FBC Spring Walk

The tradition of Farnborough Bowling Club members meeting up, just before the start and at the close of each outdoor bowling season for a leisurely walk in the country, followed by a hearty Sunday Lunch started in 2010. We’ve had a lot of fun on the walks since then! It’s a great way to see a bit of the countryside and catch up with old friends!

This year’s Spring Walk was based around the Woolpack Inn in the pretty village of Elstead. We met at 10.30 (Sunday 7th April), after a loo break and a group photograph (outside the pub not in the loos!) we left the the pub and followed a well defined path that climbed gently above the village. Our route took us initially along field boundaries and into deciduous woodland. We saw a family of (three) Roe Buck Deer in the distance and heard the distinctive calls of Curlews as we headed onto the Heathland that is Thursley National Nature Reserve. We then followed, in part, the ‘Heath Trail’ which provided fantastic and extensive views of the heath. There were a few puddles en-route and the going in places was soft, but it was OK!

It was a very enjoyable walk and the weather was very kind. There was a lot of chatting and laughter from the group! All in all we covered about 4.5 miles, which was a bit longer than planned (Sorry!), but everyone made It back to the Woolpack by 2pm, without mishap! There were a few stiff joints the next day…. but I think we’ve been forgiven!

Sunday lunch did not disappoint… it was amazing! The Woolpack has a Sunday Carvery which includes – Lamb Shank; Turkey; Chicken; Pork Loin and Roast Rib-eye of Beef.  You can have a bit of everything if you wish! Our plates were piled high and almost everyone had a gooey pud or cheese platter (the size of a small dustbin lid…(ask Joan)) to follow! The staff at the Woolpack were very welcoming and the service was excellent.  The Woolpacks’s name is a reflection of Elstead’s past as a busy wool centre during the 16th century. Not only does the name reflect this trade, but the pub actually started life as a wool store and only converted to a pub when the wool trade declined.

It was a great day;  the walking was good so was the lunch but above all the company was fantastic!

The criteria for our walks is that they are about 3-4 miles long; following well defined paths. We walk at at leisurely pace, and there are no stiles! The walks start and finish at a pleasant country pub that has a good selection of beers and wines and serves good, wholesome food. All walks are planned and tested out before the day, so we know what we are doing and where we are going – we even work out escape routes for those who want or need to turn back!

Join us this Autumn for our next walk which will be lead by John Lakeman. All are very welcome! (see club notice board nearer the time for details)