Petersfield Ramblers

• Date: 20 November 2024
• Walk Leader: Richard Pelling
• Distance: 10 miles

Tilford – Hankley Common – Devils Jumps – Frensham Little Pond 

A beautiful sunny, but crisp and frosty, morning greeted 15 enthusiastic Ramblers who gathered at Stockbridge Car Park in Tilford.   

Initially we took the old Elstead Road past Stockbridge Pond, once part of a series of ponds created and used for fishing by the monks of Waverley Abbey. After looking down from some height to the River Wey below, we turned across the more open sandy Surrey Heath terrain which makes up Hankley Common military training area, part of the?Thursley,?Hankley and Frensham Commons Special Area of Conservation, a Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest. 

On passing through Lion’s Mouth we reached the replica Atlantic Wall, built in 1943 by Canadian Troops as a training aid prior to D-Day.  A gentle climb to the top of Kettlebury Hill led us to a coffee stop, overlooking the dropping zone where paratroopers were trained by jumping both from barrage balloon baskets and aircraft, and with views to the Hogs-Back to the north and the Devils Punchbowl to the south.

After walking the length of Kettlebury Hill and pausing at a trig point (446 feet), we passed Rushmoor lakes and crossed the Tilford Road onto Churt Common. Ascent to the top of the regionally important geological site known as Stony Jump brought us to our lunch stop, from where we enjoyed the excellent views of priceless heathland habitat including Axe Pond (The Flashes).  Stony Jump is one of three hills known collectively as the Devils Jumps, with local folklore telling of the Devil jumping between them. The Norse God Thor apparently became so annoyed at this he threw a boulder at the demon sending him flying into the Devils Punch Bowl.  

Descending to pass Axe Pond, we continued a short way down the quiet Sandy Lane and then across Frensham Common, passing Frensham Little Pond, from where we returned to Tilford through more wooded scenery along the unmade Tilford Common Road. 

Author and Photographer: Richard Pelling

Additional photos by Sandy Arpino and Clare McCullough

• Date: 9 October 2024
• Walk Leaders: Mandy Ray and Rose Field
• Distance: 10 miles

Coastal path – Prinsted – Chidham

A clear sunny morning greeted 21 ramblers who met at Thorney Island car park.  We took the footpath towards Thornham Farm and approached the village of Prinsted to join the coastal path to Cobnor Point.  The warm Autumn sun soon had us shedding clothes as we made our way along the beach, passing overhanging oak trees clinging to the bank.

Steps led us away from the shoreline to join a path along the ridge overlooking Bosham Quay to our right, and an array of boats.  The church in Bosham village was visible across the mudflats but whilst viewing this, care was required as some of the path had suffered from tidal erosion.

Green, purple and Cavolo Nero kale along with cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli created an interesting pattern in the field to our left.

Leaving the coastline, we headed inland to St Mary’s church Chidham, where we stopped for lunch.  The church nave and chancel are believed to be C13 with the bellcote and lancet windows being C19.

After lunch, we followed the path skirting around ploughed fields until we rejoined the coastal path for a short distance.  Heading inland towards Nutbourne, passing an orchard heavy with apples, we arrived in Prinsted Lane.  Walking through more farmland, the pathway eventually emerged onto Thorney Lane and the car park.

Author: Mandy Ray

Photography: Mandy Ray, Rose Field and Jo Legg

• Date: 11 September 2024
• Walk Leader: Fiona El Hasnaoui
• Distance: 9.5 miles (approx.)

Oakhanger-East Worldham-Wyck-Kingsley

On a beautifully sunny, fresh morning, 17 Ramblers met at Shortheath Pond.  There had been a large amount of rain in the preceding days which led to a very large pool of water to navigate on the first stretch of the walk – despite some logs put down to make a little ‘bridge’ it took a while to get all 17 through it, but we thankfully all emerged unscathed!  The walk then progressed across to Oakhanger village with its attractive church. 

Continuing on the path, we could see to our left the white domes of RAF Oakhanger – level paths went past a beautiful field of sunflowers nodding their heads to the sun.  After crossing the ancient woodland of Binswood, we traversed a field with large polytunnels for growing vegetables.  Further woodland led us up to the ponds below Smith’s Farm and to the side of King John’s Hill.  It is thought this hill was an Iron Age settlement site and is also where King John had a hunting lodge in the 12^th Century.

