HeartSmart walk led by Jane from Walderton to Compton

On this slightly overcast day with high Humidity we set off from by the River Ems(this flows to Emsworth) Up behind Mitcharmer Farm up our first rise before heading downward and crossing the road upward again through Woodbarn Forrest to Lye common. downward again into the trees known as Haslett Copse only to rise again and circumnavigate  Grevitts Copse. Down and then upagain to Locksash Farm. from here a slight rise and Downward till we arrive at Compton. This was a fantastic four and onehalf miles. Certainly  a thorough Cardiovascular workout, if it was at a faster pace it would certainly been an exceptional aerobic session. What would be a drawback is the occasional loose flint and other stones underfoot.  Thank you Jane.

 The shape of this circular walk reminds me of Dr Whos robotic dog K9

Leaving my other walkers I accepted Jane's advice and headed back on the western side of the B2146, much shorter and less energy required. Leaving the village I disappeared into the hedge row and headed diagonally up across the fields of West Hanger and down into Drift Road plantation. Keeping to the West of Bottom Copse till I reached West Marden. Crossing the road I entered a field of Abadeen Angus the into the trees of Nore Down till I reached Cabragh House on the edge of Watergate Hanger. Up through the trees  and again on the western edge all the way down to Monarchs Way onto the B2146 again then just a few hundred meters back to the car. All in all a good day and a fantastic walk.

SWS Ramblers walk led by Kath; Hunston, South Mundham, Siddlesham.

On a Wet October day Kath led us on this Linear walk through the farmland and golf club from Hunston to Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve.

Through the area east of Hunston we had our coffee break near the 15th Hole. Before passing Brimfast cottage and on to Bramber Farm. Joining Honer lane we walked to Honer Barn where we crossed the field o have lunch up on Pagham sea wall. It was here where I got quite wet. Following the wall we made our way to Halseys Farm then via the quay near Sidlesham Mill I carried onto tho the nature reserve.

SWS RAMBLERS walk led by Lindsay through Stedham, Tote Hill, Older Hill and Iping.

A fantastic nine mile walk. With a gentle climb for the five and one half miles and easy decent on our way back to the cars. The weather was very kind to us with just a gentle breeze and being quite humid on this Autumn day.

Starting from the car park in Iping Common we walked through Stedham Common before crossing the A272. We then passed trough the magnificent lawns of polo grounds at Greathouse Farm, Stedham, created by the late Kerry Packer. Walking through the picturesque village of Stedham was so peacefull and tranquil but once approaching the Mill House 'now that's what I call inspiring' it was something you would expect to see on on the front of a chocolate box. Here we had our coffee stop and listening to the water rush though the Mill Race with the call of the buzzards overhead it truly was tranquility.

Stedham Mill House (August 2014)

Following our break several members removed their topcoats due to the humidity, leaving them off for the rest of the walk.

From this point on the golden brown leaves covered the ground with the warm autumn colours appearing on the trees. From here we started our ascent up through the farmland of Tote Hill and on to Pound Common before entering and circling Lords Common. Seeing the back of the old King Edward VII Hospital which is now being renovated into apartments was a sorrowful sight.

Now along a section of the Serpent trail at the top part of our walk close to the Scotland Farmhouse we started our decent to The Lair at Woolbedding Common for our Lunch stop.  From here it was downward around Tote Hill. Along part of the 'New' Lipchis Way and down through Hammerwood Show Jumping grounds at Iping as we headed to the River Rother.  crossing the bridge and then back across the A272 we returned to our cars.  This was probably the easiest nine miler possible up on the downs.  What with some magnificent forest and views, I offer a big thanks to Lindsay and Jenny.

HeartSmart Walk led by Andrew and Bruce around South Harting

This walk was so short; whilst being so exhilarating. For a walk that was just over three and one-half mile I have never perspired so much before. Thanks Andrew the best short walk ever.

From the elevation profile(in pink) you can see on this map the climb up Harting Hill from Hill Lane is incredibly steep. Likewise you can see on the profile we had a rest stop on the incline and again when we reached the top.

Andrew chose the most amazing weather for us. Anticipating showers throughout the day not one drop of rain fell. thankfully once we had made the climb up Harting hill the clouds closed in and help cool us down considerably. Once I returned to the car I was grateful that i had a change of clothes, having been saturated with perspiration.

A few amazing and new things  today. Andrew indicated a track leading to the Ornamental ruins of Vandalian Tower, Up Park which I had passed so many times before but had not ventured in as it is not on the Ordnance Survey Map. Additionally walking footpaths that I had not walked before. Then there was the St Mary And St Gabriels Church Church Lane South Harting, Where Andrew gave a very informative talk whereby he explained so much both inside and outside the church.  The best link I found on the web for information is at http://www.sussexparishchurches.org/spc_V31/west-sussex/25-west-sussex-h-l/501-harting-st-mary-and-st-gabriel So much has been written about this church it is truly amazing.

Eleven of us on this walk and I was impressed how everyone coped with the climb.

HeartSmart walk led by John and Judy around Siddlesham, and South Mundham.

A Fantastic  2hr walk, very flat with a mixture of road, path, track, and field. Just four miles(6.4km) and at a pleasant pace, just a few vehicles which caused no worries ats it was mostly across South Mundham fields.  

