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East Dean 26th January 2022

Pauline's walk started from the East Dean valley and unsurprisingly went uphill. It was an overcast day but with some superb views, with an occasional glimpse of where the sea should be, sadly hidden by a light haze. After some cattle and bird-spotting, we stopped for a break amongst a nicely spaced woodpile in Hat Hill before descending and ascending through Ladys Winkins and Little Copse. For anyone not familiar with the Saxon language, Ladys Winkins probably means irregulary shaped wood, and nothing else. We later reached Open Winkins, a wood mentioned several times by Eleanor Farjeon in her book "Martin Pippin in the apple orchard", written whilst she lived in nearby Amberley. That was some years before she wrote the hymn "Morning has broken", recently made popular by Cat Stevens. After passing through Open Winkins we were at the top of East Dean Hill, so it was an easy walk down through the woods of Bubholts to return to East Dean once again. We then had a very nice lunch in the Star and Garter after a walk of about 5 miles.

Very nice spot

Heading south

Climbing the hill, looking over East Dean

What a climb!

Some people just love a swing!

Walkers meet cattle

But where are the birds?

Little egret but with the wrong beak colour - juvenile?

Red Kites are everywhere.

Time for a drink

Walk leader with electronic mapping!

Plenty of seats for our break

Chin rest for a tired head

Descending Ladys Winkins wood

Heading for Open Winkins

East Dean Hill

Bubholts- no idea where that name came from!

A mostly even slope for a group photo

Lunchtime!

OK, let's eat!

About 5 miles

Weavers Down walk 19th January 2022

The walk, led by Catherine, started from Liss Forest and took us over Weavers Down to find the delightful Deers Hut, a one time hunting lodge dating back to the 17th century. Queen Anne was nearby inspecting her deer in 1708 and probably dropped in for a swift half. We walked most of the day to a background noise of gunshot, but we think it was the Army training on the nearby ranges. It didn't stop us enjoying some splendid views and gorse in glorious flower. The going was mostly dry on the sandy soil, with a few puddles included for entertainment purposes. After 3.1/2 miles we stopped for lunch. Most people continued walking in the afternoon to Liss Forest, by different paths from the morning route. A very pleasant walk with a few odd spots of rain and only a few slopes to test the calves. Total walk was about 7 miles.

Mustering for the start

OK, let's get going!

Two households apparently have grazing rights on parts of Weavers Down.

Walking uphill through the birch trees

and then downhill

A quiet, unspoiled and comparatively wild area of lowland heath.

Hope that's not a sniper up there.....

Nice welcome!

Lunch is served.

Ready for the second part of our walk

We're on the Shipwrights Way.

Tyrannosaurus keeping an eye on the Old Thorns Hotel

"I'll do it , I'll do it!"

"There, I said I'd do it"

Nice set of teeth

Afternoon walking group

Glorious gorse on our return trip

View to the South

"Over there is Champneys and Forest Lodge as well as one of the UK's largest horse hospitals."

River walk 12th January 2022

The walk led by Marian and Linda was in glorious sunshine, although it was a bit low in the sky! After ordering our food in the Halfway Bridge Inn we walked through River Wood with the River Lod visible, but a long way down a steep bank. After walking through River, we headed east towards Pitshill, with some fine views to the north. After a welcome drinks break and rest we continued on towards Upperton before finding River Road to take us back to the Halfway Bridge Inn and a fine lunch.

Are we all ready to start?

Stile no 1

River Lod down in the valley.

Luckily we had a wide path on which to stay safe

Fine views to the North

Pee-bo!

The frost remained all day, but so did the sun!

Our esteemed walk leaders

Drinks break in the vineyard

Vineyards facing the South Downs

Lone daffodil, the first on our 2022 walks. Spring is just around the corner, although 20th March seems a long way away!

Daffodils on the right hand side!

The goats probably don't appreciate the view

We must get a snap of the goats.

Horses are more friendly.

Group photo from a handy trig point

"Lets get going before he needs another group shot!"

Downhill is good.

Nice piece of ironwork

In the Inn

"So, did you enjoy your walk?"

About 5 miles.

Stroud and Leven Down walks 5th January 2022

The Stroud walk was quite adventurous with a few hills, cold, muddy in places but luckily the sun shone all morning on 18 walkers. After heading south from Stroud village we turned west to reach Mustercoombe Copse via a series of stiles and damp fields. From there we headed back towards the famed A272, which we successfully crossed without incident. Next to our route was Manor Farm with its listed 15th Century Dovecote. The doves were kept for their manure which was used to tan hides, used as fertilizer, and as an ingredient in gun-powder. However the real purpose of a dovecote was as a reliable source of food for the table. The green field in front of us got progressively steeper before becoming steps and this is how we reached the lower part of Cold Hill and Great Hanger. After a deserved break we continued along Ridge Top Lane before descending Lythe Hanger to reach Lythe Farm and eventually the Seven Stars for lunch. Guest walkers Marion and Paul still signed up in spite of the mud!

Gathering at the start.

First damp field

Double water hazard and stile.

Leaving Stroud

Climbing up through Mustercoombe Copse

Mustercoombe Copse

After much discussion a Pocket Boy had to be tested.

Meanwhile others were smashing through the ice on the puddle

Testing the hill, 15th Century dovecote in the background

Cold Hill game cover crop

Cold Hill portrait

Track towards coffee stop!

Handy logs, with kind permission from Ridge Farm

Choice of seating area available

Descending Lythe Hanger

Towards the bottom of the hill is a memorial seat to a local man who lost his life in Afghanistan.

After passing through a flock of sheep, we later rescued one stuck in a fence

Lunch finished, what shall we do?

Aha -- let's buy some raffle tickets!

A little under 5 miles.

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The Strollers took the opportunity to wander up on Leven Down with its wonderful views up towards Goodwood. The going was muddy in parts and indeed one walker did a rear padding test, hopefully without any lasting damage. Mary kindly supplied a misty alcoholic coffee break which was great and other walkers talked to the birds and sheep with alacrity - nothing to do with the substance I'm sure. Delicious lunch was later partaken in a private hostelry. The walk was a little over 4 miles

Leven Down

Couple of shepherds who seem to have lost their dogs

Good health to you!

Goodwood?

Liphook Walk on 22nd December 2021

We started out from the remains of the old bridge in Liphook, that carried the horse-drawn traffic from London to Portsmouth over the river, and after a quarter of a mile we were under its replacement, the road now designated the A3. Further on we were in the Bramshott Churchyard, the final resting place for over 300 Canadian Soldiers, victims of Flu, WW1 and WW2. Many died soon after WW1 from the Spanish Flu, before they had a chance to return home. Spanish Flu is really incorrect - it probably originated in USA and brought to Europe in American troopships. After passing through the churchyard, we found an ancient sunken lane to take us down into Bramshott village. Then a walk along the road to eventually reach footpaths taking us to Passfield Manor. After a break for refreshments at Conford Village Hall, we passed Conford Park House (was on the market for £8.5m in September) before crossing the B3004 and walking into Bramshott once again. After passing Boris Karloff's last residence we retraced our steps back to our cars before meeting up for an outside coffee at the Royal Anchor in the village.