O n a crisp winter's morning, there are some delightful and invigorating walks to be had without having to travel far before setting off on foot.

One such stroll that can be enjoyed on a bright and icy morning is in Redhill.

The starting point is Donyngs sports centre, Linkfield Lane, and the length of the ramble is about four miles.

From the sports centre head towards the roundabout, alongside of which is the Red Lion public house. This is the ancient centre of the original Redhill before the town was developed with the coming of the railways in early Victorian years. It was known as Linkfield Corner and the post office here, at Reffell's Bridge, is still called by this name. The pub is where Great Train Robber Ronald Biggs used to haunt in the early 1960s and play cards with the locals.

Cross the roundabout at the traffic lights and head for Linkfield Street behind the car park.

This is a charming part of Redhill with Victorian and Georgian houses and cottages lining the street. This was the original London to Brighton Road, for in the days of yore, it was too boggy in the low-lying parts to support horse-drawn transport.

The White Lion along this road is the oldest inn in the town and dates back to at least the 18th century. Note the charming Georgian cottages opposite, just up the hill. At the top of the road, take the footpath opposite and climb up to the summit of Redhill Common.

This is a delightful area of woodland and open grassland with bracken and brambles between the trees.

There is a stunning view from the summit, looking south towards Gatwick and the South Downs. A direction plaque gives fascinating facts about how many miles it is to far-flung places.

If not too icy underfoot, take the steep footpaths down through the glades of silver birch and oak to St John's Church – the cathedral church of Redhill – and cross the A23. This is Earlswood Common and by following south-westerly paths over the common, after half a mile or so, you reach the beautiful Earlswood Lakes, now a nature reserve.

Sometimes in winter, the lakes are frozen over and it is fun watching the moorhens and coots slithering over the ice and sometimes losing their footing.

By the Woodhatch Road car park next to the common, a hearty full English breakfast can be purchased at the mobile kiosk, along with coffee and tea. Usually some chairs are set out for weary walkers to get their breath back.

Follow the route back to Redhill and on arrival back at Donyngs or the Red Lion, there's another chance for a hot lunch in the bar or the sports centre café.