We took the opportunity to stop for coffee overlooking the hill and ponds and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful view and the sun on our faces, aware of impending Autumn and the colder days to come.

After our break, we crossed the road and up some steps towards St Mary the Virgin Church at East Worldham, where many took the opportunity to take a peek inside the church, where there is a 14^th century female effigy believed to be of Philippa, wife of Geoffrey Chaucer (their son was Lord of the Manor in the early 15^th Century and Ranger of Woolmer and Alice Holt Forests).

Carrying on across fields of what looked like burnt bean pods (but suspect it may have been fungus caused by heavy rainfall), we emerged near the Hangers Way and turned right up towards several fields, which eventually emerged in the small hamlet of Wyck.  We passed through the gates of what is now Wyck Place (which was the site of a Roman villa and bath house but is now a private home) and along the perimeter wall past woodland. 

After walking down a lane of interesting houses, we emerged to a glorious view to our right. Fields of corn led us to a fairly steep set of downward steps which were navigated slowly with poles. 

Passing through a set of farm buildings, we emerged on a lane with a couple of beautiful old properties and stopped for lunch on what turned out to be part of the grounds of one of the houses (although it wasn’t at all obvious!)  Fortunately, we had almost finished eating before the owner came out and told us!

A series of very open fields with crop stubble and more lovely views across the valley brought us to an even steeper set of downward steps, again navigated carefully.  Traversing fields, we emerged next to a lovely old apple orchard ripe with fruits which seemed to be hanging there waiting to be picked!  Straight on down, we came to a farm with alpacas and sheep grazing on the juicy grass.

On over the now dismantled railway, and down a lane, we passed a field with some very large gazebos erected…interested in what these were for, we were told there was soon due to be a meeting of Ahmadi Muslims.

It wasn’t too long before we emerged at Kingsley Pond with its beautiful lily pads.  After continuing across Kingsley Common, it was decided that the section around the quarry was far too overgrown to tackle, and so we continued very briefly on to the road and up across Shortheath Common back to the car park.

Author: Fiona El Hasnaoui

Photography: Fiona El Hasnaoui, Rose Field, Claire Anderson and Clare McCullough

Note: The photo of the gates at Wyck Place was taken from the internet.

• Date: 14 August 2024
• Walk Leader: Mandy Ray
• Distance: 10 miles

East Tisted – Ropley – Rotherfield Park

Ten ramblers met in Station Road, East Tisted to begin a ten mile walk that took us across the A32, along the edge of Plash Wood and through Newtonwood Farm.  

Passing Swellinghill pond we made our way to Old Down Wood (where we saw what looked like a fairy’s house) and joined St Swithun’s Way, which lead us through fields of sheep and some challenging makeshift gates made from sheep pens!    

Having overcome the obstacles, the group headed to St Peter’s church in Ropley where we had lunch. In 2014 the church was almost destroyed by fire but has since been restored in a contemporary style and now provides a community hub for the village. 

The route took us through many fields of barley and wheat, past Lyewood House and on to Charlwood. 

Clouds of dust in the distance confirmed combine harvesting was in full swing.   

Crossing several fields of stubble, we walked through a meadow full of clover and on to Hawthorn Road and Rotherfield Park estate.  Rotherfield Park was originally a medieval hunting park which may have predated a settlement. During the years 1815 – 21 large changes were made to the old estate house with the addition of towers, pinnacles and battlements which we see today.

The land owned by the estate stretches across much of East Hampshire and includes fields in Colemore, Priors Dean, East Tisted and other parishes. With the grand houses on our left, we walked through an avenue of chestnut trees, descended through the park to the gate house and crossed the A32 back to the cars.

Author: Mandy Ray

Photography: Mandy Ray

With additional photography by Rose Field and Claire Anderson

• Date: 3 August 2024
• Walk Leader: Lynne Burge
• Distance: 16 miles (approx.)

From Haslemere Station to Petersfield Station

Eleven intrepid ramblers boarded the train to Haslemere, eagerly awaiting the start of our long, 16 miles, walk back to Petersfield. The weather looked as if it would be kind to us, there had been a light sprinkling of rain before we set off, the cloud cover looked respectable and the temperature was down on previous days.

