Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Midhurst Common walk on 14th August 2024

The walk led by Pauline and Linda was a tour around the Midhurst commons. Starting out from the Iping Common car park we headed west along the Serpent Trail. Within 600 meters we quite unknowingly crossed the route of the Roman Road from Silcester (near Reading) to Chichester, built by the Romans to assist with the delivery of mail, fortunately without the assistance of Fijitsu and the Post Office. We were also lucky not to know the Serpent Trail is named after all three native snakes, which live in the area! After admiring vaste swathes of beautiful heather we left the Serpent Trail and turned back into the Fitzhall Heath and Plantation before coming across the formidable security fencing around the site of the inactive Minsted sandpit, originally developed after WW II for building material extraction. Locals have sucessfully stopped the South Downs National Parks Authority allowing more excavation on the adjacent area of The Severals. After a few twists and turns we were once again on the Serpent Trail, which took us through The Severals to Woolmer Bridge, Stedhan Common and eventually back to the car park. The Hamilton Arms beckoned and we retreated there to enjoy some tasty Thai food. The walk was a little over 5 miles and mostly flat

Leaving the car park

We were warned trolls may be under that bridge

but they'd gone on another walk, perhaps

Far away South Downs

Blackberries perhaps need a week or two to reach full flavour!

KEEP OUT of Minsted sandpit

We came across this poor lady desperately trying to sell flowers to buy paint for her wagon.

Even a goat deserves a nice bench

Coffee stop in the woods of The Warren

This post must have been feeling a little chilled

Midhurst Common heading towards Sunset Hill

Crossing the road into Stedham Common

Plentiful gorse to be avoided!

Stedham and Iping Common are home to all five of the heathland dragonfly species found in the south of the UK. The sculpture, designed to look like the wings of a dragonfly, serves as the perfect resting spot for these species. Thanks for the information, Southdowns National Park Authority.

Hamilton Arms at last!

5 and a bit miles

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