Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

West Dean walk on 8th October 2025

Having ordered our food in the Selsey Arms we set off on Mark and Jo's walk to find the Centurion Way and a few other places in between. We were warned of the long hill early on in the walk but we all survived the climb up through Whitedown Plantation before emerging onto the road near Lodge Hill Farm. There is a large chalkball in the hedgerow at this point and it turns out this is one of 15 placed between West Dean Gardens and Cocking Hill by the artist Andy Goldsworthy in 2002, to act as waymarkers. They were only expected to last a couple of years but have proved very resilient. An easy walk along a quiet road brought us to a north-westerly track next to Colworth Down where we found what at first glance seemed an ideal picnic spot. It was a pity the warning sign seemed only to apply to folk heading in the other direction! Turning south we passed a lot of building work going on at Colworth Farm before taking a steep hill down to the route of the old Midhurst to Chichester Railway. This now forms part of the Centurion Way. Heading south west we found the site of the original Singleton Station which has been very well restored. Taking the railway route towards Chichester was a good move as we soon found ourselves in the car park back at the Selsey Arms for a very enjoyable lunch.

First Priority - get the menu choices sorted

Being warned about a HILL!

Oh well, it wasn't too bad after all

Emerging at the top of the hill - no casualties at all!

Art installation from 2002

How are we for time? Drink stop soon?

Walking along the edge of Colworth Down

Regrettably we ignored the sign, even when told about it, but fortunately without any injuries!

Passing Colworth Barn, timber stacks in the distance

Honey fungus at Colworth Farm?

Horsing around again

A tricky stile with a mind of it's own.

Distant view of Goodwood Racecourse

Centurion Way at last!

Singleton Goods shed Grade II listed, in need of some TLC

Anyone got a few milllions to spare?

Nice signage , but not much else!

Once had three-quarters of a mile of sidings, but sadly rarely needed

West Dean, ready with our lunch order!

5 and a bit miles

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