Tillington Walk on 26th October 2022

The Tillington walk led by Jay was dry all morning in spite of rain before the walk started. We met just above the Horse Guards Inn, then walking along Cemetery Lane to find the footpath that went to the vineyards of the Roebuck Estate. Pitshill soon came into view, now owned by Hon Charles Pearson. The house was remodelled in the 18thC by the Mitford family (not necessarily the famous Mitford family who had estates in Northumberland), but fell into disrepair and needed much restoration when purchased by the current owners in 1997. The work was completed in 2016. 

From there we headed for Roundabouts Farm and River Common before making the ascent through Upperton Common to the Monument at the edge of Petworth Park. Using the Upperton Gate, we gained access to the park that has one of the largest herds of fallow deer in the country. October is rutting time for fallow deer and we did hear some bellowing as the bucks tried to gather as many does as they could. We finally exited the Park at the New Lodge West gate and onto the A272 before cutting through the Tillington churchyard of All Hallows. From there it was a short car-ride to Halfway Bridge Inn for an excellent lunch. The walk was about 6 miles.

Boots on, ready to walk

Heading for the vineyards

We managed to resist the temptation to sample the sparkling wine just up the road.

Shell house, Pitshill and the Stables. All Grade II listed, including the park.

Roundabouts Farm

Nice picnic facilities

The Monument. More probably a folly used as a verderer's lookout. Late 18thC.

Lots of fallow deer

Buck eyeing up the potential

Climbing the hill towards Petworth House, with sunshine.

A clear day, but many clouds up above

"Now, I know it looks only that tall from here, but that Petworth House is enormous!"

Additionally it has a beer cellar underneath that is almost the length of the whole house.

Capability Brown re-designed the grounds at Petworth House in the 1750's

Exiting the park from the New Lodge West gate

Cyclamens prospering

All Hallows church

Great lunch in The Halfway Bridge Inn.

About 6 miles

• ← Redford walk and AGM 19th October 2022
• East Dean walk on 2nd November 2022 →