Elsted walk on 23rd August 2023

Celia and Miguel’s 4.5 mile walk started at the Three Horseshoes in Elsted on a gloriously sunny day with views across the South Downs. In uplifted spirits we crossed the stubble field, through a copse, across a stream and skirted another field to come out onto the Treyford to Elsted Marsh road. We ambled through Newhouse Farm, smartly sidestepping the large tractor heading out to remote fields and paused to look at the young Partridges strutting and pecking.

There were a few stops to rest in the shade of the tall hedgerows to cool down, and have some water before we reached a shaded corner where we relaxed for our coffee stop on the edge of Didling. Fortified, we walked down to Manor Farm when one of us realised we had failed the ‘leave no trace’ ethos by leaving their well-travelled walking stick behind. The rest of us took the opportunity to relax in the shade a bit more while said walking stick was recovered. The South Downs were a constant reminder to the south of us what amazing countryside we reside in as we crossed fields heading to Treyford. We milled around expectantly for cats to cross the road to heed the warnings but they must have been off hunting smaller prey. Taking the road towards Redlands, we passed the old Treyford church graveyard and soon picked up another footpath taking us up the hill where we could feel our lunch calling.

The al fresco lunch on shaded tables with the Downs bathed in sunshine, great food and drink all accompanied by a peep of chickens was a lovely way to finish a walk with friends.

Skirting a stubble field

The shepherd herding his flock

Partridges in a corner wondering which one was going to make it to the Pear Tree

A bit steeper than the undulations we were promised

But the views of the Downs are worth it

Flowers between the beds of Thistles?

One hesitant sheep just before it decides to follow the flock down the hill

Enjoying the shade and a photo

Enjoying our coffee break even more

Leading the way

Leading the way Sun, fields, Downs…..what more could one ask for?

Never mind the cat crossing, leading a walk is like herding cats

Planes steak across the sky while we streak down the hill

All smiles on the final leg back to the pub

A delicious repast

Let’s sneak off just in case they ordered chicken pie

• ← Finchdean walk on the 9th August 2023
• Grayswood walk 30th August 2023 →