A stroll over The Downs into Epsom . . .

I haven't had an opportunity for much a walk at all recently so grabbed the chance to walk over The Downs today into Epsom and back on a circular walk.  Not that far, probably about five miles or so but long enough to call it 'fresh air and exercise'.

Our son was happy to accompany me. He's always easily persuaded if there's a chance of refreshments en route!

Five minutes from home and we pass a few shops, one being the local funeral director.  They always take great care with their window display and it is often topical yet very tasteful (amazingly creative!).  Today's offering was interesting.  Here you can see the 'ghostly spectre' of our son contemplating the 'four last things'.

In fact we spent quite a lot of our walk discussing his funeral (There's a whole new blog post in that topic!) in a cheery sort of way.  No he's not ill, as far as we know!  Funnily enough our walk takes us past the local cemetery too.  

Anyway enough of such frivolity.

Once past the laugh-a-minute shops we follow the undulating landscape of the North Downs down towards Tattenham Corner and the racecourse.

Passing farmland . . . 

Sorry about the poor quality of the photos, I only had my phone camera with me.

To Tattenham Corner.  You can just about make out the grandstand in the background.

Looking down the home straight . . . 

Past the entrance to the racecourse and the Queen's Stand. The Union Flags are there because of the Tour of Britain cycle race which passed through here yesterday.

A popular venue for Sunday lunch.

A different mode of transport advertised on the wall of the Derby Stables.

The Rubbing House, one of our favourite places for Sunday lunch. Great views too.

Signs of Autumn on our walk too.

 Harvest in the hedgerows, or, bounty in the bushes.

I hadn't even noticed the leaves beginning to turn on the trees but obviously they are.  Still, it is the Autumnal Equinox today.

As usual, click on the photos to get a clearer view.