Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Chalton walk on 30th September 2026

We had excellent walking weather for John's walk in Chalton, starting out from the Red Lion. A walk past the St Michael & All Angels Church (where one of our fellow walkers will be taking part in a guitar recital on Saturday link here:- Guitar recital ) took us on to The Sussex Border Path. At its high point on Chalton Down we saw an ancient tumuli - a Neolithic, Bronze or Iron Age burial site, the position chosen probably to show the high social status of the incumbents. We eventually left the Border Path and headed for a small tunnel which took us under the main Portsmouth to Waterloo Railway line. A short distance further on we found seating at the St Hubert's Church at Idsworth, handily placed for a drinks stop.  A few yards further on and we were on Staunton Way, before diverting to find our second tunnel to bring us back to the correct side of the railway line. A bit of hacking was needed to help maintain a footpath and then we were on a straight line back to our starting point, although we were pleasantly surprised to see a recovering Denis coming to escort us back for the last 200 yards or so. Lunch at the Red Lion was a pleasant end to our adventure.

Some more optimistic about the weather than others!

Setting out

Footpaths never easy to find after the tractors have been out to play

Chalton Church, in the middle of nowhere

Church originally served the hamlet of Chalton, but many died during the plague

I think it's break time up there.

OK, break over, let's get walking

Are you sure there's an exit?

yes exit ahead, but don't try this walk after heavy rain

Loads of sloes again this year

Ditcham Park School in the far distance

Great views all monrning

St Michael & All Angels Church - music this Saturday!!

Red Lion, probably the oldest pub in Hampshire

We raised our glasses and send best wishes to any newly-weds on this day!

About 4.5 miles

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