A Devil's Punch Bowl Walk From Matthew

If you live in the Hindhead area you are very lucky as there is a magnificent piece of countryside for all kinds of outdoor pursuits that goes by the name of the Devil's Punch Bowl. It is a natural depression in the landscape that forms well ... a bowl. But legend says it is caused by the devil tormenting the god Thor by throwing handfuls of dirt at him.

The bowl has unspoilt streams, woodlands and heath. It is run by the National Trust and there is a very nice cafe at the car park. So if you don't live in Hindhead you can still visit this most magnificent area. If you want to stay in the bowl over night, contact the Youth Hostel Association.

I was fortunate to be able to hike around the bowl at night with my son's scout group. There is certainly a different side to the bowl at night. It was cold, frosty and there was the threat of snow. The woodlands cast all sorts of eerie shadows and the streams, well if you weren’t careful, you ended up in them. The heath was open and you could spot animals moving across them.

After two and a half hours of wonderful exploration we ended up at the local scout hut and had a very delicious and warming a hot chocolate around a camp fire. There we bunked down for the night.

After all that mud our boots needed a good clean. Fortunately we had our mocean boot scrapers. The boot scraper is excellent for cleaning mud from all kinds of muddy boots. Check them out at www.boot-scraper.co.uk

If you come to Hindhead I am sure you will find it hard to leave.

Matthew Taylor

Lance says... Thank you Matthew for your story. Your description will entice more to hike and explore the Devil's Punchbowl.

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Palm House And Property Market In Hindhead: Growth Ahead?

Its been a wonderful late Summer and early Autumn. So I thought I would show some pictures of a fine house in the radiant sunshine last week... and looking at these reminds me what a wonderful place Hindhead is to live.

And this seems to be bourne out by the number of people looking to move to the area from both London but also the many surrounding areas. An estate agent friend is rushed off his feet with the activity from buyers. It's interesting to see how others also believe Hindhead will be even more desirable, and more expensive a place to live once the A3 tunnel gets even closer to completion.

They have been hugely impressed with the response for one particular property in Hindhead -- and the owner has given me permission to discuss this. They have two firm offers in just three days of marketing, and with many more viewings lined up, I can see that quality property here will become more and more sought after.

Palm House, Linkside West is for sale -- take a look at the video of this unique minimalist house below:

All details and pictures can be found on rightmove here. It is a very high end refurbishment that has real "curb appeal" and style on one of the most sought after Linkside West plots. Its a supremely quiet location -- but with convenient shops, schools and amenities close by. And with the golf course and woods on the doorstep it is truly a perfect place to live.

Have you sold, bought or rented recently in the area? How is the market? Does the Hindhead tunnel have an impact?

I would love to hear of your experiences.... just comment below.

Here's to a fine and colourful Hindhead Autumn. And hope the property market has stabilised in your area.