Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Finchdean walk on 5th August 2026

After the cancellation of  last week's walk because of the excessive heat, Mark and Jo led a much cooler walk from The George Inn at Finchdean. After ducking under the London to Portsmouth railway line we found The Staunton Way as far as South Holt Farm where we veered right to go to the edge of Markells Wood. This wood was the proposed site of 4 oil wells in 2016 but after local pressure the project was finally abandoned in 2019. We had to fight our way past some fallen trees but eventually reached Horsley Farm and soon after that, found a spot (not totally ideal!) for our drinks break. A large pit with a few fallen trees was quite adequate and also in the shade. The weather was generally very good to us, with a warm day but a cooling breeze.

After walking across some open fields we realised that the area must have had some rain during the night as there were still a few damp patches but nothing like enough to turn the brown fields to green. We then turned into the woods going generally in the direction of Finchdean. The walk went along the hill above Old Idsworth Farm and later Old Idsworth Garden at the northern part of Markwells Wood. After picking up the Staunton Way once again, we reversed our earlier route and made a successful return to The George Inn, where we enjoyed some excellent food.

All ready to go

First we must go under the main London to Portsmouth railway line

Going up the hill towards South Holt Farm

Those blackberries were delicious!

Heading towards Markwells Wood

View from the rear

It's going to be a good year to make sloe gin

Ah - at last a shady spot for a drink

Not everyone had a balcony seat

In fact the seating was rather uncoordinated

Some were left standing

Making our way back to the start

Fallen tree - no problem

Markwells Wood

Heading for the pub

Walk leader leading

Man in a hurry.

About 5 miles

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