Hooksway walk on 15th February 2023

We gathered on the grass car park admiring the diligence of the moles at the Royal Oak at Hooksway which allegedly dates from the 13th Century. The village at Hooksway was largely wiped out by the plague, with few buildings surviving, luckily for us, the pub was one of them.

John and Maureen guided us up the hill, skirting woodland, fields and grand houses up onto the South Downs. The sun was out with few clouds giving us great views of Pen Hill and Millpond Bottom while we admired the soaring Red Kites and songs of the Skylarks. We took our coffee break early to soak up the view. We followed the South Downs Way past Mount Sinai enjoying the views to the north feeling extremely pleased with ourselves that this countryside is so accessible.

In Philliswood Down we stopped to read the read the memorial to the German pilot Hauptmann Joseph Oestermann shot down during the Battle of Britain before leaving the South Downs Way at the edge of the wood and heading towards the site of the abandoned medieval settlement of Northolt alias Monkton where we turned west across the fields into Phillis Wood and back to the Royal Oak where Dave, the Landlord provided fine liquid refreshment and a royal repast.

The walk was only just over five miles of undulation that had a total climb of 737ft!

Ready for the start, bit nervous about how big the molehills are

View over to Buriton Hanger

Coffee stop with a view

South Downs Way, Beacon Hill to our left

Now, get ready to smile

The select few

A descent, thank goodness!

Walking down Pen Hill, admiring the view

The wonderful South Downs

There should be a path here, why isn't it signposted?

Catkins beckoning spring

Approaching Northolt alias Monkton

Leaving the remains of Northolt alias Monkton

Sheep on the Downs

There is a Cathedral down there somewhere, anyone see it?

Just follow me, I know where the pub is.

The final straight, we can sense the refreshments...

Royal Oak does us proud

Just over 5 miles

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• Walderton Walk and Skittles on 22nd february 2023 →