Griggs Green Take Two
- Date: Wednesday 9 April 2022
- Walk Leader: Val Wood
- Distance: 9 Miles
- Start: Griggs Green, GR SU824 319
The second attempt at completing this walk in its entirety. I’ve walked it out on several occasions to make slight alterations; one to avoid the middle of busy Liphook Golf Club and recently to make sure we avoid the bridleway that runs a little too close to the ranges currently flying the red flag with very audible military activity going on. Each time the weather has been pretty uninspiring; either heavy rain, the threat of rain or leaden skies. However today nine enthusiastic members (along with two lively but well-behaved dogs, Jess and Pickles) ignored yet another gloomy forecast and we set off at the usual time. Happily, the conditions were much kinder than predicted and apart from one short spell the rain stayed away.
Signs of Spring!
As I’ve previously reported the route is varied, with a good mix of woodland, heath and some open country. We headed south on popular well used trails and tracks, meeting various dog walkers around this very open area. Over the mainline railway bridge at Langley, we’re soon heading towards another favourite walking area – Chapel Common. We skirt the short south side of the common and walk up the lane to cross the B2070 (former A3) and on through Coldharbour Wood. We stop here making use of fallen logs and the bank for seating as we enjoy elevenses; with hardly any leaves out the view east across the valley is splendid. Down to turn left on to Canhouse Lane briefly before turning left again up towards Maysleith Wood and Hanger. Next the steep climb up towards Milland church and chapel, first on the steep woodland track then up the 74 or so stone steps.
If we’d felt slightly chilly thus far, we were certainly quite warm enough by the time we reached the top. Easy going now towards handsome Milland House which has a convenient push button for walkers and horse riders alike to access the bridleway that goes through the drive along the property front. We pass through numerous paddocks well populated by handsome horses. I’m reliably informed by one of our members that they are all polo ponies and will soon be in training for the forthcoming season starting later this spring.
At the top of the knoll the wind is draughty but heading to the lee of the woodland we find a good spot for our well-earned lunch. Now we’re on the homeward section and on largely level terrain east up the final leg past Hatch Birch Piece towards Wheatsheaf Inclosure which we skirt via the Sussex Border path. Under the rail line we shortly reach the main road again; this time turning left along the pavement for a hundred metres or so before crossing to take the drive briefly through Liphook Golf Course on up toward Foley Manor.
We pass the imposing statue of Lord Strathnairn who, as far as I can ascertain, has no associations with the Manor at all. The last of the many homes which stud the estate are soon left behind as we take one of the main bridleways back to our parking at Griggs Green. Thoroughly enjoyed by all, it would be lovely to do again in high summer when the sun is shining.
Author: Val Wood, Programme Organiser