5 June 2021

• Benbow Pond and Beyond – 5 June 2021
• Walk Leader: Val
• Distance: 8½  miles
• Start: Benbow Pond CP: GR SU914223

Today’s walk couldn’t have taken place on a more perfect day.  The weathermen were rightly confident that after the previous day’s rain the sunshine would return, and so it did.

We ventured over the border into West Sussex (no passports required and definitely a “greenlight destination”!)  Some dozen or so gathered at Benbow Pond, an idyllic spot on the A272, a couple of miles east of Midhurst.  It’s a popular place, but arriving early we had no problem parking.  Part of the 16,500 acre Cowdray Estate, there are a myriad of footpaths and bridleways to choose from radiating out in all directions.  

The first part of our route took us north on a well-trodden path through pastures and arable fields. Then through mixed woodland leaving Heathend Copse, behind we continued climbing gently along the rutted sunken track, well rewarded by drifts of red and some white campions and butterflies dancing amongst the blooms.  At various breaks in the hedge line there were splendid views south toward the Downs, particularly at Vining Farm. 

Climbing all the while we eventually drop down through some grassland and into Snapelands Copse which eventually joins a track serving some cottages.  After a short spell on a metalled lane we take a left onto a little used track and descend to a lane and cottage, before arriving at Collyers Cottages.  Just the place for morning refreshment before a short stint along the road then a turn right alongside neatly fenced and gated pasture-land, home to horses and sheep. All quite unconcerned by our processing through their domain. 

 In the 10 days or so since we “recce’d” this walk the landscape has donned its summer apparel;  the countryside is rich with verdant growth, deciduous woodland is a fresh abundant green and wild meadow flowers are evident at regular intervals as we progress.  Black Down** is clearly visible to the north as we curve round to the east, then north-east approaching Mill Farm. Turning right in the farm complex before the substantial mill pond, Clay Pigeon shooting disturbs tranquillity briefly.  But we were soon back to peace and quiet heading south to reach River Park Farm, a picturesque spot with its footbridge over the stream which exits another beautiful mill pond. 

 In the 10 days or so since we “recce’d” this walk the landscape has donned its summer apparel;  the countryside is rich with verdant growth, deciduous woodland is a fresh abundant green and wild meadow flowers are evident at regular intervals as we progress.  Black Down** is clearly visible to the north as we curve round to the east, then north-east approaching Mill Farm. Turning right in the farm complex before the substantial mill pond, Clay Pigeon shooting disturbs tranquility briefly.  But we were soon back to peace and quiet heading south to reach River Park Farm, a picturesque spot with its footbridge over the stream which exits another beautiful mill pond.