Wicklow Weekend, Saturday

We met for breakfast on Saturday morning – a feast of home made delights and mostly local produce. After Ballyknocken cereals we had French toast or drop scones with nuts and syrup or a full Irish breakfast for one brave lad.
Our first day was spent around the Military Road, starting with Glendalough. On the way there we passed through the highest village in Ireland, Roundwood (238m), which seemed quite popular with the tourists. We found a space in the busy car park at the Glendalough information centre and then followed the path to the old monastic settlement. Founded by St Kevin in 6th century, this is an important site set at the head of a valley containing two lakes. It was sacked by Vikings many times, and then partially razed by the English in the late fourteenth century before falling victim to the Dissolution, 1539. Even so, pilgrims still visit the site especially on 3rd June which is St. Kevin’s Day. Some restoration took place in the mid eighteenth century, but most of the buildings date from between the eighth and twelfth centuries. We walked around the area and then followed the river down to the first or lower lake and back as we had to be on the move again.

 Now we followed the road back and on towards Powerscourt House with its magnificent gardens. The house was a Palladian mansion of considerable size dating from the early eighteenth century and built on the site of a Norman castle. Sadly it was gutted by fire in 1974 but has been partially restored to provide cafes and shops for visitors as well as an exhibition about the history of Powerscourt estate. Luckily the gardens remained intact and are beautifully kept.

We wandered through all the areas, including the Japanese Garden, around the Triton Lake, Dolphin Pond and the wonderful walled garden. There are lots of statues in the Italian style (e.g. after Bernini) which reminded some of Angels and Demons! From the terrace there is a good view of Great Sugar Loaf (501m), made from Cambrian quartzite, it forms a volcanic like cone above the surrounding hills, which are Devonian granite. We decided to have a little late lunch in the café before moving on to the highest waterfall in Ireland. Powerscourt Waterfall falls 130m, and we think that is the height referred to, but it could be the highest in elevation, too.

Reading the guide book, we understood that this was an idyllic area to visit where Sika deer may be glimpsed among the trees and bird spotting was a delight. We were not prepared for the sight that met us – a valley full of cars, picnickers and barbecue aromas wafting across to us. It was awash with people, all enjoying the lovely weather and the beautiful area. The waterfall is lovely as it cascades over the rocks, and many people were enjoying a dip in the pool at its base – albeit a bit cool as it was in the shadow of the rocks. Needless to say, the Sika deer were long gone and only a few sparrows and starlings were to be seen.
We had also read that there were sundews to be found around a place called Sally Gap, so this was our next stop on our circuit of the Military Road. The roads are fairly narrow and winding, so we had to find a pull in so we could search for them. We stopped to look at some deer some way from the road and M went off on a reccy. And there in a boggy area she found loads of sundews, which we all saw and photographed. And even though we stopped another couple of times, we just didn’t find that many again. That was a good and lucky find. So we had to get back and change for dinner at seven. This was at Ballyknocken House – from the kitchen of Catherine Fulvia, so we needed to be ready to do that justice.

At seven we were served dry sherry in the sitting room. There were several other people staying at the house including a Belgian family, some Americans and a couple who were attending the cookery course on Sunday. The wife came from Milan, so was very interested in Catherine’s style of Italian cookery. We went through for dinner after Catherine came and described the meal. We started with antipasto, followed by a potato and lemongrass soup with parsley oil, which was served with Mary’s Brown Bread. Then came sage stuffed pork with carrot and cumin puree and apple slices and a dessert of pear and polenta cake with a strawberry stack. With the meal we drank a wine from the Ardeche estate Mas de Libian, Bout d’Zan. Coffee and tea were then served in one of the other rooms, and we gathered round a table with a hilarious game of naming things beginning with a letter chosen with the roll of a die, which ended in hysterical laughter! It was time for bed.

Wicklow Weekend - Arrival

At the end of May it is D’s birthday and we are often all together for the celebration as it’s around Bank Holiday. This year was to be no exception even though he’s away in Norway. This was secretly arranged by S, who invited us all to meet up in Ireland for a long weekend and we all went along with the surprise, booking tickets and finding out about things to do in Co. Wicklow and Dublin.
Friday came and A and I set off for our flight – arriving some time ahead of the birthday boy so we could surprise him as he and S came through. His face was a picture and S told us that until they were on the plane to Amsterdam, D didn’t have a clue where they were going nor did he have any idea we would be there. Priceless! We waited for M and N to arrive then drove off in our hire car for Wicklow town for a late supper of tapas in Al’s Bar. This was delicious and although we were the sole occupants of this little café, it was great fun. Then we found our way back to the guest house.

