Emsworth 6 March 2024

  • Date: 6 March 2024
  • Walk Leaders: Sandy and Helen
  • Distance: 7.5 miles

Petersfield Ramblers enjoy a rare sunny, mud-free walk along the coast

After two months of wet, muddy, cancelled walks, we were looking forward to improved walking conditions in March. However previous checks for a potential Emsworth to Hayling Island coastal walk had not been encouraging: problems with tides, excessive gloopy mud and water torrents pouring off the sea walls did not bode well. Undeterred, the walk leaders rose at 06:30am on the first day of March to assess conditions. Such dedication! They were rewarded with stunning early morning light across the mud flats and – surprisingly – a ‘thumbs up’ for the walk two days later. 

So it was that 20 keen Ramblers set off from Emsworth recreation park, south through the delightful coastal village – resisting the temptations of the many charming cafes. Looking back as we circled the enclosed mill pond, the picturesque water-front scene – postcard pretty – was enhanced by a flock of swans enjoying food left by a kindly local.

As we passed the yacht club, reaching more open beach, we found ourselves in warming sunshine, under azure blue skies. It was simply amazing! Smiles broke out and jackets were discarded. There was even blossom on the hawthorn lining our path.

After a leisurely coffee break, basking on a grass bank, we continued around Conigar Point, past ‘seaweed bushes’ and railway sleeper remaining walls – each interesting in their own ways.

As Langstone approached, the unusual tidal mill (now a private residence) drew people’s attention; with its oldest parts dating from 1720, the black tarred outer skin makes the mill resilient to the full force of the coastal weather.

On past the white-washed Royal Oak pub, a house at the beach-end of Langstone High Street caught our attention, not just that its sandbags indicated the constant threat of high tides. The front-door water barricade and post box were colourfully painted with nautical scenes.

We ‘lost’ some walkers at the Ship Inn (there were tales of walking back!), before traversing Langstone Bridge to arrive on Hayling Island. Heading out west, we admired the nature reserve – once thriving oyster beds – before resuming the Billy Trail back to the NW corner of the island. Here everyone collapsed on the grassy sea-wall banks to consume lunch – and sunbathe!

After an extended, convivial break – vitamin D stores replenished! – we wended our way back across Langstone Bridge, having noted the ‘Danger’ signal for any ghost trains anticipating crossing the seriously depleted rail bridge!

Following along the extension of the Hayling Billy Coastal Path (ablaze with yellow celandines) to Havant we took a bus back to Emsworth – and our cars.

We all agreed that it was a most enjoyable walk, not least for the stunning sunshine after months of continual rain.

Historical note: Hayling Billy ran from 1867 to 1963. The line was closed because of the unaffordable cost of repairs to the bridge. Some of our walkers can remember travelling on the Hayling Billy when they were very young.

Author and Photographer: Sandy Arpino

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Emsworth 6 March 2024

AGM 17 February 2024

  • Date:                  17 February 2024
  • Walk Leader:   Peter Berg
  • Distance:          4.5 Miles

Nyewood Walk and AGM

A total of 18 Ramblers met up outside The Henry Warren Hall, to enjoy a 4 mile walk around the amazingly varied environs of Nyewood, prior to our AGM.  A number of other Ramblers had also arrived who would be setting up the Hall for the AGM, and more importantly, lunch for us all. 

Start of walk

The morning was damp, overcast with low cloud, but the walkers set off in high spirits northeast out of Nyewood, joining Dumpford Lane, following the Serpent Trail.  We passed Nyewood House, shortly afterwards reaching The Woodcarvers Studio, which won the coveted South Downs Award for 2023. Some examples of their work were on display in their yard. 

Still following the Serpent Trail, but turning off Dumpford Lane, we followed the track down past the fish ponds, where the trail encountered wet and muddy conditions – particularly at stiles and bridges.  

Bridge appoach

Crossing the dismantled railway line, leaving the Serpent Trail to follow a path through a small copse of trees, we emerged to walk alongside a water meadow/marsh which is one of only a few breeding grounds of snipe and curlew along the South Downs. 

Turning off this path we headed for Woodhouse Farm, where we joined a sunken farm track heading uphill for East Harting.  At the top of this rise, the South Downs came into view, still topped with low cloud and mist – a lovely sight. 

Heading north along the road out of East Harting, we took a footpath bordered by a line of trees and meadows on both sides.  The going here was still slightly uphill, and as we came out of these trees, the view to the north provided a very welcome accompaniment to a brief coffee stop.  

From here, we could make out that our path, downhill all the way back to Nyewood, would be a little wet and muddy, underfoot.  Nonetheless, we all arrived back at the hall in good time for our AGM and a very welcome lunch. 

Annual General Meeting

The AGM was held in the newly built hall in Nyewood, small but perfectly formed. After checking that all the walkers had changed their footwear so that no mud would be brought into the hall, everyone settled down to start the meeting.