With the occasional very light 

shower we were vewry lucky with the weather. This was also one of the first times I have walked across this area and returned home with my shoes clean of mud.

HeartSmart walk led by John and Judy. WestStoke, Funtington and EastAshling.

A Fantastic Sunny Day walk, Fairly flat with a mixture of road, path, track, field and forest. Less than four and onehalf miles(7km) and a pleasant pace, only inhibited by vehicles.  I must remember next time to take some Rice Crispies with me for when we reach the pond.

This walk is suitable throughout the year, remembering to wear sensible footwear if the weather has been inclement.

HeartSmart walk led by Fiona at Lavington Common. beware of the Poison Ivy

20140416 SWS Ramblers: Midhurst, Henley. Lodsworth Easebourne

Walk Leader Colin M.(No back marker)South West Sussex Ramblers
Start gridref: SU 887 218 Midhurst car park.Start time: 10:00am Distance: 9 miles

Longer description: Midhurst, Henley. Lodsworth, and Easebourne. 
Two main hills and one stile.

A fantastic 9 miles two gentle easy climbs. One stile good rest stops, the views may have been better if the haze did not cover the hills. The three mile Walk down to Midhurst after our lunch break made this the best Nine miler to date.

Cowdray Park and Polo Club
Cowdray is one of England’s most important early Tudor houses. 
This visitor attraction, visited by Queen Elizabeth I and King Henry VIII, was partially destroyed by fire in 1793

This Field of Oil Seed Rape: The bright dandelion-yellow flowers of oilseed rape is very familiar sight across farmland hereabout throughout the spring.  Farmers are growing more than ever before as there is rocketing prices more-so than for food products. For some of us there is a nice aroma for others it can be quite sickening.

The Stile at the end of the Jubilee Avenue of Lime Trees

These boreen or bohereen ("a little road) are widespread around here 

especially as some of them were in use before roman times.

More commonly refered to as drovers tracks or roads.

These views from here were special today, slightly overcast but magnificent.

Comfrey (also comphrey) is a common name for plants in the genus Symphytum. Comfrey species.

These are important herbs in organic gardening and is used as a fertilizer as well as a herbal medicine extract as a skin treatment.

Although Stile's are a known obstacle, due to the dense nature of the forest you can expect the occurrence of felled trees across your path.

AND the added bonus with a little lack of concentration a quick trip down

the steep side of an escarpment.

Tower House Verdley Place a Grade II listed Victorian Mansion.

I beleive this property is in multiple ownership and occupancy.

Looking up at the Sun whilst having my Lunch what a beautiful sight.

Especially with the Bluebells scattered around.

Black Down in West Sussex  is the highest point in the South Downs National Park landscape with wavy hair grass, purple heather and pine trees, a true sense of the 'wild'. The renowned author Tennyson wrote ‘You came and looked and loved the view, long known and loved by me, Green Sussex fading into blue with one grey glimpse of sea.’ Well from this angle with my back to the sea it sure looked beautiful.

Colin Leading us back into Cowdray Park. Thanks for the walk Colin.

20140405 SWS Ramblers Harting Down

Walk Leader Cindy J (Sally back marker)

South West Sussex Ramblers
Start gridref: SU 792 181 Harting Hill National Trust car park .

Start time: 10:00am Distance: 12 miles

Longer description: Long Marden, Compton Down, SDW. Few Hills and stiles.

A fast Paced enjoyable 12 Miler. Good for a wet day most paths dry and usable. Thank you Cindy

Unfortunately, all though I had the camera in hand most of the time the weather was so overcast and damp there were no views to take.

After today I am intent on logging other information as suitable stops as in coffee, picnic and convenience and of couse 'stiles' and these will be graded in ease of use. stiles area sometimes narrow, insurmountable  and downright dangerous. Other expressions are delapidated, leathal, not-for-the-faint-hearted, not-for-the-less-able, and other expressions, etc.

20140329 SWS Ramblers Singleton

Walk Leader Mike M. (Jill back marker)

South West Sussex Ramblers
Start gridref: SU 879 132 Start time: 10:15am Distance: 10 miles

Longer description: Counters Gate, East Dean, Littlewood Farm, Hat Hill. Hilly. 

Four nice climbs on the wonderful 10 mile'r. Mike has done us proud with this walk. It was certainly well thought out with sensible breaks and stops. Well done.

AAA AAA  
B BB BBB 

C
C      CC CCC 

This is looking down on East Dean and the fields are still flooded.

What a lovely day

The sun is shining with little wind 

Emerging from Scratlee forest is next to East Dean and is located in West Sussex, England, United Kingdom. Scratlee has a length of 2.23 kilometres.

   

 

Someone thought this was an owl, well if your

into art it might be 

Emerging onto Cocking Hill from the forest Nightingale Wood, near to Singleton, West Sussex, Great Britain

To see five Red Kites at play is a wonderful site.

These Fallow deer are a wonderful site and were quite far away approximatly 500m(yards) just outside of Byes Copse.

Views down onto the Weald and Down Museum from Hat Hill

The final leg of this ramble back down into singleton from Hat Hill