Walderton Walk on 19th June 2024

Denis chose to walk in Walderton, partly because of the superb chips served in the pub! However, beforehand we needed to explore the nearby countryside. After a wander down to Manor Farm, we doubled back and took the Monarch's Way towards Inholmes Wood. The route was through fields of rapeseed but the yellow flowers had now turned to numerous seed pods, which we brushed through, grateful it was a dry day. Small clumps of red poppies had evaded the farmers "cultivation". At the start of Inholmes Wood we turned down towards Piglegged Row and then up again to find a great picnic spot high above the Watergate Park, with views of the sea around Hayling Island. The fields were full of daisies, with an occasional orchid for further decoration. After passing Watergate House we crossed the road to enter Watergate Hanger, re-crossing the road into Watergate Park for our final walk through the fields to Walderton and the welcome sight of the Barley Mow. The walk was just over 4 miles.

Barley Mow assembly point

Fighting our way through the rapeseed

What a beauty!

Pyramidal orchid amongst the daisies

Leader leading

Is it a chicken or something else at Watergate?

Drink stop at last

Not everyone was quick enough to get a seat, or was just very polite

Watergate Park

In the distance is Watergate House, once the residence of John White. His father was a slave owner in St Kitts and in his will he left annuities of £10 p.a. to '"two mulatto women named Sarah and Frances whom I made free before I left St Christopher's (St Kitts)" He also "declared his enslaved people 'heirlooms', so that they could not be sold"