We stayed at Ballyknocken House, which has its own cookery school attached. Here TV chef/owner Catherine Fulvio holds cookery classes in all sorts of cuisines. The rooms are all beautifully appointed with ensuites that have huge Victorian baths which have showers in them, so if you go hiking there is the promise of a good soak when you come back. The views are lovely, either over the mountains or out across the rolling farmland towards the coast.

Ballyknocken House information

Monster trucks

A glimpse of the monster trucks at the SCC

Vintage Farm Machinery

One of the vintage machines up and running at Surrey County Show

Surrey County Show

Bank holiday Monday and its the Surrey County Show. As we are now within walking distance, we decided to make our first visit to one of the last traditional county shows still being held in England; and there was also the promise of a great day, weatherwise, with the threat of rain only after six pm.
As the rain may come later, we started early, getting to the entrance soon after ten, There was already a lot of people there, but we could wander through the livestock tents and see some wonderful animals, quite easily.
Then it was time for a break and we went off to find some refreshments. We got pastries to go with our coffee in the food tent, which was packed with local producers, selling their delicious wares. Some of these we remembered from other 'shows' around the county, and some from the local farmer's markets.


We sat by the bandstand, and just before we finished, the band came marching in - the British Legion Band, and they squeezed in to the bandstand with scarcely room to play their instruments. They were dressed in smart uniforms, and were mostly young people, really enjoying themselves.
Just round the corner we found a display of antique farm equipment. All of them have been lovingly restored and were working away, puffing out steam.

There were demonstrations of country crafts such as sheep shearing (by hand) and wood turning.There was a falconry display as well as morris dancing when the Pilgrim Morris Men got loads of young folk up to have a go, which was great and they really had a fun time! There were even some angora goats in their own special tent with some goods made from their wool to buy.
Our next stop was one of the display rings. Here they were judging the donkeys and their owners, followed by the donkey carts, which were put through their paces, showing how smart they were as well as how well they were turned out. Some needed a bit of practise, but the winner looked like a seasoned campaigner with driving skills and turn out to match.

By now it was very warm, with the sun beating down, We went in search of ice cream, which we took into the shade of some trees. Just beside us was the mole catcher - with his catchy slogan! (Making it safe to go back on the lawn.) Then we walked past the roundabout with its lovely horses and gaudy music, past lots of tents selling everything from wellies to jewellry until we spotted the sheep show. Here a New Zealand chap was just starting his show from the trailer of his huge truck. The stars were several different breeds of sheep, which he introduced with a brief history - very tongue-in-cheek! Then he sheared a sheep for us; played some music for the sheep to dance to, and that was it. It was quite hilarious and he attracted a huge crowd of folk and a huge round of applause at the end.
After this light entertainment we walked around the ground to try and get a view of the main ring, which is quite difficult when the stands are full and the other area where you can look over the fence is thronged with people. We found a bit of a view near the entrance gate and saw the last of the prize cows walking around the field. Then from here we could see some of the double harness scurries that were competing around the driving course. It was fast and furious and the main sponsor was competing for a place in the finals. He got through with two pairs of horses, along with several others whom we would eatch a little later.
In the interval we had a demonstration by the monster trucks, which sped about the field, charging across it a diagonals over some wrecked cars. Unfortunately for us, the organisers parked some extra cars across our view, so we didn't see much. Every diagonal charge was an attempt to get the vehicles airbourne, and at last the red one overturned. Luckily the driver was unhurt and the fork lift truck came on to right it again. Then we watched the finale of the double harness scurries, which was slightly delayed as one of the prize bulls, weighing in at over 1000kg, decided it was not getting into the truck taking him home. It bent some fences as stewards, owners and handlers tried to drag it to the truck. Eventually they managed to push the beast in and the show was underway again. The final got under way and then it was the finale in the main ring with the British Legion band leading the way.
The skies were darkening, but the hotair balloonists now entered the ring - and as many people were leaving, we moved up to a better viewing spot. We watched them inflate two of the balloons, but sadly the threat of a thunder storm was to great for them to take off, so now it really was time to go home after a really great day out.

