Day 2 of 52 Walks with Grace – Farley Heath Roman Temple
Today Grace and I headed to Farley Heath in search of the Roman temple. We got completely lost, and I had to use AI to help me find it. The funny thing is, ChatGPT got it wrong, so we ended up wandering around in circles, convinced we were close but never quite finding it. It became quite a battle between me and AI.
Eventually, after meeting a beautiful shire horse, with Grace of course announcing our arrival by barking, we were pointed in the right direction by a lovely lady. Thank you. Without her, I think I’d still be wandering around the Surrey Hills.
Standing on the remains of a Roman temple that has been there for nearly 2,000 years was a strange feeling. You suddenly realise that people once stood in exactly the same place, worshipping, talking and living their lives centuries before ours.
The temple at Farley Heath dates back to the Roman period, probably around the late second or early third century AD. Archaeologists believe it was a small Romano-Celtic temple, built on an even older sacred site where local people may have gathered long before the Romans arrived. Rather than being a grand city temple, it would have been a peaceful place of worship surrounded by woodland and heath, where travellers and local communities came to leave offerings, pray and honour their gods. During excavations, coins, pottery, jewellery and small bronze figures were discovered, giving us a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of those who visited almost two millennia ago.
Today, all that remains are the stone footings, quietly resting beneath the trees, but they still carry an incredible sense of history. It amazes me that the Romans reached this quiet corner of Surrey. Hidden away among winding lanes, woodland and heathland, it feels like somewhere time has almost forgotten.
The drive is beautiful, although the roads are very winding, so if they make you nervous, perhaps let someone else drive. The views are worth every bend. Rolling farmland, sheep grazing peacefully and miles of countryside reminded me just how lucky we are to have so much history right on our doorstep.
Grace wasn’t feeling her best today and had a little upset tummy, so we kept the walk short. I suspect the sandy ground may have irritated her because she’s so low to the ground. If you have a small dog, especially a dachshund, it’s worth keeping an eye on them as there is a lot of deep sand. There are also plenty of horses, so if your dog isn’t confident around them, keep them on a lead and give them plenty of space. Grace met her very first shire horse today. I think I was more nervous than she was. They are enormous, but incredibly gentle and beautiful.
It was nearly 30 degrees, so today was also a reminder about staying safe when walking alone. I always pin my location to my husband so he knows where I am. My backpack comes everywhere with me and always has water for both of us, my phone, my camera, dog treats, a small emergency meal for Grace and a few essentials for me. I rather like the phrase “just in case”. Life has taught me that being prepared is never wasted.
Today reminded me that adventures don’t always go to plan. Sometimes you get lost. Sometimes technology lets you down. Sometimes a stranger points you in the right direction. And sometimes you end up standing in a place that’s been quietly waiting for nearly two thousand years, wondering who stood there before you.
Farley Heath was definitely worth getting lost for.
I would love to hear about your adventures there below.
The Tea Rose xx.
FIND THE RUINS
Recent Comments