A chilly morning with a peaceful start as the Park Runners were not about due to the boggy conditions. Today’s crew out for fun in the sun were Bill Kent, Tracy Caudle, Lucinda Gould, Adam Domaingue, Trevor Kite, myself and Bill Martin leading. As mentioned a cold morning with bright sunshine that dazzled us from time to time due to the low angle this time of year.
Bill’s route took us out through Nork climbing gently towards the outskirts of Tadworth before entering the southern flanks of Epsom Downs. A little bit of up and down stuff in the Langley Vale area, across to Thirty Acre Barn before ascending towards the southern side of Leatherhead. The River Mole was behaving itself after recent heavy rain and our route was unencumbered to Bockett’s apart from the short steep little climb, and the usual issues trying to cross the Leatherhead bypass, which has no installed pedestrian crossing points over its entire length.
At Bockett’s the usual hot snacks were ordered and consumed and a colouring in competition broke out with hands and crayons a blur. A staff member judged that Lucinda’s skills with crayons were the best, but despite her winning there were no tantrums from the rest of the group, and nobody was sent to the naughty corner this time!
Our return route was via Leatherhead Station Road, through the back streets and the usual over and under Junction nine of the M25. The final push was through Ashtead Common west side before arriving at Horton Country Park, my finishing point.
23 miles, 1250ft of climbing and colouring in fun.