Tranquil flows the Mole

Nine months ago this would have been a raging torrent, way above this level as the River Mole broke its banks for much of its length and caused a huge amount of damage. Today it was flowing peacefully. A walker was throwing in sticks for her labrador to fetch and two young ladies were sunbathing on a bench.
I have lived in the area for nearly fifty years and passed the end of the road called River Lane many times, but have never thought to explore. Today I had time on my hands and down the lane I went. It ended at the river where footpaths continued over footbridges and on to Leatherhead. There were plenty of walkers and cyclists passing through. Now why had I never found this pretty place?