Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Grayshott Morning Walk 10th January 2108

The day started slightly chilly and cloudy but after some tramping through the woods of Waggoners Wells we stopped for coffee in bright sunshine with a lot of blue sky above. The ponds were originally constructed in the 17th Century, probably to be used as hammer ponds for the production of iron. However around this time coal and coke were discovered in the north of England and were found to be better at producing iron. The whole iron industry moved from southern England to the north, so the ponds at Waggoners Wells were never used as hammer ponds. After our break we wandered over Ludshott Common, an important heathland in East Hampshire, home to woodlarks, nightjars, dartford warblers and many other endangered species. Lunch in The Fox and Pelican was enjoyed by all. The walk was 4.9 miles with 350 feet gained.

90 species of lichens in these woods.

Starting out.

Some paths needed a detour.

4.9 miles

Babes in the wood.

Oakhanger in the far distance.

Rare species on the common.

Overseen with portraits of Tennyson, Conan Doyle and Flora Thompson, all locals.

Nice idea!

Testing the bridge for strength.

Resting by the beech roots.

Break time.

Recent galleries

History

2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
1997