Silent Shere then skip not trip by the Tilling Bourne

Notes:

1/ Although the walk is from/to Gomshall Station, trains are very limited, so consider posting for or offering a lift in the Comments section. Details of limited trains below.

2/ Lunch is booked for up to 7 people at the William Bray at 2pm to about 330pm. This will be for the first 7 who sign up but (a) please confirm you will join or (b) not. https://www.thebray.net . 7 is the maximum this pub can accommodate without the need for £5 deposit/pre-order. They have also reserved space for drinks (covered tent outside) during the same time for anyone who doesn’t want lunch. There are also cafes and another pub close by or you can eat a packed lunch and come just for drinks. 

The route

This is a circular walk starting and finishing at Gomshall station with a late pub lunch booked at Shere near the end. We’ll climb to the North Downs Way, then a slippery chalky path down to Silent Pool, visiting Albury Park’s Saxon church, before following the Tilling Bourne to Shere for lunch, and finally back (30 minutes) to Gomshall.

The sights

North Downs Way and Silent Pool

To ascend to the 153 mile North Downs Way, we will pass Piney Copse, which was once owned by EM Forster. He bought the land using the proceeds of the sales of A Passage to India and bequeathed it to the National Trust. Maybe some lads can re-enact Maurice and Scudder as a tribute.  

Silent Pool’s turquoise waters come from the chalk springs and inspired Silent Pool gin. The ghost of a woodcutter’s daughter haunts the waters. She drowned here after being surprised by a nobleman,  who may have been King John. Agatha Christie abandoned her car and disappeared for 11 days from here, but the mystery was solved when she was discovered in Harrogate possibly having suffered a breakdown after her husband had a dalliance with a lady from Shere (men, huh?).

Albury Park and church 

We’ll pass Albury Catholic church on the way to the Saxon church in Albury’s parkland owned by the Percy family/Duke of Northumberland, by the Tilling Bourne. Subject to opening, we’ll see the wall paintings and glimpse the Drummond Chapel designed by Augustus Pugin. 

Shere and Gomshall 

Shere is a much discovered Surrey Hills gem - the dabbling ducks paddle in the Tilling Bourne which flows pass the church, where religious recluse Christine Carpenter was bricked into a cell. She left her cell in 1332, but as penance re-entered the cell until her death.

On a lighter note, Hollywood came calling at the White Horse pub where the adorable English hunk Graham played by Jude Law found love (not just for Christmas) with lovelorn American Cameron Diaz’s Amanda in “The Holiday”.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk9caHO3pW0

We’ll pass Gomshall’s mill on the way back.

The route (please click the link to see the route at the Ordnance Survey website): https://explore.osmaps.com/route/23641535/35-hours-gomshall-shere

New Members

New members are very welcome. Please message me if you have any questions or concerns before the day. Whilst we are a very open and welcoming group, if you wish, we may be able to organise an existing member to buddy up with you before or on the day. Do also feel free to arrive early as I’m always around much earlier than the start time. 

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on the walk, and there will also be a few stiles and roads to negotiate. A dog must be obedient if it is off the lead. Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.

IMPORTANT! – Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.

Image / photo credits: All images taken by the event leader Alex Young with permission for ODL use.