Navigating Guildford: A Compass-Led Circular Journey through Puttenham
Date: 21 September 2024
Start: Guildford, 11.00
Finish: Guildford, 16.30
Duration: 4h 30’
Distance: 19km
Elevation Gain: 250m
Route Type: Circular
Weather: Fresh and Sunny
Companions: Solo
Today, the first day of autumn (or the last day of summer), it doesn't matter: my search for new routes and people knows no seasons.
I was supposed to meet up with a youth group (yes, you heard right, I’m still young) from Surrey, affiliated with the Ramblers.
Unfortunately, as has been happening to me often lately, there were track works around Guildford, so I had to take a replacement bus from Clandon.
So far, so good, but of course, the replacement bus never arrived, or at least not on time, forcing all passengers to at least a good half-hour delay compared to the schedule. I must say I really appreciated the walk leader's effort to wait for me until the last minute, which not everyone would do, delaying the start of the walk to see if we could make it work (which is rare).
I didn’t lose heart, I had my map with me and remembered a nice walk I did a few months ago just south of the North Downs Way, passing through Compton. So I decided to do it in reverse, adding a couple of detours towards Buscombe, relying solely on the map and compass to "train" a bit in navigation, something I sometimes struggle with.
After a promising start in Arrington and Littleton, I lost a good half-hour trying to find the right path in Buscombe and then took one about thirty meters further south than I had thought (I realized this after analyzing the GPX of my route). Thanks to a lady I met by chance, I managed to get back on track towards Compton.
When I finally arrived at the famous Watts Gallery, I relaxed, drank a hot tea, ate my sandwich, and could safely put the map away; from here on, I knew the way well. I followed the North Downs Way to the Wey River, then returned to Guildford for a beer while writing these lines and reading up on my next trek to Nepal.
Another hike without digital tools is done, but it wasn't as easy as I remembered! :)