Day 7 - Nutfield to Dorking West

The route (all links open in a new window)
Start point: Nutfield South
w3w: ///words.wacky.badly
Accompanying video

Distance: 13 miles


I knew the day was going to start by going through a town and a lot of town at that. I'd psyched myself up to be pounding the tarmac and concrete but I must admit I wasn't feeling the love! Within a mile I'd hit a busy stretch of road which was full of twists and turns. Seemingly boy racers tried their skills out on this road as a few times I had to frantically wave to show I existed in the road. I wasn't a figment of their imagination.

Mercifully I had rerouted away from the road on purpose so I was now following the well signposted Greensand Way as it snaked its way through the various housing estates that made up Reigate. What with a busy railway line, the Gatwick flight path, and a plethora of busy roads to contend with, I can safely say my mood was not improving. I even thought of abandoning the day but honestly where would that have got me?

I decided to make the most of things and just tried to be grateful. The trail really tried it's best to free itself from the grasp of suburbia but alas suburbia kept clawing it back in. Keeping this metaphor in mind I willed the trail to find some rural outpost to call it's own.

Before I knew it, I was climbing atop Reigate Hill where a memorial had been erected over 100 years prior to signify the local lands had been given to the people as long as the lands were there to be enjoyed (or something along those lines). They understood even back then the importance of people getting amongst nature. I didn't know it but I was on the cusp of rurality!

I descended Reigate Hill still pondering my mood. Why was I feeling grumpy?? Suddenly I heard "grlllggllggggwww!!!" My stomach spoke up and a light-bulb illuminated above my head. Food! I was hungry! Okay, I needed food...

At the base of Reigate Hill, at least where I had descended, I knew there was going to be a castle. Skimmington Castle to be precise but oh boy oh boy! I was in for a treat. Skimmington Castle wasn't an old ruin... It was a pub! With a fantastic garden, friendly staff, and they were serving food. Sign me up!

The meal that saved Day 7!

Refuelled, I jumped at the chance to capitalise on my newfound vigour. Off I set, up hills, down dales, cutting through the last of Reigate then, as if a soothing ointment had been poured on the lands, calm enveloped me. My mood had lifted and little wonder. A full belly and now I was in rural heaven. I took some snaps but this one shows what the day had shaped up to be like. 

The juxtaposition of old rusting metal against the lively greens caught my eye

Now I could concentrate on enjoying myself and enjoy myself I did. I decided to film less and just be in the moment which was something I needed. Even in the beautiful surroundings we can all find things to worry about and I had some mental niggles to iron out. I spent this time allowing my worries to wash over me. I'd like to say the day was a resounding success but I don't think I'll be looking back on this day with delight. There was something about it that just didn't site quite right with me. I think I'd do the 2nd half again but the first part was an assault on the senses and not in a good way.

Next up is Day 8 and a hot hike to Chilworth!

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