Oxted to Hurst Green

28 March 2020 Oxted to Hurst Green

Today we were supposed to be walking from Oxted to Hurst Green via Staffhurst woods. The main point of this walk was to see the glorious display of bluebells in Staffhurst Woods, an area of woodland largely untouched since medieval times – see this link: Staffhurst Wood | Surrey Wildlife Trust

Daphne and I did the recce on St Patrick’s Day – it was still pretty muddy in some parts and we got hopelessly lost in the woods! The bluebells were far from out but with the beautiful weather this week, if the interlopers in my garden are indicative, they may well be starting to bloom by now. 

The morning walk from Oxted starts through suburban snickets, some common land, parts of The Greensand way and a magnificent view over the Low Wield and the Eden valley:

Due to the escapade in the woods we arrived at the lunch stop – The Royal Oak near Caterfield  – after the kitchen had closed.  Being part of the Grumpy Mole chain the wraps were of a very high standard and to our relief the inn was  still open although there were only 3 other people n the pub. 

The afternoon  walk follows streams, fields – several separated by stiles which require a very high stride – crosses footbridges and a mill pond until reaching Hurst Green, where the station has a delightful reading room – when open.  

Thinking positively for the future, Tony, please put me down to lead this walk on the first weekend of April 2021. 

Sue H