Petersfield Ramblers

• Date: 22 February 2025
• Walk Leader: Peter
• Distance: 4.25 miles

Pre-AGM Stroll from Greatham

After a slightly delayed start a total of 15 ramblers decided that the possibility of a muddy walk prior to our AGM and lunch would not deter them……. 

This was very soon to be put to the test as shortly after leaving the Village Hall car park, we turned off the road and along a narrow fenced path to encounter our first contact with the wet, squidgy stuff. From this, the trail emerged onto an open field where at first it was merely wet and slightly boggy, but increasingly muddy as we approached the end of this field where another muddy section with a few trees and overhanging branches was waiting for us. Crossing a farm road, we took the easier track off this, but still managed to find some wet. Another wet, but not too muddy field with an indistinct path lead us to Le Court, where we joined a tarmac road. Despite the uphill, we could admire the daffodils and other flowers that were beginning to emerge. Even the sun was attempting to break through, with patches of blue sky appearing. As we approached some larger houses, the view to the south was improving. Turning off this road, we took another wet, slippery, muddy path, bordered again by a fence, along the base of Squiresfield Hanger. The new, wild garlic was just beginning to come through, this was accompanied with the tapping of woodpeckers. Almost Spring! 

We then descended down a short, steep muddy path and then through another section of a fenced, woody, muddy track to our coffee stop, where we could take a brief respite and enjoy the view. A gentle descent across a field to where we took a wooded trail along to Snap House. There was of course mud along this trail with some unexpectedly wide, deep-ish puddles – hey, it had been raining heavily the night before! 

Passing the old Brockbridge Farmhouse, with its lovely timber and brick front, we then passed much more modern farm buildings. Crossing a large, wet, but not too muddy, field through to Hazel Copse which was wet and very muddy, where one Rambler announced that they had never had mud splatter on their clothing as high before! Another first!  Passing Ridges Cottage, turning right, along Benhams Lane for a brief respite before entering another wet field, along the edge of Firsplat Copse, at the end of which lay, yes, you guessed, another very wet, muddy, fenced path. Emerging from this into a small housing estate and then back along the road to the Village Hall, where we could change into some dry clothing before enjoying lunch. All 15 of us made it back. 

Author: Peter Berg

Photography: Jo Legg

• Date: 19 February 2025
• Walk Leaders: Paul and David
• Distance: 9.5 miles

Hambledon-Soberton-Droxford

We met at the Hambledon church car park where a group of 21 ramblers made their way down Ticklebelly Lane before walking up Speltham Hill and along the National Trust ground where we passed a flock of sheep. Walking past the allotments we ascended the hill to the woods and then through to open fields where we followed the Wayfarers Walk towards Soberton.  

We had our coffee and banana stop at the top of the hill where there were stunning views over the Downs. Making our way down to Soberton, we walked past the village hall, old school, White Lion pub and church. Heading down the lane we turned right through the gate along by the floodplains of the Meon. This took us to Droxford where we had lunch in the delightful church grounds.  

After lunch, as we walked back along the Wayfarers Way by the river, the sun came out as if ordained by God, cheering up everyone and making the views even more glorious.    Leaving the Wayfarers Walk we diverted along the Allan King Way back towards Hambledon.  

Leaving this route, we walked along the lane until we took a footpath emerging at the top of the hill above Green Lane with lovely views over the village with the church resplendent in the background. Dropping down into the village we walked along West Street and back up to the church car park to complete the nine and a half mile walk, finishing suitably in the sunshine.  

Author: David Roberts

Photography: Claire McCullough and Rose Field

• Date: 22 January 2025
• Walk Leader: Mandy
• Distance: 10 miles

West Meon-Brockwood Park-Warnford

A misty morning greeted 16 ramblers who met at West Meon village hall car park.

We took the footpath past the playing fields, turned right on to Church Lane and ascended the path near Lippen Cottages.  Turning left at the top of the hill, we headed towards Marldell Farm and joined Lippen Lane, which provided some relief from the mud!  Heading through Brockwood Copse we made our way to Brockwood Park where we stopped for coffee and admired the magnificent cedar, oak and beech trees.

The walk progressed across Godwin’s and Malthouse Plantations in the direction of Hinton Ampner and we followed the track to New Pond Cottages. Passing Joan’s Acre Wood, the group took the path alongside Black House Farm which led us across two large, open, muddy fields.  Emerging on to a hill ridge we had lunch overlooking the Meon Valley, shrouded in mist.

After our break, we descended to Warnford and passed a rapidly flowing chalk stream that feeds the local watercress beds. Leaving the village via Lippen Lane, the route lead us through more fields to Lippen Wood eventually emerging on to Church Lane and back to the cars.

Author: Mandy Ray

Photography: Mandy Ray and Clare McCullough

• Date: 15 January 2025
• Walk Leader: Fiona
• Distance: 9 miles

Terwick nr Rogate to Milland circular

Fifteen ramblers met in the layby leading to St Peter’s Church, Terwick for what turned out to be a very muddy walk indeed!  The weather was milder than it had been of late, but this only made the ground more boggy.  Proceeding up Cumbers Lane we alighted at the crossroads at Borden and crossed to descend through Borden Wood, past many tall columns of beautiful pine trees.  After a short section of road walking, we walked up a track by a house with a rather scary looking mini totem pole and on through fields of munching sheep and into more woods to eventually cross the road to Iping Marsh at the foot of Dunner Hill.  We took the opportunity to sit on some logs for our coffee break, overlooking wonderful views across to Rake in the far distance.  After squelching our way through a short patch of quagmire, we came to the base of Titty Hill with many fallen logs and trees.  Then came the fun part (!) … a 15 minute slogathon along Lambourne Lane – let’s just say that the author was very relieved when everyone made it through to the other side without incident!

Turning left we passed through a field of alpacas, looking very curious as to who we were – there was some very impressive willow fencing by this property which must have taken many hours to erect.  We wended our way around paths, across several tricky stiles and on to Milland village where we stopped in the Village Shop and had our lunch on benches outside (with some very nice coffee too).

After lunch, we passed through farm buildings to descend past a field of horses and through fields and then a long, grassy stretch with wide open views to both sides.  Before winding our way up through the woods, we stopped to admire the far-reaching northerly views.  A couple of steep uphill stretches brought us to the top of Rondle Wood and, from there on, the walking became easier as it was mostly downhill all the way and more solid underfoot. 

Finally, we made our way down to the A272 and crossed to the path beside the National Trust lupin field – no lupins at this time of year, but there were beautiful bunches of snowdrops just peeping through.  St Peter’s Church was locked so we could not look inside – we then made our way back to the cars and had a few photos of our muddy boots (in Ann H’s case, her first time wearing new boots!) My thanks to everyone who came and I hope you didn’t have too big a cleaning up job to do when you got home!

Author: Fiona El Hasnaoui

Photography: Clare McCullough and Fiona El Hasnaoui

• 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