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The 2006 Poddle
Photos and text by Janet Phillips
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WACT's annual sponsored walk took place, as usual, on the second Sunday in June. This year, Cartwright Consulting Ltd of Mill Pool House, Godalming, kindly loaned us their facilities and most importantly a large car park - we are really grateful.
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The mill on the River Ock is one of the oldest parts of this pretty town founded in Saxon times and still retaining houses from the 14 century onwards.
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The start was by the Old Mill
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The day was hot - almost too hot for walking 14 miles - but by good design much of the route used shaded paths.
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This part of Surrey is hilly and not easy to navigate. The route had been well signed
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We enjoyed the sight of two foxes having a noisy dispute. There were also many wild flowers and rhododendrons in bloom.
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At Tuesley Farm we had an opportunity to see the poly tunnels and immigrant workers caravan village that have recently been the subject of controversy. The planning officer,s decision that both these must obtain planning permission has been upheld after appeal.
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This was an unshaded section so we were glad to see our first refreshment point and have a quick slobber with the Dalmatians.
 
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The route crossed a golf course and then rose up to Hydon's Ball. This sandy heath was bought in 1915-1925 for the National Trust as a memorial to Octavia Hill, a founder of the NT.
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Finally Hascombe village hall came into sight and the welcome sight of lunch laid out in the shade and water for the dogs.
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The route led on through the attractive Wintershall Estate, famous for religious plays, and then descended into the tiny village of Thorncombe Street. Here Vanessa and Richard welcomed us, and some passing cyclists, with a spread of home baked cakes.
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On up the hill and past the Ram Cider House until we come to the Wey navigation. Here we find the canal life at its busiest: narrow boats, walkers, canoeists and even Rosie, the horse that pulls Iona.
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Walking through the Phillips Memorial Park to the rhythm of the band.
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The memorial to Jack Phillips, radio operator of RMS Titanic who drowned after staying at his post sending out distress signals. The landscaping is by Gertrude Jekyll.
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Back past the stands to collect the finish certificate.
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Misty & Mo reckoned they could do it all again.
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Holly, the Lurcher, reckoned she never wanted another walk.. well not till next year.
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Our thanks go to the organiser, Jo Holcombe.
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DON'T FORGET: Sunday 10th June 2007 - next year's poddle.
Total amount pledged: £10,000 - enough to pay for one pair of lock gates for the new lock at Loxwood.
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BACK
Last updated June 2006
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