Leaving the station behind us we tackled the first hill, past Victorian houses up towards Camelsdale. Those of us who had done the walk the previous year commented on how the housing estate, that had been in its infancy, was now a growing teenager just needing a little greenery to soften the edges of all the new houses. The odd thing about the estate was the positioning of several large, rusty, decorated pieces of metal. Made for decoration?

Thankfully we left civilisation behind us and entered Marley Common. The tree lined route gave us shade, the trees themselves magnificent species that had evidently been there for many a long year. Finding your way around a common is never easy, due to all the dog walker paths, but assiduously following either the Serpent Way or the Sussex Border Path we made our way across to Linchmere Common and thus onto Stanley Common.

The undergrowth was lush, ferns blocking many pathways with ramblers walking through them and trying to avoid the inevitable brambles. Drinks stops were taken, along with a coffee stop as we made our way on. Then we reached the outskirts of Liphook, walked down an ancient pathway and turned off towards Milland House. 6 miles down, only around 10 to go!

Milland House is an old building long since converted into flats, with the outbuildings similarly so. It is a magnificent place and must have been wonderful in its time. To the uninitiated you are trapped on their drive, with the pathway beckoning you over the road and a gate in front of you. To those in the know there is a green button on the side which affords an exit from the establishment and a way forward onto the path along Great Hangar. This was particularly overgrown – though I would be hard pushed to say which path won the prize for being the most bushy- but we arrived at the top of the steep steps that led us down towards Maysleith.

Reaching the bottom we passed an old farmhouse which, since last I was there, had been tidied up somewhat and we continued on our way amongst trees to emerge onto the open area further on. There were no fledgling pheasants in the cage where they are generally reared so we continued on past Comberland Farm. This also seemed to have had a makeover. Generally there are many abandoned cars and vehicles on the farm, but maybe they were just hidden by long grass! Who knows?

On we ploughed past the fishing lake, across Harting Combe heading towards Tullecombe with ever tiring legs and hungry tummies. Then the glorious time of sitting down and partaking of our lunch to restore our flagging energies. A clearing in the trees with a stable with an exercise yard for horses gave us a pleasant scene as we regained our fortitude. Not too long now.

Catching glimpses of the A272 we knew we were on the last leg of the walk. making our way across fields of sweet corn so high that even the tallest of the walkers could not see over it. The last field proved to be the most difficult, having to walk between rows of the crop, fending off the leaves and weeds. Emerging from this fight we walked past the trees in the nursery, crossed the road and made our way to Sheet Common. 

With heavy legs we all managed to climb over the last stile by the mill at Sheet and walk down Love Lane to our various houses and cars.

My thanks to all those who walked, you were a lovely bunch to walk with and no-one complained (at least to me!) about the length of the walk and how tiring it was. I hope you are all feeling fit and ready for more adventures in the near future.

Author: Lynne Burge

Photography: Lynne Burge

• Date: 17 July 2024
• Walk Leader: Peter Berg
• Distance: 9.6 miles (approx.)

A varied walk from Devil’s Punch Bowl

A group of 13 Ramblers set off from the NT car park at the Devil’s Punch Bowl at 10:00.

Heading eastwards along The Sensory Trail, we very quickly came upon some thoughts on what walking the myriad paths of the outdoors has to offer.

Shortly afterwards, we passed the memorial to the sailor who was murdered on September 24th, 1786 by three men. His grave is in the churchyard in Thursley, which we later visited. Passing the Celtic Cross on Gibbet Hill, which at 272 metres is the second highest point in Surrey, a steep descent took us through Boundless Copse at the bottom of which we joined a single track road on to Begley Farm. We turned off here to walk across meadows, passing what may once have been an outdoor swimming pool, and on towards Blackhanger Farm. We then followed a woodland track to Emley Farm, the house of which has a magnificent wisteria around the front of the building. It is a Grade II listed farmhouse, owned by the NT, available for holiday lets. Whilst enjoying a well deserved coffee break here at the farm, we were joined by a late-comer, who, as we had taken a couple of detours earlier, had caught us up, raising our numbers to 14.

