Rambling with Kirk:Leatherhead to Dorking

kirk13 · **on:** June 24, 2014, 12:21:39 AM

Today was too nice to spend doing household chores. I had to play hooky!

The Mole River trail follows the Mole River(more or less) from Leatherhead to Dorking. Those of you who watched the Olympic cycling back in 2012 will have seen Dorking,and the famous Box Hill. But I'm getting ahead of myself...

Not really sure what church this is,but it's in Leatherhead,and I felt it was worth a pic

This is the Mole,running through the centre of Leatherhead. The last time I seen this was during the floods earlier this year,when the Mole became a wild torrent

sawman · **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2014, 12:24:36 AM

That's too cool! I guarandamntee ya you won't find anything like that here in the states.

kirk13 · **Reply #2 on:** June 24, 2014, 12:28:35 AM

It's nice to see it returned to its usual tranquil state

Before hitting the trail proper there's this

Funny how I always find these places

A mile or so into the walk proper,the river and the trail pass under the main road.

As beautifully executed as the graffiti is,it's beyond me as to why someone would walk out into such wonderful surroundings to do this! Anyway...

kirk13 · **Reply #3 on:** June 24, 2014, 12:29:13 AM

Quote from: sawman on June 24, 2014, 12:24:36 AM

That's too cool! I guarandamntee ya you won't find anything like that here in the states.

Stick around,there's some shots you'll love

kirk13 · **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2014, 12:34:54 AM

Another mile,mile and a half,the trail leaves the river,and cuts under the railway before climbing up along the west side of the valley. I might be odd( go figure!) but this is just about the finest sight I can imagine...

A trail heading into the greenwood,going to where,only Herne knows.

kirk13 · **Reply #5 on:** June 24, 2014, 12:41:58 AM

But before anyone thinks I'm getting spiritual,here's the obligatory tool shot

The climb up the valley wall is steep,but when you eventually clear the woods your rewarded with stunning views,over to the hamlet of Mickleham

And back up the valley to Leatherhead

sawman · **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2014, 12:44:41 AM

Extraordinary scenery Kirk, I do hope there's more

kirk13 · **Reply #7 on:** June 24, 2014, 12:53:05 AM

From there the trail plunges back down to the river

And my favourite bridge!

kirk13 · **Reply #8 on:** June 24, 2014, 12:58:38 AM

This as you might have guessed carries the railway we passed under earlier. From here the Mole flows off to the eastern side of the valley,but we part company,and follow the railway on to the village of Westhumble. I didn't take any pictures in Westhumble,as I'd got some good shots on my trip last year. I think I posted some on the forum,but I'll hoke them out and add them to the end of the tread.

As sad as it is to part company from the river,there's a surprise waiting on the far side of the village

detron · **Reply #9 on:** June 24, 2014, 12:59:46 AM

BEAUTIFUL

kirk13 · **Reply #10 on:** June 24, 2014, 01:07:23 AM

In my ventures around this green and pleasant land,I've walked through stone circles,entered chambered graves of the Neolithic,and walked trails older than the pyramids,but the one thing you really don't expect in England is this

Yes folks,a vineyard!

And looking eastward to Box Hill

For those of you who watched the James May Toy Stories,this is where he built the Lego house.

Oh,and that little white line at the base of the hill? That's the train heading into Dorking!

kirk13 · **Reply #11 on:** June 24, 2014, 01:19:48 AM

The vineyard ends in a little box valley,hiding itself in the greater Mole Gap. I'm sorry,because this picture fails to do it justice. The first time I seen it,it was like finding Nirvana,or the summerlands,or taking a left turn into heaven

kirk13 · **Reply #12 on:** June 24, 2014, 01:24:19 AM

Of Dorking itself,I can show you nothing,which is a shame,because it is picture postcard quaint in places,with buildings dating back to the 16th century. But my desire to avoid the schools getting out overrid my desire for a Subway BMT, and I took the early escape route,fortunately,right next to the bus stop home!