Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Graffham walk on 18th March 2024

Sally and Robert enticed a good size group for their 4.2 mile walk in the balmy sunshine.  We made our way from the National Trust Car park across Lavington Common onto Duncton Common through woodland and heath on the Serpent Trail.  Leaving the trail to head north west on the footpath closer to the River Rother where the rainwater saturation of the soil over the past two months necessitated us making local diversions to keep our feet dry.  Skirting fields we came to the track leading to Fitzlea Farm and the bridleway into Fitzlea Wood where we stopped for our coffee break.  Crossing the Selham to Heath End road we continued the gentle climb onto Graffham Common with a steeper climb to reach the Serpent Trail again.  On reaching Gallows Hill, we thought the miscreants probably had  other things occupying their mind than the scenic views as we wandered past Bronze Age barrows (dating back to the period 2400-1500 BC), down the hill to the road at Barnett’s Bridge.  Reaching Lavington Common, the path was very muddy until we got to the sandy elevated section and back to the car park.  We drove around the corner to the Badgers pub for a lovely lunch.

This is our leader and historian!

Mini detours to stay dry

It may be one small step for man, but it’s a giant leap for the rest of us

The Style Council

View towards the disused railway and River Rother beyond the hill

Our walk leaders

Down hill all the way

Picking our way on the drier parts

Waterlogged but verdant scenery

Down a gully off Lavington

Leader camouflaged in a tree

Elegant stiling

Coffee break

Climbing up Gallows Hill

A bit subdued after the Gallows humour

Bronze age Barrow, a lasting memorial on Gallows Hill

Pond on Lavington Common

This part of the Serpent Trail would suit Sea Serpents

The final stretch home

Lunch at the Badgers

A 4.2 mile walk

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