Gallery

Viewing galleries from June, 2024

Stroud walk on 26th June 2024

Many thanks to Jay for stepping in to do this walk around Stroud. We started from the car park of the Seven Stars and the temperature was heading towards the hottest day of the year so far, with 30 degrees recorded at Heathrow later in the day. However we took care not to exert ourselves too much and we took advantage of all the shade that was available. We headed for Mustercoombe Copse before crossing fields to reach the village of Langrish. From here the path went across a field, up steps through a wood and then another field and the uphill work did at least give us a marvellous view across to Butser, Petersfield and beyond. We were now at Cold Hill (very inapropriate name for the day) and another rise took us to Ridge Lane above Great Hanger. The pile of logs previously chosen as an ideal drink stop was in fact being redistributed into lorrys in anticipation of a cold winter so we carried on to the junction with Lythe Hanger. This being the highest point on our walk, a drink and a short rest was much appreciated.  The descent to Lythe Farm was achieved without incident and we paused at a memorial seat (for a local marine who died in Afganistan in 2010) before carrying on past Lythe Farm and eventually reaching the Seven Stars for lunch. It was cooler inside and the water and lunch was much appreciated. The walk was a little under 4.1/2 miles.

---

Walderton Walk on 19th June 2024

Denis chose to walk in Walderton, partly because of the superb chips served in the pub! However, beforehand we needed to explore the nearby countryside. After a wander down to Manor Farm, we doubled back and took the Monarch's Way towards Inholmes Wood. The route was through fields of rapeseed but the yellow flowers had now turned to numerous seed pods, which we brushed through, grateful it was a dry day. Small clumps of red poppies had evaded the farmers "cultivation". At the start of Inholmes Wood we turned down towards Piglegged Row and then up again to find a great picnic spot high above the Watergate Park, with views of the sea around Hayling Island. The fields were full of daisies, with an occasional orchid for further decoration. After passing Watergate House we crossed the road to enter Watergate Hanger, re-crossing the road into Watergate Park for our final walk through the fields to Walderton and the welcome sight of the Barley Mow. The walk was just over 4 miles.

 

---

Heyshott walk on 12th June 2024

Mark and Jo's walk started at the Unicorn Inn in Heyshott and the group of 8 walkers headed north towards Goldballs plantation but then turned towards Walkers Farm and past Oakscroft. The walk should then have carried on south towards Mill Lane but the footpath was closed due to a fallen tree. So instead, turning left the group headed south east and followed a driveway to Mill Lane only to find the gate chained to its post. However this did not defeat the group who all managed to climb over the low fence at the side of the gate. Back on course, the group walked through Hoe Copse, using a fallen tree for seating at the coffee stop. Almost reaching Cocking, the group then headed East past Sage barn and through Hampshire Copse, heading back to Heyshott. A final loop to the south of Heyshott brought the walk to just under 5 miles, arriving back at the Unicorn at 12:40 for lunch. And happily, our one litter picker looked hard but did not find anything!

All lined up, ready to go!

The South Downs, Eleanor Farjeon country. Eleanor, great friend of Edward Thomas, was the author of "Morning has broken". Born 1881, died 1965.   For more info. click here:-   Eleanor Farjeon

Little bit of grass to negotiate.

Now, where did I park my lawn mower?

A very pleasant walk, just under 5 miles

---

Hill Brow walk on 5th June 2024

The walk this week unintentionally diverted from its original route, thanks must go to Jay for getting the 9 walkers and leaders back on track and to lunch in plenty of time. Covering 4.6 miles starting at Hill Brow, initially taking the Serpent Trail at Combe Hill to Tullecombe. Fortunately that day the Rogate Bike park was not being used by the mountain bikers, the jumps and drops were terrifying to look at never mind to experience on a bike, the group were happy walking. We then made our way to Rogate Common, through woodland and some more open areas where the clear skies allowed good views towards the South Downs. On to Durford Woods and then back to the Jolly Drover for a delicious lunch concluded our walk. Two litter pickers had packed bags to dispose of in the correct way, two walk leaders had thoughts of renewing their map reading skills and others seem pleased to arrive back with clean boots as weather was sunny and dry.

---

Elsted walk on 29th May 2024

Tim led our 4.4 mile ‘not very hilly’ walk from The Three Horseshoes at Elsted. Despite the extensive rain the previous day, we were blessed with sunshine and warmth. We started off down Elsted Road to take the footpath between the houses, dropping down across a field, the copse at the bottom, gliding through the mud until we reached the wooden bridge over the stream. Crossing over and skirting the next field, across the road into the road to Newhouse Farm. Turning left we crossed two fields with ewes and their lambs before a third field brought us to a gate between Rook Wood and Drencher Copse. Squelching across the next field we turned right onto Brimbrook Lane for a short time, then took the path on the right across fields towards Ditchling. On reaching the top of a hill shortly before Manor Farm we elected to stretch out on the field surrounded by sheep that kept a wary eye on us from a distance while we had our coffee break. Springing up from our supine poses we crossed Manor Farm’s yard and the fields beyond taking care on the descent through the scrub to the stream and slipping up the other side to gain the road at Treyford. Shortly after passing the Treyford Cemetery we took the path north dropping down Westfield Hanger with a final push back up the hill to the Three Horseshoes for our lunch.

---