Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Goodwood Walk on 23rd October 2024

Our walk to the Trundle at Goodwood, led by Mark and Jo, started by finding the route of the old railway line from Chichester to Midhurst. Luckily no trains have used this route since 1968, so we were quite safe! Travelling south we reached a junction with the New Lipchis Way, then turned uphill on the West Sussex Literary Trail. This led us to the lower slopes of the Trundle where there was an excellent pop-up coffee shop. With views as far as the sea and Chichester Cathedral in sight, a few felt they were quite high enough and declined to make the final assault to the very top. A party of 9 finally set off to reach the peak. The Trundle had human activity around 4,300 years ago but they didn't get around to building a fort until about 2,000 years ago. It wasn't until 1802 that someone had the bright idea of building a racecourse nearby. There is little evidence of a fort on the Trundle today, but it does have 2 large radio masts. We eventually descended and were reunited with the other well rested walkers. The route back down was on the Monarch's Way, past the walls and perimeter of the West Dean Estate. We finally reached the Selsey Arms where we all enjoyed a good lunch. The walk was over or under 5 miles, depending on your head for heights!

Car park start

Ascending Centurion Way

The West Sussex Literary Trail

This house, now for party hire, used to be the pub for carriages and horse riders a century or two ago, so a local told us.

A very nice spot to find a drink!

So the hardy start THE GREAT ASCENT!

Nearing the top

What a great view!

On top of the world, well, nearly

Striding along the ramparts of the old hill fort

Goodwood racecourse was on a much lower level

Time to head back - mind that tree!

The trees at this pont gave some shelter from a brief shower

Nice flint wall of the West Dean Estate

Now down in the valley with the River Lavant

A welcome sight, The Selsey Arms.

Serving time inside the pub

This particular route is 5.1 miles

Recent galleries

History

2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
1997