Devil's Punch Bowl clover leaf walk (and firework display)
Saturday 7 November
12 miles
Moderate pace; not suitable for slow walkers
The Devil's Punch Bowl is a steep-sided natural bowl which is being restored to rare heathland after the A3 was diverted underneath it in a tunnel a few years ago. This clover leaf walk is made up of 4 circular walks exploring the area in each direction.
The first loop is an easy one exploring the woodlands of the Golden Valley to the west. Hopefully we will still be in time to catch some autumn colour from which it gets its name.
The second loop is much steeper exploring the open heathland and ancient woodland to the north of the Devil's Punch Bowl. It follows the Highcombe Hike and Roam 639 paths (639 is the number of muscles in the human body and you will need to use a few on some of the slopes!). Interesting features on this loop are the cottages of "broom squires" (people who made a living out of making brushes and brooms) as well as a memorial and the youth hostel.
Bring a packed lunch for a picnic; we will find a picnic spot with a good view.
In the afternoon the third loop is also steep following the Hidden Hindhead Trail along a sandstone ridge to the east. This takes in the remains of the old A3 (originally a turnpike road) and goes past the Sailor's Stone commemorating a sailor who was murdered here. It then climbs Gibbet Hill (where his murderers were hanged). The summit has a Celtic cross and fantastic views; it is the second highest point in Surrey (after Leith Hill). The Temple of the Four Winds is another viewpoint before returning across the chestnut coppicing of Hindhead Common.
After a tea stop at the café the fourth (and final) loop is easy following the Miss James Walk to the south. She gave the land to the National Trust and this path goes through woodland and across a footbridge over the new A3.
Look out for other Cloggies about 8.45am at Waterloo Station near the National Railways ticket office. Take the 9am train from Waterloo to Haslemere for a connecting bus to Hindhead. Buy a return to Haslemere. Meet at Haslemere station exit when the train arrives (due 9.48am).
We will be aiming for the 4.46pm bus back to Haslemere (sunset is about 4.30pm) but if we miss this, there's a pub while we wait for the 5.46pm bus. Should be back in London between 6 and 7pm.
There is also an option to stay on for a firework display at Hindhead (Beacon Hill Playing Fields). The gates open at 4.30pm with a bonfire at 5pm and fireworks about 5.30pm. Refreshments include a barbecue, veggie chilli, mulled wine, hot chocolate, popcorn and toffee apples. Admission £5 in aid of the local school; tickets available on the gate. There is a bus back from Hindhead to Haslemere at 6.27pm (from the corner of Wood Rd and Downview Close). This connects with the 7.02pm train arriving back in London by 8pm.
&* #clogwalk2
start__dateTime(7th November at 9:48am)
end__dateTime(7th November at 7pm)