Introduction
The following is a walk that started and finished at the Royal Oak on Brockham Green, Surrey in 1998. Brockham is a pretty village located just south of the A25, about half way between Dorking and Reigate.
The green is triangular in shape with a church
at the apex, two pubs, shops and houses in a variety of styles.
It is so typical of what people imagine an English village green
to be that it has featured in several T.V. adverts. The Royal
Oak is on the north side of the green near the road.
The route is about 3½ miles (5½ km) and, if you are going to attempt the questions as well as a few stops to enjoy the views, you should allow up to 4 hours.
The answers to all the questions will be found within the stage that they are set. And indeed in the sequence in which they are set. Just a couple of reminders about the questions. If you do decide to join us for a walk then we will make sure you are partnered with "someone who knows how" at least until you get used to the likely answers. Secondly, particularly when walking along footpaths, if you see something unusual then the organiser has at least thought of using it for the clue.
To get yourself into the frame of mind, you might find it helpful to print off the Sample Questions and How To Win pages and read them through before you set off whilst enjoying a pint in The Royal Oak.
Good luck and, most importantly, enjoy the walk!
Nat Grid Ref: TQ197496
From Dorking take A25 west (towards Reigate). Approx. 2 miles after A24 roundabout, turn right (south) into Brockham Lane. After approx. ½ mile cross narrow bridge over river. Continue to village green. The Royal Oak is on north side of green.
From Reigate take A25 east (towards Dorking). After approx. 3 miles ahead at roundabout (Betchworth Station to right). After further ½ mile pass The Barley Mow (Harvester) pub on left. After further ¼ mile turn left (south) into Brockham Lane. Afterapprox. ½ mile cross narrow bridge over river. Continue to village green. The Royal Oak is on north side of green.
From M25:
EITHER take A24 (south) from Junction 9 to Dorking (approx. 5
miles) and follow directions as above
OR take A217 (south) from Junction 8 to
Reigate (approx. 1½ miles) and follow directions as above.
Public Transport:
Trains to Dorking from London (Victoria and Waterloo) and Horsham.
Also less frequent train services to Dorking Deepdene station
from Guildford, Redhill and Gatwick.
Bus services 21, 22, 32 and 54 to Brockham
from both Dorking stations. Less frequent services from Redhill
and Reigate.
On the map, A25 and Brockham Lane are shown in red. The route of the walk is shown in yellow.
STARTERS
Answers to these questions will be found
on the grass area in front of the pub or looking north (the pub
side) from the grass area.
| 1. |
Sign that the county is green, That white paper must have been seen |
| 2. | Ray, he look at this clue real close |
| 3. | I hear Sonso lives there |
STAGE I
Cross main road, past village pump and
take Old School Lane (heading west). Immediately after bridge,
turn right along gravel track. Stage ends at stile on left (just
before pond). Since
this walk was held the answer to Clue 4 has been removed.
| 4. | Leads to out of town shopping? |
| 5. |
Ah, very racy with well proportioned curves. Alas, no more for those with nerves |
| 6. | Out here they won't give the scorers any trouble |
STAGE II
Continue along track. Eventually, past
car park at golf club on left, becomes tarmac road. At fork,
bear right. Stage ends at main road. Since this walk was held the answer to Clue
8 has been removed.
| 7. | Pray, here thou shalt separate as the law demands |
| 8. |
Just one jewel someone did pluck Upon reflection, that may bring bad luck |
| 9. | Half as much again: how vulgar! |
STAGE III
Cross road and take path ahead with garden centre on right. Soon over bridge then ahead along tarmac road. At road junction, ahead (bear slightly left). Stage ends at railway bridge over. Since this walk was held the answer to Clue 10 has been removed.
| 10. |
For those who till the earth A garden that's more trouble than its worth |
| 11. |
Extrusions to tender Scousers on a bender |
| 12. | Woodworker joins the masons |
STAGE IV
Ahead along road. Where road runs out
at gates and property entrances ahead, take footpath (ahead)
to right of gate. Stage ends at T-junction.
| 13. | Or scant regard for a natural resource |
| 14. | Can you beat this clue? |
STAGE V
Turn right along path. Stage ends at
intersection of paths.
| 15. |
It's OK, believe me, your country won't
let you down! Just keep on trekking |
| 16. |
True grit from the man who shot Liberty
Valance at the Alamo His world, so there you go |
STAGE VI
Take
steps down (bear right). At bottom, turn right downhill along
footpath. At intersection of paths ahead downhill (right &
left, don't go through gates). Stage ends at bridge over railway.
| 17. |
Keep acid from the soil, that's for sure
Or an advert to make you buy more? |
| 18. | Perhaps you'll love our nuclear systems |
STAGE VII
Continue ahead. Cross main road and ahead along Brockham Lane (pavement on LHS). Stage ends at end of houses on left.
| 19. |
Oh look there's some country folk,
They must be down on their uppers! |
| 20. | Can you see Russ putting libel boon to work in public transport? |
STAGE
VIII
Skip over ditch on left and diagonally
across playing field to club house. Bear right though car park
to road. Turn left along road (pavement on RHS). Soon turn right
(Mill Hill Lane). Very soon ahead along bridlepath (field on
right). Stage ends at intersection of paths.
| 21. | Were they all badgered to play? |
| 22. |
Seventy seven years this happy band Have been keeping it in hand |
| 23. |
Not a question of Jeeves
More like the coach that leaves |
STAGE IX
Bear right (downhill). Follow path over river and eventually to Brockham Green where walk ends.
| 24. |
Around and about Head-hunters with clout |
| 25. |
Dealing with common agricultural policy
It might be called Euro follicy |
So how did you do? Well, even the most
experienced Quiz Walkers didn't get them all right! And who knows,
some may have been moved or become hidden on the day that you
walked it. But we hope that you did at least enjoy the walk.
The answers are given below.
If you enjoyed this walk you are welcome
to join us at any of our events - click the Diary & Walks
link at the top of page for dates of forthcoming events. This
also includes route sheets of other previous walks for you to
enjoy.
If you wish to be advised of forthcoming
activities, please send an email.
1. Surrey Cycleway signpost - recent
government white paper on transport
2. The Royal Oak - anagram
3. Thimble Cottage (So-'n'-So, or even
sew 'n' sew!)
4. Country Road (name of shop selling hiking,
fishing and riding gear)
(since the walk, this shop has closed)
5. Brooklands (house name, also name of
pre-war motor racing circuit)
6. Duck - on nameplate at Riverdale House
(Scoring nought at cricket, i.e. not troubling
the scorers, is called a "duck")
7. Unhooking mats to be used see rule book
- sign by pond
8. 14 (less one missing) reflectors on
gate
9. 3/2 on hydrant sign
10. Millstone Landscapes (sign)
11. Tubewrights Ltd Liverpool - on bridge
12. Stone & Turner - on signpost
13. Transco (anagram) sign
14. The Retreat - house name on gate
15. National Trust Long Walk - signs
16. Dukes Plantation - clue refers to films
by John Wayne
17. Brockham Lime Works (sign)
18. Pylons - initial letters from each
word in the clue
19. Protect this rural area Observe speed
limits - sign
20. Bus Stop Tillingbourne - anagram
21. Brockham Big Field (sign)
22. Dorking Rugby Football Club founded
1921
23. Request bus stop
24. Environment Agency - sign about fishing
licences
25. The Pound - preserved old enclosure