Friday, 18 June 2021 - BALCOMBE CIRCULAR VIA ARDINGLEY RESERVOIR AND WAKEHURST PLACE -  9 miles
Leader: Dave H  (Standing in for Sue E)

At moderate pace with some steep ups (not too long!) via the reservoir waterside, Ardingley church and woodlands. We stop for lunch at Wakehurst Place where there is a cafe and loos - not requiring entrance to the gardens. For those visiting the gardens where there are more cafes, suggest booking for 1pm, cost £14.50 (free to NT or Kew Gardens members). Note: the lunch stop will be one hour 15 mins. If you are considering staying longer at the gardens, there may be occasional buses from the gardens to Haywards Heath, but please check first.
Lunch: picnic/cafe at Wakehurst Place

Happy group - before the rain got heavier

Leader checking up on route;

Our stalwarts at Ardingly reservoir;

Rain – field of oats magically transformed.

More rain: less magical puddles and mud.

Conifers with understory of ferns

Climbing through the woods near Wakehurst Place

Wakehurst Place

Acer 

Deserted picnic tables with sinister umbrellas

Wakehurst Place – iris dell

Checking out credentials of a redwood tree

Bridge over Ardingly Brook

Home stretch – past some suspicious heifer’s , some of us just a tiny bit apprehensive…

Photos: Shira M, Ruth, Dave H.