Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

West Dean walk on 11th December 2024

Jay and Lindsay kindly stepped in to take over the absent Bernard's walk from The Selsey Arms. We felt it would be a good spot for our Christmas Lunch after an earlier visit in October. Very pleased to say we were not dissapointed. Starting out from the car park we headed up towards Warren Hanger but after crossing a field entered Whitedown Plantation. The path here was very much upwards through the woods but at last we reached the top and had the reward of a walk down through a field to Hylter's Lane. Beyond Hylter's Farm we headed south until we reached some conveniently placed logs at the entrance to Lodge Hill Farm. The opportunity to have a drink and rest was irresistable. Shortly after we came upon a large chalk ball sitting in the hedgerow and after much discussion decided we did not have a clue about how it got there. It turns out it is much more modern than anticipated. If you need to know the answer, search for :-

 https://www.gravelroots.net/sdwchalkstones.html 

We carried on, eventually reaching the Warren Hanger and Hightown Plantation, our route taking us past another chalk ball and under the old Midhurst to Chichester railway line. Crossing the road we took a back route past West Dean College to eventully return to the Selsey Arms where we were delighted to meet up with some long-time members of the club. Pauline had organized a Secret Santa so as well as a delightful lunch, we also went home with an early Christmas present.

Ready to march

Leader kindly on the showing where we aren't going

Lower slopes of Whitedown Plantation

Stopping to get our breath back on the more slopy slopes

Conditions were mostly good......

Hylter's Lane

Drink stop on some very handy logs

Our first chalk ball sighting

Oh dear, Christmas lunch is straw once again

Another chalk ball, next to the railway. search - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Goldsworthy - thanks Wikipedia

West Dean College entrance

Ah, thanks, Southern Water - we're warned to wash our hands. Sadly animals and plants can't read.

Food is on its way

Presents for all!

A little under 5 miles.

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