Cranleigh was the starting point for the 35th Poddle; the Poddle being our annual sponsored walk. The start at the Bandroom allowed the 202 walkers to be immediately in the country

As they passed over the bridge Poddlers were able to see Cranleigh Water which lies beside Wey & Arun Canal at this point. This waterway offers one of the possible routes for the canal to pass through Bramley. Brian points out the Wey & Arun which is still unrestored at this point. The walk guide was also full of interesting information.

A June Poddle ensured plenty of wild flowers and beautiful views of the Surrey countryside.

Marshals were on hand to help with road crossings and the route was expertly signed. Unusually for the Poddle, one sign was stolen.

Refreshment points are often manned by the same volunteers each year but Edith, aged 3 months and 2 days, was doing it for the first time. In contrast, Tom, who admits to being an octogenarian, was striding out on his 29th Poddle.

The route passed through Hascombe to Dunsfold where lunch was provided in the Winn Hall.

After a rest in the shade most participants felt eager to go.

After lunch the walk passed through horse breeding country to Mill Farm, once the site of a wharf on the Wey and Arun Canal. The depression beside the house marks the line of the canal. The day was now becoming hotter and a refreshment stop amongst the trees proved very welcome.

The route now follows a section of canal cleared last year by the Mid Week Working Party. It is water holding but since it is not connected dries up in the summer.

The competition to guess the number of lettuce growing in the greenhouses was won by Samantha. The answer was 240,000. After passing Knowle House, where Oliver Cromwell is known to have stayed, the walkers found themselves back at the Bandroom. The Smiths were on hand to dispense drinks and there now famously scrummy home made cakes.

Samantha and Tom were the youngest walkers to be awarded certificates for completing the full 13 mile walk.

Jo, the Poddle organiser, was delighted to report that everyone returned safely. The amount pledged by sponsors is: