The last nude hike of the year?

Largely managing to dodge the rain, we had a great walk this week around Dorking, which has proved to be a good median point for the Crew, as I’ve loosely termed our happy group of ramblers.

One of the Peter’s sadly couldn’t join us so once again, we numbered four. A nice manageable number for nude hiking, with all of us able to happily hike decent distances at a reasonable pace, although little legs Em was admittedly trailing a bit on the hills!

Having settled on a car park which would accommodate Scott’s campervan and amended the route accordingly, we set off for our first walk. Nestled between some uncharacteristically blisteringly hot days, it was cooler and a bit unsettled but quite warm when the sun did make an appearance.

Lovely terrain but you certainly had to watch your feet with all the tree roots. Infact I did take a tumble at one point but aside from a graze and bruising, was relatively unscathed.

The first walk before we stopped for lunch was a healthy 7-mile hike. Given that the weather was inclement, it was nice and quiet. We did see some people but our preference is to chuck clothing on rather than front it out, unless we’re surprised by someone. We hike for enjoyment, not to prove a point although as we are all aware, naked hiking is perfectly legal, as indeed nudity is in the UK. Most nude advocates prefer to hike in remote areas to save confrontation and having to deal with body bigots.

The highlights on this walk? Logs, lots of them and pillboxes.

First up, logs

One happy Emma. Photo expertly taken by Scott who is used to my foibles by now

Ian spotted the logs first I think. Gleeful excitement on my part and a clamber on to the first pile which captured my attention. Someone commented on twitter (my account), how do you always seem to find logs? It’s not a pre-requisite of these walks but since we are walking in remote areas with largely managed woodlands, it’s rare that we don’t come across logs.

A team picture, of course!

The Crew

• 

• 

Reluctantly having to leave my favourite log behind, we set off again on a pillbox foray. They were scattered along our route which was a derivative of one devised by Naturist Ramblers, a member club of British Naturism which some of the Crew are members of (both NatRam and BN to use the abbreviations).

• 

• 

But before the pillboxes, look at the scenery and views, stunning! This is Blatchford Downs. Here’s a 7 mile route if you want to experience these beautiful chalk grasslands yourself.

Our first pillbox along the route with a dramatic skyline to frame it

I couldn’t resist going inside. 5 rifle points (I don’t know the technical term). Just to envisage being in there, watching and waiting for hours, even days at a time, it’s hard to comprehend how the men and women manning these pillboxes would have felt and what they endured. This particular pillbox was much nicer than the second one I ventured in to which was on a camber, making it seem much more claustrophobic

• 

Shortly afterwards we came across another, then another. This is the one with the camber and it appeared smaller inside than the first pillbox

• 

• 

• 

Lots of ascending and descending ensued as we made our way back to our respective vehicles, where we planned to have lunch before setting off again. Peter unfortunately had to take off after lunch so four became three, missing our afternoon amble.

• 

What a fantastic day we had. I’m hoping but it’s rather optimistic, we might get another hike in during October

Despite my love of fine dining as a foodie, nothing beats being with friends in the great outdoors and a picnic.

Sadly, after our 3 mile loop, it was goodbye to the glorious scenery (and logs) and back via torturous motorways to return home. I was too tired to do anything other than eat chocolate and fall in to bed but that’s the driving, not the walking

• 

• 

Until next time 🙂