Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Stedham walk on 8th May 2024

The 4.9 mile ‘old bridges’ route led by Jay and Lindsay around Stedham started at the Hamilton Arms in Stedham, took us along the footpath from School Lane to Iping Lane which we walked north on until we reached the footpath east before the bridge.  Turning off the road we walked between the fields to the River Rother bank, crossed the Grade II listed Stedham bridge picking up the footpath at the river’s edge at Bridgefoot with a fine view of Stedham Hall across the water to Stedham Mill where we posed for a team photo.  We strolled along the river bank some more until Jay’s ‘undulation’ heart attack inducing hill took us up close to Brambling Farm when a right turn with downhill slopes and an excellent coffee spot redeemed Jay’s reputation.  The National Trust field where the old oak tree had split and fallen was boggy but we made it to Brambling Lane where we crossed the medieval multi-span bridge at Woolbeding which is a Scheduled Monument, then up the hill, crossing the A272 onto the woodland of the Severals.  We picked up the Serpent Trail where we needed some mountain goat skills to skirt the muddy path to reach Woolmer Bridge.  At this point the intended path was waterlogged so we deviated to the main road taking the footpath that came out beside Stedham School and back to the Hamilton Arms where a welcome guest turned up and we dined in style.

Enjoying the sunshine

Steep bank of the River Rother

Nature’s obstacle course

Altogether after passing Stedham Hall

Grade II listed Stedham Bridge

We have not seen the River Rother running so full before

Trekking through the jungle?

Getting our breath back on top of the ‘undulation’

A perfect spring picture

Come on Robin Hood, I dare you!

Coffee break

Leading through the grass

What excellent manners you have, young man

If my breath holds out, I want my 18 year old body back

Miguel’s joke was so funny, the Oak split its sides laughing

Pensive pair

Just finished detouring around the mud

Lunch at the Hamilton Arms

Walk Route

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