Invigorated by caffeine and bananas, resuming our walk, we turned off the track, along paths through meadows, again admiring the views. Taking a path up a drovers track to the hamlet of Bowlhead Green, we passed Chapel Cottage, which still sports a cross and bell on its roof.  Joining The Greensand Way, entering the woods above Cosford House, we met a fellow rambler, Keith, from Aldershot, who joined us, increasing our numbers to 15. A steep descent down to Cosford House itself, where the mud awaited us…… An ascent up to the A3, through an underpass and then across a Stephen King maize field – no scarecrows in evidence – to the outskirts of Thursley. Keith said his farewells here.

We stopped off at the church of St Michael And All Angels, admiring the sundial, on its south facing wooden shingled belfry with the inscription “Hora Pars Vitae” , –  “an hour is part of life”.

We enjoyed our lunch in the sunshine of the churchyard, reading the gravestone of the sailor mentioned earlier.

Leaving Thursley, we passed the Haybarn, with its unique sign, together with some new admirers.

Shortly after Hedge Farm, we left the single track road to force our way through an overgrown path between fields – brambles and nettles seem to grow very quickly! Crossing a small stream on a wooden bridge, we ascended up past Ridgeway Farm and Upper Ridgeway Farm, to a signposted track which took us back into the NT grounds of the Devil’s Punch Bowl. As it was such a pleasant day, we did not shorten the walk but stuck with the planned route. The Devil’s Punch Bowl is a joy to explore; a great many paths of varying terrain, offering some spectacular and often unexpected, views. On the way back, we encountered highland cattle and a small herd of Dartmoor ponies.

Passing Highcombe Farm, we eventually reached what was to be the final climb on the walk. The path over the last 500 metres rises 92 metres, over some quite rugged, stony, rain washed ground.  On reaching the top of this climb, we emerged out of the trees and once again back into the sunshine, where we could admire the view and reflect on our walk. Approximately 9.6 miles with 1350 ft of descent. (and ascent).

Author: Peter Berg

Photography: Rosemary Field, Jo Legg and David Roberts

• Date: 26 June 2024
• Walk Leader: Sheila Gadd
• Distance: 8 miles (approx.)

From Borden Corner – The hottest walk of the year so far

Well, it was an interesting walk which had really started 3 days before when Mandy and I did some footpath clearance in advance so that the group would be able to get through Cumber’s Lane without being stung by nettles and scratched by brambles. Even so, we had to negotiate a fallen tree on the day.

It was at least 26 degrees at 10am so we were not expecting a huge crowd with such high temperatures, but 17 people duly turned out.  We did tell everyone that we would take it easy on such a hot day, so no fast walking.

We walked down Cumber’s Lane under trees in the cool shade (I swear the brambles had grown since we had cleared them a few days before), emerged into a lane and then into a field and carefully walked single file on a short section of the A272 and headed towards Trotton Church. Crossing the road, we carried on to Terwick Cottages where a lovely friend, Penny, had offered us coffee and goodies in her garden. She was amazing. Proper coffee, tea, brownies, shortbread and flapjacks were duly consumed in her lovely garden for which we were all very grateful.  A memorable coffee stop!

We moved on, over the river Rother to Dumpford and following fields and woodland paths to Iping Common where the heat really hit us! We stopped at Iping churchyard in the shade for our picnic lunch and a rest. We passed Hammer Pond and Hammer Wood, up Green Lane and back to our start point at Borden Corner. A delightful circuit and great company as always.

Author: Sheila Gadd

Photography by Sheila Gadd, Claire Anderson and Jo Legg

• Date: 19 June 2024
• Walk Leader: Michael Moore
• Distance: 6.2 miles

Lucky Thirteen east of Rogate

Thirteen ramblers enjoyed a short, varied walk through 6.2 miles of the area just east of Rogate. The weather grew brighter and warmer as the walk progressed. The route was remarkably free of mud for once and the one stop scheduled took place at Combe Pond. There were large patches of water lilies on its surface. We were able to use the areas of the bank reserved for anglers for our lunch stop. The only anglers we met had just caught a large fish and were preparing to put it back into the water.

After New Barn Farm, we went on to Trotton Marsh then a road-walk up the hill to Borden Corner. The route southward, via Cumbers Lane, was rather overgrown so the secateurs came in useful. However, even two pairs of those could not remove a medium-sized tree which had fallen across the pathway. This must have happened recently because the leaves were still green. The rest of the route going South was very overgrown but we arrived at last at the A272, which we crossed and walked along a section of the old A272 which is the access road to St Peter’s Church. After a ‘photo-call’, we continued northward, passing some sad-looking lupins. We re-crossed the main road and reached our cars.

