Stroud and Leven Down walks 5th January 2022

The Stroud walk was quite adventurous with a few hills, cold, muddy in places but luckily the sun shone all morning on 18 walkers. After heading south from Stroud village we turned west to reach Mustercoombe Copse via a series of stiles and damp fields. From there we headed back towards the famed A272, which we successfully crossed without incident. Next to our route was Manor Farm with its listed 15th Century Dovecote. The doves were kept for their manure which was used to tan hides, used  as fertilizer, and as an ingredient in gun-powder. However the real purpose of a dovecote was as a reliable source of food for the table.     The green field in front of us got progressively steeper before becoming steps and this is how we reached the lower part of Cold Hill and Great Hanger. After a deserved break we continued along Ridge Top Lane before descending Lythe Hanger to reach Lythe Farm and eventually the Seven Stars for lunch. Guest walkers Marion and Paul still signed up in spite of the mud!

Gathering at the start.

First damp field

Double water hazard and stile.

Leaving Stroud

Climbing up through Mustercoombe Copse

Mustercoombe Copse

After much discussion a Pocket Boy had to be tested.

Meanwhile others were smashing through the ice on the puddle

Testing the hill, 15th Century dovecote in the background

Cold Hill game cover crop

Cold Hill portrait

Track towards coffee stop!

Handy logs, with kind permission from Ridge Farm

Choice of seating area available

Descending Lythe Hanger

Towards the bottom of the hill is a memorial seat to a local man who lost his life in Afghanistan.

After passing through a flock of sheep, we later rescued one stuck in a fence

Lunch finished, what shall we do?

Aha --  let's buy some raffle tickets!

A little under 5 miles.

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The Strollers took the opportunity to wander up on Leven Down with its wonderful views up towards Goodwood. The going was muddy in parts and indeed one walker did a rear padding test, hopefully without any lasting damage. Mary kindly supplied a misty alcoholic coffee break which was great and other walkers talked to the birds and sheep with alacrity - nothing to do with the substance I'm sure. Delicious lunch was later partaken in a private hostelry. The walk was a little over 4 miles

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Leven Down

Couple of shepherds who seem to have lost their dogs

Good health to you!

Goodwood?

• ← Liphook Walk on 22nd December 2021
• River walk 12th January 2022 →