Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

East Dean Morning Walk 24th July 2019

Jennifer had stepped in for the recovering Jeff and chose to go to East Dean. The forecast was for a hot day but the worst being saved for the afternoon. It was hot but as much of the walk  was in the shade of trees and there was often a helpful breeze, we survived very well. We even tackled a few hills for good measure. We started from the village and headed up towards Wood Lea. Turning right we descended North Down until we reached the West Sussex Literary Trail which we used to go north to our coffee stop at the base of Wood Lea. We had a nicely shady stop under an ancient yew tree, supplemented with some delicious strawberries. At the top of Wood Lea a couple of walkers decided to take a more direct route to the Pub, not so much from a heat problem, more to avoid any more hills! As it turned out, the walk towards Eastdean Woods and back to Scratlee was not particularly hilly but did extend the walk, luckily through shady woods. Lunch was in the excellent Star and Garter where we also found a few more members. The walk was just over 4.1/2 miles.

Here lyeth the body of William Peachey of East Dean blacksmith, dated 1688.

Church of St Simon and St Jude

Heading back down

Starting out through the churchyard

Hollyhocks

Star and Garter

Shaded by a giant yew

Wood Lea

Walking towards Eastdean Woods

Descending North Down

Chicory

Top of North Down

Wild Campanula

Walkers must be nearby!

A battered Red Admiral (?) probably having flown from Europe earlier this year

We missed these early visitors - Mick Hutchins is from Benges, which is surprisingly only about 3 miles away

Just over 4.1/2 miles

I've got my eye on you.

Last strawberry, thanks Pauline

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