Day 3: Ashtead to Weybridge
We walk from Ashtead, via Ashtead Common, Prince's Covert and Claygate Common to Claygate where we make a prayer stop and take lunch. Afterwards, we cross Esher Common and West End Common before crossing the River Mole to the West of Esher. Next, we pass an equestrian centre and golf course before heading through Walton on Thames and making a prayer stop. Finally, we follow the Thames Path to the end of the walk in Weybridge. In general, paths are easy going - a mix of tracks, paths and bridleways with generally good surfaces. There is also some pavement walking in Ashtead, Claygate, Walton and Weybridge.
Pilgrimage Newsfeed - Day 3
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St Michael’s RC Church, Ashtead
Our day started with Mass celebrated in the church adjoining our overnight accommodation, where a few parishioners joined us. This was our stop in Epsom Deanery
St Michael’s RC Church. Ashtead Danny Thomas
Pilgrimage mass in Michael and All Angels. The entry hymn John Chenery
Holy Trinity, Claygate
A huge and stylish church where we were welcomed with refreshments before praying together.
Holy Trinity, Claygate John Chenery
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Claygate Danny Thomas
Claire leading the way. Anne Bailey
Gary leads a reflection on "east" and specifically Gaza, Holy Trinity, Claygate Aidan Simons
Ashtead level crossing held us up (two trains) Danny Thomas
Hare and Hounds, Claygate
The pub was welcoming and, despite the fuss about pre-ordering food, handled on-the-day orders efficiently. Many pilgrims ate their rolls on the neighbouring green triangle, shaded by trees.
Scooby Doo in the pub! Claire Glover
Anne Bailey
In Esher Common John Chenery
No sign of the pond John Chenery
St George’s, West End
St George's is a "tin tabernacle" built on land donated by Queen Victoria, and recently refurbished.
A welcome at St George's, West End Claire Glover
Cushions in St George's, West End Claire Glover
St George, West End John Chenery
Stained glass window in St George's, West End Claire Glover
Group shot at St George's Aidan Simons
We crossed the River Mole John Chenery
St Mary’s, Walton-on-Thames
Unfortunately the church was not open, but the churchyard was shady and there was a Waitrose nearby so we stopped quite a while, as it was very hot.
Anne Bailey
Front markers Claire, Julian and Norbert head off from St Mary, Walton on Thames John Chenery
Outside St Mary's John Chenery
A welcome ice cream Danny Thomas
How to be and keep cool fred.adilz
St Mary's hiding in the trees John Chenery
Walton Church - we couldn't get in, so sat in the shade in the churchyard Aidan Simons
The final stretch of the walk was alongside the River Thames - a little fresher than the housing estates. Some reprobates popped into a pub "for old times' sake" and ended up behind the backmarkers. [I admit this included the photographer] Aidan Simons
Clare and Fr Paul brought drinks to the Riverbank by the elegant Walton Bridge Aidan Simons
Historic boat on the Thames by D'Oyly Island, previously owned by Edith Piaf I'm told Aidan Simons
Christ the Prince of Peace RC Church, Weybridge
Our only stop in Weybridge Deanery, so we celebrated Evening Prayer in the church before supper.
Anne Bailey
Before supper we held Evening Prayer in the church, our only opportunity for communal prayer in Weybridge Deanery. Aidan Simons
Pilgrims waiting for their supper. Maurice Hickman
Pilgrims eating their supper. Look no tables! Maurice Hickman
Simon and Julian trying to ventilate the sleeping quarters! Claire Glover
Bedtime in Weybridge Claire Glover
