Sometimes a walk takes you to unexpected places. This was one of those walks. I set off with only a vague idea of the direction I was going, but not the destination.
I began by retracing some of the steps I’d taken a few weeks beforehand, when searching for the source of Beverley Brook, crossing the field I call the horse field around Motspur Park way. On getting to the end, instead of turning right towards Worcester Park, I turned left to see where it took me. This turned out to be a lovely mystery walk. The footpath is well laid in tarmac. The only cars to come through were going to an Equestrian Centre, but I only encountered two cars the whole time. The path is tree lined and I found two other pathways – one leading to Arthur Road (Motspur Park) and the other to Trafalgar Road (I think it was), labelled as Sutton, though I believe it is actually Cheam.
Along the tree lined path there are blackberries growing. It seemed a popular walk on the late Sunday afternoon I was there, but became quieter the further I went. As I walked along it began to border a cemetery, and when I reached the end of the path, there was an entrance into the cemetery, known as the Merton and Sutton Joint Cemetery. I do find cemeteries and graveyards quite fascinating, so I had a quick wander before heading off again. Not sure now of quite where I was I continued down the winding road. To my left there appeared to be a green overgrown space which I felt must be accessed from somewhere. Then I found a stream. It ran underneath the road and out on the other side. I took photos and wondered if this was another part of Beverley Brook.
I continued on until I came to another cemetery – The North Surrey (confusingly also known as Morden Cememtery), also an ecological space. Through the gates it looked impressive and well laid out, so I went to investigate. And it was impressive with wild areas, the mix of old and new graves, a beautiful garden of remembrance and circled enclosures with seating around a tree. The buildings were also impressive. Situated at the end of the driveway, they are the first things you see as you enter. And there is a beautiful memorial pond with fountain. It has been made to look like branches of a tree and each ‘leaf’ has the name of someone who has died. With plenty of space and benches to sit on there was the temptation to just sit and relax in this place. However, I aware of the time, so reluctantly said goodbye.
Heading left out of the gates I walked to the end of the road as I could see there was a pub on the other side of the roundabout. I could just make out that the pub had ‘Brook’ in the name. I thought I might be able to solve the mystery of the stream I had crossed (which, incidentally, runs through the North Surrey Cemetery). The name on the pub said The Morden Brook. I’d never heard of a Morden Brook, but I know there are many long forgotten brooks and streams that run through places. I decided I was look it up on my return home.
The pathway leading tio Arthur Road
I began the journey home retracing my steps, with one exception – I took the path to Arthur Road. I’d heard the name of this road and thought I knew where it came out (I was right). The path was beautiful, shady and it ran between the cemetery and the horse field before running along side the park. I took a slightly different route home, crossing the level crossing near Motspur Park station and cutting off down other roads.
Once home I looked up the pub name and feel rather chuffed that I had been right about the stream. It is in fact part of Beverley Brook before it heads off to Beverley Fields, RIchmond Park, Barnes Common, Putney and into the Thames. The pub, The Morden Brook, was originally The Beverley and built in the 1900’s. Read about it here. I love it when things come together.
My London+ 