Saturday was to be a warm (6 degrees) day with no rain, so we decided to take a walk up to St. Martha on the hill, a lovely stone church at the top of a hill in the Surrey Hills.The Surrey Hills is officially "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" which is like some parkland reserve similar to national parks but still retain human use like some farming, housing etc.
We drive up to Newlands Corner and then walk across the lovely open fields taking in the view across the rolling hills, the patchwork colours of the English hills with their infinite shades of green, the reds & browns of the winter trees and filter sun. This section is extremely popular for dog walkers, we see dozens of people each time here with their dogs running around like mad - big open spaces & a ball or stick makes for happy dogs.
After the open fields we skirt a farm along a bridle track and spot the busy squirrels trying to find that last bit of pre winter food. Then we start to climb up St. Martha's hill which is fairly gentle, but just stunning. The tracks are winding all throughout the hill making their way through thick forests of dead ferns and wintery trees whose leaves carpet the ground providing a nice spongey walkway. The air is cold & fresh and has a delightful earthy smell to it.
When you get to the top of the hill there is a great view of the surrounding country side and the lovely old church.
The view the sandy trail as you head up to St. Martha on the hill.
St. Martha on the hill.
Ying enjoying the walk in the ferns
