Duncton walk 4th May 2022

The Cricketers in Duncton was the start of  Isabel's wander around the countryside. We headed down the  A285 before turning into the grounds of Seaford College. The Building has had many residents since the original building erected in the late 16th C, including many bishops and lords. Luckily the Canadian Soldiers billeted there during WW2 had old locks and weirs in Loxwood on which to  practice demolition, so the building survived very well.  We enjoyed walking through the College grounds before turning north towards Parsons Wood and Upper Norwood. Early Purple Orchids were plentiful throughout the morning with many Spotted Orchids also seen but not yet in flower. After traversing the Lavington and Duncton Commons we crossed the road again to take the Serpent Trail towards Burton Park. The tiny 11th C church next to Burton Park house has a painting inside supposedly of St Uncumber (aka St Wilgefortis) who was crucified by her father for growing a beard. Seems a bit excessive.

After joining the West Sussex Literary Trail, we ambled back to the Cricketers Arms for a splendid lunch. The pub name was changed to The Cricketers by the landlord, a certain John Wisden in 1867, author of the famous Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.

Gathering at the start

Seaford College, here we come!

Early orchids inside the gates

Strolling next to the golf course

Seaford College - an extraordinary breadth of sports from cricket to sailing and almost everything in between.

Pretty as a picture - or even nicer!

Time for some balancing practice

Parson's Copse in bloom

Chestnut poles for a new pergola

Back on the Serpent trail

Pause for chat

Tea time on Duncton Common

Horses could do with a good feed

Burton Park House, rebuilt circa 1828, landscaping by Capability Brown

Appaloosa horses, originally bred by Native Americans on the far west coast of USA

11th C church of St Richard

Pausing to admire Burton Park House grounds

Well earnt lunch in the Cricketers.

• ← Loxwood walk on 27th April 2022
• Marley Walk 11 May 2022 →