Cocking to Singleton walk 16th March 2022

From the car park at Cocking, we headed towards Winchester along the Southdowns Way. Luckily Jennifer steered us away from the Winchester track and we turned south towards Venus Wood and walked through the trees towards Colworth Down. We came across some quite significant stacks of timber, many carefully dated, presumably so they will be in optimum condition for the nearby charcoal burner. Although it was tempting to stop and sit for a while, Jennifer had a far superior picnic spot further on as the woods came to an end. Suitably refreshed we headed for Colworth Farm and then on to Hat Hill with a splendid view of Singleton and the pub where lunch was waiting. The path took us over the route of the old Midhurst to Chichester railway and then into the village and The Partridge Inn. The rain which had been slowly increasing during the morning began to get quite serious so we abandoned the plan to walk back up the hill and  chose to end the walk at that point.

Striding out at the start.

Climbing the Southdowns Way

One of 13 chalk ball sculptures placed in the area by artist Andy Goldsworthy. The trail leads to West Dean College

What have they spotted?

Is that a pixie in Venus Wood?

If that was a pixie, this must be the Pixie Queen on her throne.

Charcoal burner

Wonderful seating arrangements

Ideal seat size

Walk Leader wondering if that's a rain cloud on the way.

There has been rain but perhaps it'll pass us by today

OK OK, it may be just a brief shower?

Midhurst to Chichester line, not in current use.

Playing in the puddles - or washing their boots?

Spoilt for choice, but we chose the Partridge (150 yards did help!)

Mission accomplished

It's often helpful to have some spare shoes

Although Tesco bags are a good standby!

Food is on the way

"Well, if it carries on raining we'll call it a day"  - announcement agreed as sensible .

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