Buriton Long walk on 15th June 2022

The 9.35 mile walk started at South Harting recreation ground car park, skirting around the church heading across the field between broad beans and wheat crops up to West Harting, where we turned west across the fields to Mill Dam. Paul and Jay tested their apps to establish we were looking at a wispy asparagus crop. The coffee break was at the bank of the Mill pond, where a bee tried to partake in Paul’s snack, which he valiantly defended. At Nursted we turned south to Old Ditcham along a newly mown wide path before turning west again towards Buriton. Before reaching the end of Pircroft Lane we took The Milky Way, no stars to be seen but plenty of puddles and mud. At Buriton, Jay’s technical skills and ability to grab a phone signal, beat the collected knowledge of the walkers to identify a row of White Bean trees along Monks Way. Having made good time, a visit to St Mary’s Church was called for, its origins are Norman albeit significantly modified in Victorian times. It was the mother church for the whole Petersfield district until 1886 when Petersfield and Sheet became a separate parish. Buriton was on the old route between London and Portsmouth with The Five Bells providing sustenance and rest, which we took advantage of. The sizeable repast and rest stood us in good stead for the return to The Milky Way up to the South Downs Way that we tramped along back towards South Harting before descending through The Warren to return to the recreation ground.

South Harting car park, ready to go.

So what is this crop?

Aha, that's asparagus.

Bernard's impression of an owl hitting a window

Coffee stop by the Mill Pond. The bee hasn't yet stung!

What's that bzzzzzzzzzzing noise?

Anyone got a scythe in their backpack?

Built in the 12th C on the site of an earlier church, mentioned in the Domesday Book.

The East window is in memory of John Bonham Carter, Lord of the Manor.

Thought to be named after the Five Bells that once were in St Mary's church.

Whoever parked this in the pub car park has obviously missed the "last orders" call.

As the day got hotter, some felt the need to zip off a leg

Lunch well earned

Tree house for rent, includes climbing wall, shower, net and swing.

Every climb deserves a good view

And a field of flowers to round off a great day.

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• Marley Heights on 22nd June 2022 →