Leith Hill from Holmwood Station

 After 'wintering' in Australia and missing all the rain and damp, dreary weather, it was time to brave the elements once more. 

'Where to?' I asked.

Strictly Lady Lloyd had the answer: a circular walk that she'd done a few years ago from Holmwood Station to Leith Hill. A nice little 10km trek to ease us back into the swing of things. So we switched our usual South Downs destinations for the Surrey Hills and, since she also offered to take care of the weather, the sun shone brilliantly for us on Saturday and the skies were clear. 

As SLL pulled up at our house, I was in the middle of a lost-key debacle with Hearth-Father, so made a welcome escape from domestic duty. When you begin the journey with a rant, as I did, it's a clear sign that a walk is long overdue. 

The narrow path at the start was very muddy indeed, and required a kind of wide-legged snow-plough action to navigate it without wellies. Any initial mud will quickly clear our route-guide promised, though it took a little while before we made it to solid ground. When we did, we passed some impressive houses before reaching grassy meadows, contented sheep, and some great views.

Through the woods, our path snaked its way past Astiebury Hill Fort. The scenery looked somehow alien, although perhaps it was the time of year. Given that we were heading to Leith Hill, it is perhaps unsurprising that much of the first part of the walk was mostly climb, certainly from Coldharbour up to the highest point in Surrey. 

But the good thing about a climb (aside from the descent) is that it often comes with great views and this walk was full of them. We paused a while on the ascent from Coldharbour to break for the traditional granola fuel.

We passed the 'highest cricket pitch in Surrey' before heading onto the National Trust's Heathland Trail for part of the route. 

The day seemed to be dominated by trees. Fairytale trees with big, gnarly, moss-covered trunks, like dragon-feet, or muscular limbs that might belong to Tolkein's benevolent Ents. Roots that might have been found at the foot of the magic faraway tree, or boughs like intertwined bodies.

In glorious sunshine of early spring, before their foliage is back to full growth, and above a carpet of mulching leaves, the trees were stunning.