North Downs Way

Today we began the North Downs Way by walking the second leg from Guildford to Dorking. Why start with the second leg? Well, its Sunday and the usual track repairs have stopped normal train services and the buses don’t run on Sundays – we need to do the first leg when public transport is running!
We began with the well trodden path to Newlands Corner, and having dragged Alan away from the bacon buttie kiosk, we struck out on the new path, following the easily spotted finger posts.


We crossed the A25 and found ourselves on a wide path through the trees, soon leaving the sound of traffic behind, and tuning in to the cuckoo calling in the distance. It was very pleasant walking under the leafy canopy, and we came across the occasional clearing with views across the valleys with conveniently placed benches!


We refrained from a side visit to the Silent Pools, promising ourselves a dedicated walk there one day. It looked a precipitous downhill to the pools , which means a stiff climb back again, which is OK, but we reckoned on about 15 miles for the planned walk, and weren’t keen on adding too much more!
Once again, the pathways were lined with delightful wild flowers and the ferns had come on in bounds, showing off in great fans of fronds along the way.




At lunchtime, we came up to this hill top with its panoramic view and several benches, one being free for a welcome seat. The sheepdog, which sneaked into the picture, was having great fun creeping up on the ball its owner left in the grass just as if it was herding the sheep.



Our path was quite stony and there were plenty of butterflies flittering around us. So difficult to catch with the camera until this peacock landed on the path in front of us and settled to get his photo taken.


We were gradually meeting more people and soon came to the area known as Ranmore Common and the ‘Church on the North Downs Way’ (St Barnabas’s).


It seemed as though we were almost there, but we still had a little way to go, eventually descending the path to Denbies winery for a very welcome cup of tea. The vines are just coming into leaf and flower, so we hope that the flowers get pollinated and lots of baby grapes get set to make another excellent vintage later in the year.



Refreshed, All that was left was to walk down to Deepdene Station and a train back to Gilly. And those who wonder why we didn’t climb Box Hill – well, we’ve done that many, many times!!

Bank holiday walk

A bank holiday – and a great day for a walk; so we laced up the walking shoes, adjusted the poles, packed the rucksacks and set off with a map and a vague idea of a round trip of some 16kms. We began the usual way by getting up to Pewley Down, then across to St Martha’s Church.


At this point we walked round to the front of the church and took the path that plunged over the edge and down towards Chilworth.


Suddenly we spied llamas in the field and a lone one in a paddock close by the path – a sight to behold in the Surrey countryside.


We consulted the map and made a sort of left turn, hoping to connect with the Downs Link path. Soon we began seeing the signs and this path took us across Blackheath to skirt round the path up to Chinthurst Tower.


From here we followed the track taking us across the attractive double bridge (road with footpath at a slightly dropped level) and turned left to follow the Wey South Path going north. There were lots of dandelion clocks along the path some of which had shed their down to get caught in spiders webs. There were also some high altitude snails, like the ones we had seen in Smannell.



We found ourselves following the cycle route, but we could cut right just over a bridge, which brought us along the Wey to the Parrot at Shalford. We sat by the Navigation and had butties, then enjoyed a hot cup of coffee at the Parrot. The next bit was something like guesswork as there are several paths not all of which were on the map. But we managed to get ourselves to The Seahorse, another popular hostelry, and across the road towards the Chantries.



Our intention was to come onto Pewley Downs at the bottom of the woods, but we managed to climb right up into the bluebell covered woods, which were beautiful.


There was nothing for it, but to make our way up and over the ridge, eventually meeting up with our path to St Martha’s hill, turning left to retrace the start of our walk up onto Pewley Down and home.
We did get wet a couple of times, but the weather was very pleasant if a little dull and so it wasn’t too hot. The birds were singing all the way along and there were loads of lovely wild flowers to enjoy along the way. We even heard the cuckoo.





It was very good to be out and about with no worries of traffic jams or crowds. We met a few cyclists and a few horse riders as well as walkers on the way, but not in any great profusion. Lovely!