The early arrivals at the Selsdon Nature Reserve car park took the opportunity to gaze at the classic red Jaguar Mark II before heading across the meadow and into the woods on another SECHC walk led by those intrepid cyclists Tom and Des.  Ten of us and Tom’s dog set out – some veterans of previous walks and a few new faces. 

We soon came across two of the autumn features shown on the reserve’s information board: rose hips and fallen sweet chestnuts which unfortunately were not mature enough to be edible.  Otherwise, who knows, we might have built a camp-fire and roasted them.  But no doubt there are by-laws against that sort of thing. However blackberries were eaten and the virtues of sloe gin were discussed.

We made one detour through the woods where a steep slope was deemed too risky by the Health and Safety Officer.  I mention this to provide comfort to those of you who haven’t tried one of our walks and who may think it would be too difficult.  Be assured: it isn’t!

On leaving the woods, we followed the road across Farleigh Common then across a meadow and onto the road to St Mary the Virgin – probably the last church still open for Sunday tea at this time of year, judging by the number of people there. The hall being full, we settled down to our well-earned tea and cakes outside but the rain began to fall and we were allowed to sit in the church. The rain had clearly set in for the day.  Tom suggested a Plan B – offering to walk back to his car and return to pick us up – but we were all made of sterner stuff and set off on the return leg.

The aim was to complete a figure of eight and the route took us along the boundary of a golf course. Unfortunately, when we reached the “cross-over” point, the leading group headed by Des took the intended route while the trailing group, just out of sight, retraced their steps through the wood. Thanks to mobile phones, however, there was no need to panic and before long, the two groups were re-united.  All agreed that, despite the weather, it had been an enjoyable afternoon out.