Byworth Walk on 16th November 2022

The 4.6 mile walk promised a fountain, picturesque woodland and great views of the South Downs and rolling countryside up to Black Down based on the pre-walk. The weather was not promising as we started at The Welldiggers Arms at Low Heath, slid down the mudslide to Hallsgate Farm where we encountered the Tardis that the blue paint had burnt off during re entry before walking up to the picturesque houses of Byworth. The path cut behind The Black Horse Inn where the promised fountain was not working, but a double rainbow lifted our spirits. Descending the hill revealed a new tributary that was absent on the pre-walk to the bridge over the stream. This new tributary competed with the stream for width and depth requiring some acrobatics to access the bridge. From here, the rise through the woodland and open heath to Petworth were uneventful. The Serpentine Trail was picked up near the Grade II listed Sacred Heart Church and the sun greeted us as we walked down the valley and up the other side where we were rewarded with fine views across to Black Down. Ascending again through a copse to Brinkshole Heath where we stopped for a coffee break and a discourse on mushrooms. After crossing Riverhill Lane a right turn took us off the Serpentine Trail down the edge of Flexham Park to Riverhill and onto a path bounded by electric fences to Little Bognor where we were met by enthusiastic horses. The Victorian post box and historic houses were admired before we crossed a field with great views of the South Downs. Our final leg was through Egdean Common and Low Heath back to The Welldiggers Arms where we were treated to a well-earned lunch.