We had a fabulous 9 and a half mile walk. Looking at the sky in the morning, I wasn’t convinced we would stay dry. And as I got out of the car to greet my fellow walkers, I was nearly blown off my feet by the wind! But I’m convinced my little rain dance, which in reality was me jumping up and down to stay warm, warded off the heavens from opening up and pouring down on us!

We started off at Puttenham Common with its dramatic landscape, and then our route sweeped round into Puttenham village. It was very picturesque and we saw some youths taking their Duke of Edinburgh award so we wished them luck as we passed them by!

The route then took us past the now defunct Puttenham priory with not a monk in sight! And into the beautiful Britty wood. With its divine pine trees, we all took some deep breaths to inhale the aroma and the fresh smell of nature.

Further into the walk, we had to take a slight diversion as the recent rainfall had caused a path to become waterlogged and as no-one had bought their flippers or snorkels, we thought it safer to divert around the flooded ground.

Towards the end, we were lucky enough to see Cutmill Pond which was created as a hammer pond in the 16th century to serve the iron industry. And then Rodsall Manor, a listed mansion dating from 1680! A Surrey walk is not only exercise, fresh air and good company, we educate you too! And we don’t charge extra for that!

We finally made our way back to the cars, luckily no-one had drowned and as is usual with a Surrey walk, we had tea, coffee and cake on offer! Thank you to the bakers who bought along their offerings.