Box Hill or Bust

Junior elected to go up to the top by car rather than walk and, given the recent snow, it wasn't a bad idea. At the top is a National Trust car park, oppotise it a little shop selling books, maps bits and bobs and of course cuddly toys. There is a snack bar/food outlet which isn't cheap, but it's not exactly overpriced either. Sadly Box Hill has an infestation - cyclists. These people honestly believe they own the road and cycle along the middle of it putting their, an other people's lives, in danger. In the picnic area of the snack bar, these odious people fail to dismount even when faced with signs telling them to do it! Between the shop and the snack bar are toilets including a disabled one.
We walked to the left of the Shop (when you are facing it) and along the pavement to the viewing point. On a clear and sunny day it afford beautiful views accross the South Downs and Surrey. Today was just such a day, the winter sun was very strong and made for awkward exposures.
We followed the path to the left as it angled downwards, and followed it around as it headed back up. this brings you to the burial site of Major Peter Labelliere. His grave stone is there and reads;

MAJOR PETER LABELLIERE

AGED 75

AN ECCENTRIC RESIDENT
OF DORKING WAS BURIED

HERE HEAD DOWNWARDS

11th JULY 1800.

We cut round past the fort which bares a remarkable resemblance to an air raid shelter. This was built in the late 1890's as one of a number of forts built to protect London from invasion from continental Europe. The building cannot be entered by visitors. It is inhabited by bats. Junior managed to pull off a few photos quite well but one is the best and is quite spooky!
I suggested getting a few photos of the stepping stones at the base of the hill. sp we packed up and headed down in the car to the car park there. When we got there the stepping stones had been engulfed by the River Mole that had burst it's banks due to the melting snow swelling the river. "It's ok, we'll go down to the footbridge" I said only to find that the footbridge was almost under water too. Between the path and the steps to the bridge was some 20 feet of flooded field and it was at least 2 foot deep.
Back in the car we went along the A25 to Buckland Village and nabbed a few shots of the still very frozen village pond.
All in all it was a good day.