West Marden walk on 11th October 2023

Maureen and John led the 5.6 mile walk from The Victoria Inn at West Marden where we pre ordered our lunches. We were blessed by the early morning drizzle finishing before the walk to leave us with warm, dry weather, albeit cloudy. Having parked up, counted us all there, we headed up the hill taking the first path north on the edge of Lostlabour Copse, through Bottom Copse and across the fields. We were promised great views, even with a peek at the Isle of Wight, but were only rewarded with local rolling landscapes and wispy mists. A couple of walkers enjoyed the benefits from the carved seat on the corner overlooking the scenery. We made our way to Hill Barn and turned across the field into Robin Wood where we had our coffee break under a broad tree. Continuing through the woods passing seamlessly into Markwells Wood we eventually broke out into the open with views of the railway and across to Idsworth House until we came to South Holt Farm where we turned for home. Crossing fields again we returned into Markwells Wood, then back into the open to Horsley Farm and then the down hill with gravel and clay underfoot back to the main road. On returning to The Victoria Inn, no sooner had we collected our drinks than our lunches arrived thick and fast. 

One of the walk leaders getting excited about starting

Tree mirror imaging roots with canopy

The edge of Lostlabour Copse

The art of trimming overgrowing path hedges is concentration and tools, lots of tools

A purposeful lead

Definitely the Isle of Wight on the horizon

Taking a break on the bench carved from a tree trunk

The walkers

Harmonious leaders, united on the way forward

Coffee break with added humour

Are you sure? I could have sworn it was shorter down there!

Well, the Isle of Wight could be over there!

No, it’s that way

Looking back on Old Idsworth valley

Leaving the wood for a glimpse of overseas?

Yes, if I squint I can just see The Isle of Wight

Spindle berries in competition with blueberry nails

Almost finished!

About 5.1/2 miles

• ← Halfway Bridge, Lodsworth walk on 4th October 2023
• Sheet Walk on 18th October 2023 →