Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Hooksway walk of 6th May 2026

Eighteen of us gathered at The Royal Oak, Kingsway in the sunshine with a slight chill in the breeze.  After posing for a start photo in front of the hostelry, we set off down the grassy Philliswood Lane to a cross roads in the paths at Batten Hanger where we followed a new path and stopped at the designated Scheduled Monument Romano-British Temple or mausoleum ruin.  This led us through woods and Stubbs Copse onto a field and then briefly back into the woods for a climb up to another field and narrow woods to reach Brooms Farm drive.  Walking down to the country lane we turned left and stopped off for our coffee break on the pathway to Chilgrove.  We returned to the lane and headed north to Yewtree Cottage to pick up the footpath on the track to the remains of the Medieval village remains at Monkton that have recently been preserved.  This footpath took us up to the crossroad junction with the South Downs Way at Philliswood Down where we took the bridleway back The Royal Oak for an enjoyable lunch.

Lined up outside the Hostelry

Enjoying the smooth part of Philliswood Lane before the ruts.

Boning up about Batten Hanger

Is that the Scheduled Monument?

Remains of a Romano-British Temple or mausoleum

Taking advantage of the tree shade

The short incline split the group.

Looking for the pheasant we heard.

Walking and listening to the birds , who said we cannot multitask?

We think we may be following a tractor.

Breaking out from Stubbs Copse.

Picturesque sunshine and the verdant greens of spring.

Coffee break picnic style.

That’s one way for the farmer to mark the footpath route.

Ambling down the slope to Monkton Village ruins.

Staring into the abyss at the ruins of Monkton Village

More remains of medieval Monkton - it is believed the Black Death may have been the reason for the demise of the village

Our walk leaders.

Accelerating down the hill as we sense the pub.

Our 4 mile walk

Recent galleries

History

2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
1997