Oxshott to Claygate, 11 May

Trains Currently the advertised train (9.33. Towards Guildford, arriving Oxshott 10.08) is still listed but due to industrial action may change so please check for further info on Friday. (Buy return to Oxshott.)

Chris and I will join the train at Claygate.

The walk The walk is about 8 miles around the Elmbridge Commons and along the River Mole, slightly longer in the afternoon.

It is mainly undulating with a few short steeper ascents and descents, some with steps.

There will be mud and a couple of marshy places but on the recce on Saturday these were passable.

There are no styles but it is a popular dog walking area and many are off lead.

Hazards: We have three road crossings. The first two have fast moving traffic but are not usually very busy, however, this Saturday there is likely to be increased heavy vehicle use as they are on the diverted route from the M25 closure in this area. The third crossing is of a relatively narrow road but it is always fast and busy so extreme care and patience is necessary.

Drop out point It’s possible to drop out at lunch time by using either the 458 or 515 buses to Esher or Kingston station. There is a short walk to the bus stop from West End (about 15 mins). These buses are both one an hour.

Lunch Lunch is at West End. I have booked a table at the Prince of Wales, West End, Esher but need to confirm numbers. You can view the menu on the pub’s website. Please let linda know by text if you would like to eat in the pub by Thursday evening. (Non-members email walks@morleyramblers.uk)

Picnic lunches can be eaten on the large village green where there are benches.

There is also a cafe in the large Garson’s Farm Garden Centre which we pass just before the pub.

Post walk refreshments There is a cafe in the recreation ground in Claygate about 20mins before the station and the UK’s smallest pub at the station serving their local brew (Platform 3).

Linda and Chris