A new monthly column by Ruth Sear, a regular writer for the Bourne Society publications.

The area around Caterham offers excellent walking among the attractive countryside of the North Downs.

Most walks involve steep hills but the rewards are beautiful views and we all know about the health benefits of walking. Inevitably there is some travelling along and crossing over busy roads, where great care must be taken. Wear appropriate footwear and take adequate drinks, maps and a compass.

Happy Valley and Farthing Downs are popular walking areas lying east of Caterham- on-the-Hill and north of Chaldon. They can be accessed from the Coulsdon or Chaldon end of Ditchens Lane or from Fox Lane in Old Coulsdon. The Downs, acquired by the Corporation of London in the late 19th century, were originally named Fairdene. Happy Valley was acquired for public use in the 1930s and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The hills and woodlands, alive with birdsong and wild flowers at this time of the year, give the walker the impression of being far away from London and the suburbs. The walk can also be extended westwards to Coulsdon or Kenley Common.

There are large public car parks in Ditchens Lane and just behind The Fox pub in Fox Lane, the perfect place for refreshment after your walk across the Downs!