Walderton walk on 9th November 2022

Denis started his walk from the car park of The Barley Mow in Walderton village. The roads to reach the walk had been flooded in many areas from overnight rain but the weather was now clear and bright. After a bit of road walking to avoid some muddy spots, we headed towards Manor Farm and then eventually turned onto the Monarch's Way towards Inholmes Wood. Once in the wood we turned down towards Piglegged Row  before climbing up again, hoping for a break on a nicely placed bench. However we had been beaten to it so we carried on to another rest spot, which turned out to be much better! This was above the Watergate Estate. With a view over towards Hayling Harbour and the sea, we could just about see the Isle of Wight. A large object seemed to be in the sea and the general conclusion was that it was probably a container ship (later sleuthing showed it was probably "Ever Lucky" a container ship capable of carrying over 100,000 tons, on its way to Amsterdam from Southampton). Once refreshed we passed behind Watergate House and on into Watergate Hanger before turning into Watergate Park for a final stroll into the village and a welcoming Barley Mow. The walk was about 4.1/2miles.

Car park assembly

Heading up Monarchs way

Stone cairn with half a horseshoe on top - there must be some luck in there?

Inholmes Wood

Just above Piglegged Row

Coffee stop at last - and bonus sweeties!

"So, what is that dark blob out on the sea?"

Probably a container ship on its way to Amsterdam

Drive at the back of Watergate House

Watergate Hanger

Butcher's broom - historically used to sweep down butchers boards with its tough foliage. Berries are poisonous.

Crowding at the gate

"What's so interesting?"

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"

We quickly made our escape before enslavement and headed for the pub.

Well fed and watered after about 4.1/4 miles

• ← Five Hills long walk on 8th November 2022
• Byworth Walk on 16th November 2022 →