Arundel walk on 20th December 2023

The last walk in 2023 for the Midhurst Footpath Companions was 5.5 miles in Arundel starting at The Black Rabbit, led by Jay and Lindsey. The recent rains had flooded part of the last section of the walk necessitating a diversion. The nine of us waded through the mud on the elevated west bank of the River Arun skirting the Wetland Centre where we crossed the road, stopping for some photographs at the Swanbourne Lake with Mill Hanger rising on our right. Leaving the lake behind we rose through the grassy valley for the steepest climb of the walk in Arundel Park to enjoy the rolling verdant countryside where we stopped for refreshments including Stollen at a convenient copse. We descended at the edge of South Wood, looking down on a solitary Red Kite before coming back to the bank of the Arun where we turned for South Stoke. At this point we had to forgo the flooded scenic meander beside the river and take the road back to the pub. Along the way, Jay and Lindsey had arranged a demonstration of modern sheep herding complete with sheep dog and quadbike for us in compensation. The lunch at The Black Rabbit was most enjoyable although the ladies found the admiring glances of Sean Connery and Jude Law in the facilities a bit disconcerting.

Ready and raring to go

River Arun, 37 miles long and 25.5 miles of it are affected by the tide.

River Arun with the sun fighting to come out

The path on the bank was too muddy, the ditch was drier.

Signpost over enjoyed the Christmas spirit

Walking the shore of the Swanbourne Lake

The end of Swanbourne Lake with the valley behind

Heading up the valley

Rolling up the hills

‘The hills were alight with the sound of music’ ….

All  "Stollened" out

Squadron gliding down to the hanger

Last plane in

Sprinting past the mud in best Billy the Whizz fashion

Shepherding demonstration for us

Last lunch before Christmas

• ← Midhurst Christmas Walk on 13th December 2023
• Chichester Walk on 3rd January 2024 →