Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Up Marden walk on 27th May 2026

With May temperature records broken on the previous two days, only the braver souls chose to go on Tim's walk to Up Marden church from The Victoria Inn In West Marden. Even though it was 6 degrees cooler than the previous 2 days, it still felt hot. We took the climb up to Locksash Farm at a steady pace and stopped in shady spots, sometimes to hear an excerpt from the Up Marden Church visitors book. This seemed to prove a sufficient distraction from the temperature so we continued to stop and listen all the way to Up Marden Church. The inside of the church was wonderfully cool and also had a supply of chilled water for anyone who needed it. The last excerpt from the visitors book was noted and after a few drinks and some more water we headed back down the hill. However it wasn't all downhill but our legs were still strong enough to tackle the return route. Refreshing drinks were much appreciated in The Victoria, served with our very nice lunches after our 4 mile walk.

More info about the church is HERE:- 

Up Marden Church history

and

The church even atheists like

Almost ready to start

A pause to hear another visitors book entry!

Lamb deep in the shade, mother wishes she had left her winter coat at home

No fear of breaking the limit

The meercat has some admirers!

A wooded glade below Locksash Farm

Shady spot for a water break

But the harvesting had hidden the footpath

First glimpse of our destination

Getting near to the end of the first half of our wander

St Michael's Church, Up Marden

Pulpit view - the plaster has fallen from an area in the roof and is being repaired

Church porch

We're now cool enough to start our return jounrney

Church path

Downhill and in the shade!

The Downs, seemingly not a house for miles

A little uphill and in the sun once again

A well deserved lunch in The Victoria.

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