Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Walderton walk on 14th January 2026

Even with a frosty start there were a good number of eager walkers gathered at the Barley Mow in Walderton for John's 5 mile walk. We were promised a steep climb but had to first pass Watergate. Watergate Park has nothing to do with Richard Nixon or even Watergate Forest near Gateshead - the house is just a rebuild from the latter part of the last century. However the name actually dates back to the 13th Century.  The steep climb came shortly afterwards as we had to ascend Watergate Hanger, however we all made it without incident, emerging at the top in  bright sunshine.  After passing Broadreed Farm we found the ideal spot for a drinks break adjacent to Oak Copse, the Copse having donated a large number of suitable seats. Suitably refreshed we skirted past Lumley Wood before taking a turn east onto the Monarchs Way. This route was an excellent choice as it led us back to The Barley Mow and all the hills were downwards. The new licensees looked after us very well, especially as we had all seemed to have chosen a different meal.

Booted and raring to go

In the distance is Watergate House, once the residence of John White. His father was a slave owner in St Kitts and in his will he left annuities of £10 p.a. to '"two mulatto women named Sarah and Frances whom I made free before I left St Christopher's (St Kitts)" He also "declared his enslaved people 'heirlooms', so that they could not be sold"

Nice trees, but they are uphill!

Having a rest on the ascent of Watergate Hanger

Is that Portsmouth away in the mist?

Barely visible is the Isle of Wight, but to the left is a misty Solent Fort

Beautiful view but are those clouds heading our way?

Tea - time!

Ah, it's good to have a little rest.

Now, how did I get here? I wasn't at the start...

Low sun, long shadows

Warning! Hands can seriously damage farm machinery?

On the home run, plenty of sun.

Walkers don't dare to come too close

Walkers spreading out as back-markers were too busy filming the bull!

Reinforcements also available

Sun has gone but heading home

Happy band of walkers!

Route of our 5.1 mile walk

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