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.