb again to reach the final route back to the village of Peaslake. “Polly” blew a fuse halfway up this ascent but a quick response by the recovery team “Peter” and the fuse replaced, she was off again to join up with the others.
A gradual descent passing by the secluded and peaceful cemetery on Ridge Hill above the village we then entered the village by St Mark’s Church. Built in the late 1800s and consecrated on St. Mark’s day in 1889.
A very short circuit around the village centre much to the bemusement of the onlookers sitting outside the Hurtwood Inn, our convoy proceeded the short distance along the lane back to the start with Brian’s beacon flashing taking up at the rear.
Thanks for having a great group of ramblers coming along to my inaugural ramble and also to Bob for photos kindly supplied as a record of the day. Ian
