Box Hill walk: Polesden and Ranmore (pt 2)
The second part of our wintery walk
(Photos © urban75, Feb 2008)

We pass Polesden Lacey and enjoy a picnic before the rain starts.


The elaborate entrance to Polesden Lacey country house. The 1821 Regency House was extensively rebuilt by society hostess Mrs Ronald Greville between 1906 and 1909 and was renowned for its glamorous house parties.

As it was winter and the light was fading fast, we didn't get a chance to visit the house or explore its 30 acres of Edwardian gardens.


Walking under a thatched bridge at Polesden Lacey.


Sign with a face, Polesden Lacey.




We followed the route along a raised causeway lined with yew trees.


Passing Yewtree Farm.

A little further on we found a bench and tucked into our lunch. As soon as we finished, the rain started.


Happily, it was only a brief shower and we continued on through the National Trust land at Polesden Lacey.


You don't see many of these signs in Brixton!


A couple admire the south facing view, with Dorking in the distance.




We headed east along the North Downs Way, an ancient flint-covered trackway, at least 5,000 years old - the oldest road in England.

The route tales a sheltered and concealed path, hovering below the crest and ridges of hills, and runs for 250 miles from Devon to Kent.

It felt rather 'umbling to know that you're treading along a path so ancient.


Across Steers Field with the spire of St Barnabas in the distance.


Grazing donkeys.

Several warning notices told people not to feed them else they'll be propelled into space by a high-powered donkey kung-fu kick or something. Either way, don't mess with the mules!


Views across Steers Field.






Snowdrops by St Barnabas church, Ranmore.




The gloriously over the top St Barnabas church, built with funds from George Cubitt MP (later Baron Ashcombe), boasts a massive spire containing a ring of eight bells cast by Mears & Stainbank, with the Tenor weighing in at just under one ton.


Consecrated in 1859, the church was designed by Gilbert Scott and is a superb example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.

The South Transept was converted into a Memorial Chapel in 1920 in memory of the Second Baron Ashcombe's three eldest sons who perished in the First World War.

Originally intended to serve only the Cubitt family and the staff of the Denbies Estate, the church was handed over to the Church Commissioners in 1962.


The old school next door.




The somewhat remote nature of the church's location can be seen in this view.


Heading east back into Westhumble, we passed the vast vineyards of the Denbies estate, "largest wine estate England has ever seen.".

The vineyard produces 400,000 bottles of wine a year - around 10 percent of total UK production.


A late view looking over Box Hill & Westhumble station.