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Viewing galleries from August, 2021

Bubble walks 25th August 2021

Peter’s bubble walk was in the Black Down area on the West Sussex/Surrey border, (the highest point in the South Downs National Park 280 mtr.), along the Serpent Trail to the Temple of the Winds. Constant stunning views in all directions. Good easy walking along lovely heather lined paths, the weather was perfect for such a pretty walk.

Getting ready to go

Mini break for photo shoot

Admiring the distant view.

It was a bit windy here!

Coffee break at the Temple of The Winds

Stop for a chat

Heather looking it’s best this time of year, and covered in buzzing bees

Another exceptional lovely view looking?? clue in next photo

Interesting information plaque

What are these monkeys up to?

Even the photographer got snapped!

Reflections of the sky in still water

Reflections of the trees in still water

Final stunning view looking?

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The other group were down below in the valley hunting for an ancient furnace site. As we approached the site the footpath was closed and we had to take a Permissive Path. After finding some furnace slag in the stream our walk leader realised he had missed a turn in the path. Hidden by Himalayan Balsam was the path that eventually led to our Coffee spot, close to the furnace site. Scores of furnaces, scattered throughout the Weald, produced cast iron, many for the manufacture of cannon. Nearby was one of the best preserved sites at Furnace Pond. Recent flooding had caused much damage to the second sluice, fortunately not affecting the furnace site, but no access was permitted. There are open days on 11 and 12th September - see Fernhurst Furnace Open Days . Our route took us through Lower Lodge Farm and eventually onto a footpath parallel to Vann Lane. After several stiles we eventually reached the Car Park where a picnic was enjoyed by all. The walk was around 4.1/2 miles .

Leaving the Green, heading for the church

Vann Lane

Park House Farm 1

Park House Farm 2

Back of Park House Farm

Spindle tree fruits, edible to many animals except humans!

Stream from the furnace site where we unearthed some ancient slag.

After much searching we found the permissive path!

Seemed a good spot for a drink.

Now, who would ever climb that ladder?

Couldn't resist a good angle!

Nice benches!

Take your pick.

Time to move on

Sadly the furnace site could only be glimpsed through the builders barricade, but will be viewable on the Open Weekend.

There's a good Oak, circa 1580.

Nearing the end of our walk.

and a very enjoyable picnic.

Bubble Walk 18th August 2021

Eight walkers represented all three bubble groups which started well with a gift of some lovely mixed beans left out by a kind person, walking past South Pond and onto the Wharf. The weather was warm but with a threat of rain. Continuing along the New Lipchis Way and into the wooded area of Todham Roughs and after finding a suitable place for a coffee break, the Serpent Trail path was used to reach Walkers Farm and then Dunford. The house at Dunford was once the birthplace of radical Victorian politician Richard Cobden, best known for the major part he played in the Repeal of the Corn Laws 1846. He was well respected locally, it’s said amongst other kindnesses that he paid his workers sixpence (old money) a week more than others were paying at the time. Many stories of the modest Sussex farm house where Cobden was born, to an Italian style family home that many years later he shared with his wife and family. After his death it became a centre for debate, with 30 bedrooms and many meeting rooms, the house now is about to start a new life with a new owner. The walk continued with a steep climb to Pendean and to the Royal Oak, where we not only welcomed some old friends that we had not seen for a long time but enjoyed a delicious lunch. After an enjoyable time catching up it was back to walking, cutting brambles as we made our way back to the cars.

Let's get walking!

Thank you to the kind person that left beans to take, it was much appreciated.

Will it rain or won't it?

Nice logs to sit on.

An even bigger log

Nice distancing!

The Serpent Trail runs from Haslemere to Petersfield, 11 miles apart in a straight line but 64 miles taking Serpent snake shape route.

Are we there yet?

Costers Brook

Surely these young girls are not having to queue for a place!

Our Guests of Honour!

The marquee outside at the Royal Oak a perfect place for lunch, drinks and a catch up.

Four and three quarter miles.

Bubble Walk 11th August 2021

With a few people on holiday we decided to have a single walk from Elsted Recreation Ground, finding new paths and generally heading towards Didling Church. The route took us through a number of rarely walked paths, including one that took us to Brimbrook Lane. It looked like an very old, wide track, with oak trees either side but Google searches have yielded nothing. Old maps show a house in 1892, but this has long disappeared. By the time we were in sight of Didling Church, we voted for a coffee stop rather than seeing the church. Perhaps another day! After passing through Treyford we found ourselves passing through the Three Horseshoes pub garden, where some walkers bravely sacrificed their picnic to support the local economy. The walk was about 4.1/2 miles, lots of sheep and wonderful views.

What a view to start the walk!

but there's a muddy bit coming up!

Don't know where they're going, but I think we'll just play in the grass.

It's easy peasy Fred...just give it go! Humans manage ok....

Some footpaths were less trod than others.

Handy blue camera post

One of many sheep fields

Sheep like to use the footpath it seems..

Boy's Brigade

Approaching Didling

A bit of uphill work

Another tall story.

Somebody must know the name of this butterfly please? And it's not Eric............

Heading home and still the grass is long!

Bubble Walks on 4th August 2021

Pauline volunteered to lead a walk and also accepted a load of guests so we ended up with a group of sixteen walkers. Starting from the South Harting car park we wandered past the parish church of St Mary and St Gabriel and then on to Torberry Hill, although we didn't go to the top to the site on an Iron Age hill fort. After crossing the B2146 we took the Sussex Border Path to join the Southdowns Way along Forty Acre Lane. After a coffee stop and a puddle crossing we eventually reached the Main Down above South Harting before descending to a delightful picnic stop on South Harting's recreation ground. A very pleasant walk of about 4 miles.

Mustering outside the church

Crossing the field towards Torberry Hill

The roadside was host to many Campanula - Bellflowers along the way.

Tramping along the lower slopes of Torberry Hill

Backmarkers

Perforate St Johns-wort. Witches had to drink it and it was believed it made them tell the truth later when they were tortured. This handy plant has leaves which supposedly heal wounds caused by bruising or stabbing. Nowadays it is used as an anti-depressant. Rumoured to be good for many other disorders but banned in France. And we thought it was just a yellow flower.

Coffee stop

White lipped snail, favoured food of song thrushes.

In spite of the puddle, boots are looking clean.

Beautiful view over the valley.

Church spire just in view.

Last descent into Harting

Hazel nuts are developing nicely.

Cinnabar moth caterpillar, loves the poisonous common ragwort and therefore can cause a rash if handled. This one is safe from birds because of its poison and will probably spend the winter in the soil before emerging as a brilliant black and red moth in early summer.

Recreation ground pond

Picnic time

"Catherine, I'll hold the mugs - you can tell the jokes" says Andy

"That was a cracker, Catherine!"

About 4 miles.

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Peter’s small bubble walk (minus Peter) Just four girls, was around Selborne and Noar Hill nature reserve, to see the stunning wild flowers, returning by the wishing stone and zig-zag path. a lovely sunny walk, just over five miles.