This is a stroll of about 8 miles into some interesting countryside around East Grinstead. Some small hills but nothing too taxing, and we’ll fit in a pub call.

Update 9th September

As the heat seems about to continue, I’ve looked at ways to reduce our exposure on tomorrow’s walk. The one I planned had lots of open country and it occurs to me it would be foolish to expose ourselves that much.

So I’ve devised an alternative route that is almost all in shade. Thanks to the late unlamented Dr Beeching the railway line between East Grinstead and Three Bridges is defunct, and most of it is now a delightfully shaded footpath.

This does mean we no longer have a circular route, and unfortunately you’ll need to buy two separate rail tickets – one to East Grinstead and one back from Three Bridges. Alternatively, turn back at the halfway point (around Crawley Down).

The walk is still 8 miles and has even fewer hills (trains don’t like them).

No change to meeting arrangements:

Meet at East Croydon Station at 10.25, in time for the 10.39 to East Grinstead (usually platform 6) – or join the train at Sanderstead (10:44) or Riddlesdown (10:47). Arriving East Grinstead at 11.19.

I’m sure I don’t need to remind seasoned COPSErs about the importance of water, sunscreen, hats etc – be careful out there!

PS

I’ve failed to find a pub on the way (the one in Crawley Down seems to have encountered its own Beeching Effect) but there is a small Co-op in Crawley Down if you need ready access to drinks and snacks.