“Misty” enjoying the view across the South Downs

Concerns were raised that we may not make the lunch stop at Elsted before the kitchen shut, so a brave volunteer ran ahead, only to discover that the terrain became harder.

The Three Horseshoes at Elsted.

After many false trails, a path to The Three Horseshoes was found at the expense of severely stung and scratched legs. Ploughmans’ lunches and ice cold cider ordered in good time, the rest of the party arrived to enjoy the splendid food and ales on offer.

Approaching Compton Down Semaphore Tower

Forward on to and across the South Downs in the increasing temperatures of the July heatwave.  Keith is feeling the strain of 5 days of walking – cumulative total now standing at around 89 miles.

However, he has vowed to complete the final day from Rowlands Castle and on into Portsmouth Harbour on Saturday evening, to be met by fellow walkers and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf fundraisers. @hearingdogs #hearingdogs

Keith on day five. Feeling the strain but still determined to finish.

Day Four – July 2nd Godalming to Fernhurst

With the majority of the group’s legs being strapped up more than an average soldier in the First World War, the group ambled up to Godalming to begin day four of the semaphore tower walk.

Despite the huge aches and pains suffered by many of the walkers, it didn’t discourage several members from popping into a local charity shop for several minutes purchasing  fashion items for the journey. Essential, of course.

Keith and Uffe walking towards Witley

The group marched up to Witley, crossing hills, which didn’t feel much dissimilar to what I imagine Everest to be! [Hmm? Ed] I wondered if altitude sickness was a common problem in the Surrey Hills.

Entertainment was provided by a new member of our group ‘Misty’ the dog, whose continuous sprinting after sticks provided hours of amusement.

The new recruit Misty the dog, provided hours of entertainment.

The first semaphore tower was situated at Witley on top of Barnacle Hill, although no traces remain of the original telegraph station.

After another great pub lunch at the Wheatsheaf in Haslemere, we moved on up towards the next semaphore tower, just a short intensive climb up towards Haste Hill. Despite the semaphore tower no longer existing, we still stopped for yet another photograph outside where it once stood.

Our stop at the Wheatsheaf in Haslemere.

A further highlight of the day came when Jacob, the youngest member of the walkers, returned an escaping Jack Russell back to its owner, which likewise proceeded in greeting him by urinating down his chest and legs! Jacob was now part of the dog’s territory.

Negotiating the obstacle course.

The day finished by completing an obstacle course through the woods much to the dismay of several members of the group walking in aid of @hearingdogs. Day 5 will commence from Fernhurst, in what is being billed as the most gruelling, longest day yet! Great!

Day Three – July 1st Chatley Heath to Godalming

After two previous days of seemingly endless walking in scorching summer sun, the aches and pains of the previous distances were embellished to new heights. Following the hundred and seventeenth cry of “it’s too hot”, a thirteen strong group of walkers comprised of LDWA [Long Distance Walkers Association] and distinctly amateur family walkers, set off from Horsley station towards the end point of Godalming.

The third day was definitely the most scenic yet, as the group progressed upwards towards Newlands Corner, despite a vicious attack upon one of the walkers from a ‘killer bee’!

Newlands Corner, back in home territory. All still present despite the “killer bee” attack.

Upon the day now renowned as the hottest July day in recorded temperatures, the dash towards the Ye Olde Ship Inn by St Catherine’s Hill began, albeit at a notably slower pace!

The only semaphore tower of today’s walk was seen on Pewley Hill, constructed in 1822, which has since been replaced by a magnificent renovated house upon its foundations.

Forget your aches and pains and smile for the camera. Another group shot this time by Semaphore House on Pewley Hill now surrounded by other dwellings in Semaphore Road – where else?

After a wonderful lunch break at The Ship, the group were sufficiently fuelled to complete the final four miles alongside the river to reach the finish at Godalming. Although many of the walkers were completely knackered by the end of day three, 80-years-young Keith Chesterton was still raring to go and could have hopped another six miles if given the chance.

Where’s Keith? Striding out in front no doubt!

Day Two – June 30th  Berrylands to Chatley Heath.

The second day of the Semaphore tower walking route in aid of the charity hearing dogs for deaf people, began from Berrylands Station under sweltering summer conditions.

Although several members of the group were afflicted with various minor injuries from the previous days walking, the majority still remained motivated to push on with another days walking, whilst remaining oblivious to the harsh days walk they had in store.

At times the walkers felt that they were in the Sahara. This is in fact Esher Common.

From Berrylands we strolled towards Telegraph Hill (Coopers Hill). Encountering extreme heat, the walk felt as though it was being conducted in the Sahara desert rather than the climbs of Claygate, Cobham or Horsley!

Keith Chesterton and his supporters at Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower.

After stopping for an excellent lunch, the group trudged on towards the next located tower at Chatley Heath, which is the best preserved remaining semaphore tower in the United Kingdom.

A plaque commemorating The Diggers at Cobham.

Following several pictures, endless water breaks and unceasing grumbles about sore feet, we eventually finished our walk in around seven hours (excluding rest breaks), making a dent of 18-21 miles (depending upon GPS or more traditional map sources) into our walk towards Portsmouth from central London.

Keith’s daughter comes face to face with horse as we approach Ockham.

Despite elements of the group being particularly fatigued, the walk commences again tomorrow with a ‘leisurely’ 13 more miles.

Keir, one of Keith’s grandsons, at a Coal Tax post on Esher common.

Day One – June 29th  Trafalgar Square to Berrylands. 

Blessed by good weather, a party of eight set off from Guildford, linking with LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) members in Trafalgar Square and later in Sloane Square. 16 walkers trekked from central London via The Admiralty in Whitehall.

Starting point – Trafalgar Square near the old admiralty buildings.

The route took the group past the Saatchi Gallery. A Semaphore Tower installation (No. 2) was on its roof.  The building was originally a school for the sons of soldiers, then the HQ for Territorial Army units.

Chelsea Hospital

On past the Chelsea Hospital, through Battersea and along the Thames path to Putney. From there they followed a route via Putney Heath, site of another tower, and into Wimbledon Common.

The windmill on Wimbledon Common. A plaque states that Baden-Powell wrote part of “Scouting For Boys” here.

Another stop in the Combe Hill Estate at the site of a tower. The “cottage” is one of a number of new buildings on the site of Telegraph Cottage. This was a large house that housed General Eisenhower and his staff before the D-Day landings. Unfortunately this house burnt down in 1987.

The group then travelled onwards before reaching their destination after 14 miles.