Back to nature

This is the Devil's Punch Bowl, in Hindhead. Since the bypass tunnel opened two years ago, the area has been taken over by the National Trust, along with the rest of the 'Surrey Hills'. There are lots of legends associated with the name, but you only have to see it in the autumn, full of mist, for the name to resonate. (Now that would make a good blip!)

The curving track in the photo is actually the old stretch of the A3 which used to run along the top. Ripping it out and allowing the area to return to nature was part of the tunnel deal. Despite the fact that I have driven along there many times, (trying to negotiate the tight turn and get a glimpse of the 'bowl' below) this is the first time I've actually 'visited' it. The old A3 used to whizz you straight through Hindhead and on towards Portsmouth.

I can foresee regular future visits... :)