I would like to thank everyone for their participation in the walk and I look forward to the next
time. (Already in preparation).

Author: Michael Moore

Photography: Marion

• Date: 12 June 2024
• Walk Leaders: Mandy Ray and Sheila Gadd
• Distance: 7.5 miles (approx.)

Queen Elizabeth Country Park – Butser Hill – Wild Flowers

Fifteen ramblers met at Hall Hill car park at the top of Kiln Lane, Buriton and started the walk with a climb up the track to enter the QEP.  We followed the track through Holt Down Plantation, passing the site where a Roman building once stood. Crossing under the A3 near the visitor centre, the group ascended Butser Hill via the path to the right of the one most commonly used.

The sun was shining through a wonderful cloudscape. As we were approaching the top of the hill, the path took us through chalk grassland full of Common Spotted Orchids and eventually opened out to treat the group to a sea of Red Sorrel swaying in the breeze.

With 360° spectacular panoramic views across Petersfield, The South Downs and The Solent, we made our way to Grandfather’s Bottom, an impressive valley with views of East Meon and the Meon Valley beyond.  Along the path, more flora was visible in the form of foxgloves and dog roses.

Descending Butser, we were fortunate to come across the Exmoor ponies grazing the slopes of the hill. Returning via the route under the A3, we followed the zigzag path through the QEP,  joining Hangers Way for a short distance before peeling off the trail to walk across the field and back to Hall Hill.

Author and Photographer: Mandy Ray

• Date: 25 May 2024
• Walk Leaders: Jenny Broadhead and Val Wood
• Distance: 10 miles (approx.)

Iping – Stedham – Chithurst

Jenny planned this route and when we walked it out a few weeks ago, we were still in the grip of what has been an exceptionally wet and chilly spring.  Happily, on Saturday the weather was superb giving us warm, sunny conditions showing off the glorious countryside at its best.

Thirteen ramblers met at Iping Common CP for this 10 mile route, and we headed east parallel to the busy A272.  Crossing the road carefully, we soon left its noise behind heading north across open pasture to reach Stedham village, then Stedham Hall and Mill, both looking as impressive as ever.

Many of the native wildflowers looked at their best, along with beautiful old village houses and cottages, with or without climbing roses, in Stedham and Iping.

Below could be Monet’s garden at Giverny, but where are the water lilies?

At Woodgate Farm, we give a wide berth to the “Great Bovine Escapers”: mothers and calves, clearly feeling very pleased with themselves as they munched forbidden pastures new. 

Within minutes we met the farmer in his farm vehicle on his way to round them up and return to the secure pasture below. Known as British Whites, this is a an old established breed, related to the horned White Park Cattle.  They are good as dairy or beef cattle.

The White Lupin Crop growing low to the ground.

There are currently three species of the lupin (Lupinus) family available in the UK, the white lupin (L. albus), the narrow leaved or blue lupin (L. angustifolius) and the yellow lupin (L. luteus). White lupins are more tolerant of alkaline soil conditions in the UK and are used for naturally improving the ground for grain production.   

Below, the recently erected rustic and strong “Stairs Style”, a great improvement replacing a poor structure which was climbed with difficulty and much care.

Impressive tall and important looking chimneys on a very modest farm building at Woolhouse Farm where we also passed what appeared to be an original Shepherd’s Hut, long since abandoned, and in need of some TLC.

Our route took us through delightful varied countryside – plenty of woodland and wide open spaces.

St Mary’s Church, Iping – with a well-earned break for weary feet.

Walking along the permissive path through the Hammer woodland of Chithurst Buddhist Monastery, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of this space, we noted the many woodland shrines.  About halfway along we stopped in a glade for lunch.

Hammer Wood lies next to a large hammer pond which was used to provide power for iron working in the seventeenth century. The pond was made by damming the southward flowing Hammer stream.

Finally, our fascinating circuit almost complete, we re-crossed the A272 and re-joined the car park from the western side of the common. 

All agreed – a delightful day.

Author: Val Wood

Photographer: Sandy Arpino

Additional photography by Claire Anderson and Dulcia Furber

With thanks to Dr Google for some of the points of information.