All members of the committee presented their reports on the different aspects of the group. The reports reflected the hard work that had been put into that aspect of the club- from membership, budgeting, publicity, website, walks, checking footpaths- not forgetting that the minutes from each meeting have to be typed up. A huge amount of work to keep the club ticking along for the benefit of the members.

Linda Farley, membership and publicity, had indicated that she wished to step aside after three years. Fiona El Hasnaoui kindly stepped forward to fill the vacancy (not too much bribery was involved!) and she was unanimously voted onto the committee.
At the end of the meeting (short but sweet as everyone was hungry for lunch after their walk) a vote of thanks was given to Linda along with a bunch of flowers in recognition of her hard work for the committee.

Then it was time to savour the soups that Anne and her team were preparing in the kitchen. A choice of three soups along with a ploughman’s lunch was served to everyone and much appreciated. This was followed by delicious cake and a cup of tea. Many thanks to Anne, Barbara and Chris, along with those who made the soups and cakes.

Kitchen Crew

Once the hall had been cleared up, tables back in the cupboard, washing up done the ramblers went home to await the packed (hopefully) programme of walks for the coming year.

Authors: Peter Berg and Lynne Burge

Photography by Paul Farley and Jeremy Bacon

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on AGM 17 February 2024

16 January 2024

  • Date:               16 January 2024
  • Walk Leader: Lynne Burge
  • Distance:         3 Miles each way (approx.)

Ramblers Social Lunch at the Seven Stars

Ten ramblers assembled outside the Outdoor Swimming to enjoy a 3 mile walk to the Seven Stars. Others would meet us at the pub ready for the pre ordered meal. With the sun high in the sky and the freezing temperatures we made our way through Merrit’s Meadow to Dark Hollow. Arriving at Beckham Lane we gained two more walkers, with another one joining us at the bridge over the A3.

Thankfully, due to the low temperatures the areas that are potentially boggy on the route were fairly firmly frozen, so we were able to keep our feet relatively dry. The views were spectacular as the sun shone down, a buzzard circled overhead searching for prey and the trees glistened in the sunlight.

On reaching the Seven Stars we all changed out of our walking boots and entered the warmth of the pub. Thirty Petersfield Ramblers sat chatting, enjoying a drink and then enjoying the food. It was a great time to catch up with friends not seen recently, to chat with several people at once rather than, when walking, chatting with one person at a time. I’m sure we livened up the pub on a cold Tuesday lunchtime in January. Pickle was not missed out, he happily ate the leavings of chips looking for more once he had finished.

As the afternoon drew on those walking back to Petersfield set off before it began to freeze. The route took us past Langrish School and out to the bypass. A fairly simple walk back except for the fallen tree. This blocked the path with the only way past it meant gymnastics- climbing over various branches to reach the other side. Then off into Petersfield and each to their different homes and into the warmth.

Negotiating the fallen tree

So, the question is- was it a success? Feedback says that everyone enjoyed the experience, so watch this space for the next Ramblers’ Pub lunch.

Author and Photographer: Lynne Burge

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 16 January 2024

6 December 2023

  • Date:                     Wednesday 6 December 2023
  • Leaders:               Gordon Churchill
  • Meet:                    10:15, Petersfield Railway Station Bus Stand F
  • Distance:             4.8 miles

A Bus and Walk Adventure including Petworth House Christmas Decorations

A small group set off by bus to Midhurst where Gordon led a short walk to ascend St Ann’s Hill where we read about the Iron Age fort that dominated the hill.  Later a Norman castle was built, then finally a fortified house with nearby South Pond supplying fish.  We descended steps to reach the footpath alongside the river Rother taking us to the ruins of Cowdray House.  Construction of the house started in about 1520 but it was destroyed by fire in 1793.  We then boarded the bus to Petworth where we enjoyed the Christmas decorations inside Petworth House, a National Trust property, which is set in a 700 acre deer park. 

As well as marvelling at all these historic items, we really did marvel at all the hard work by the volunteers in decorating all the many Christmas trees – really large trees beautifully adorned.

Christmas Feast

The 17th century house offers an infinity of paintings and sculpture which includes major works by Van Dyck, Turner, Reynolds, and Gainsborough. 

And by Titian, “An Unknown Man in a Black Plumed Hat”

Examples of Grinling Gibbons work in the “Carved Room”

On leaving the house we enjoyed our packed lunches in beautiful Autumnal sunshine while sitting around tables in the forecourt.  Fortified by food, we set out for a walk around part of the parkland, circumnavigating one of the large ponds, and marvelling at the landscaping work of “Capability” Lancelot Brown.  After ascending to the summit of one of the hills we saw a huge herd of deer below us in the distance.

On leaving Petworth House a visit was made to the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin before waiting for the return bus to Midhurst.  After passing Benbow Pond and the golf course we alighted from the bus at Easebourne.   Our final short walk was through part of the Cowdray estate, and once again past the ruins of Cowdray House, before boarding the bus for Petersfield, having walked a total of about 4.8 miles.

Author: Gordon Churchill

Photography: Mark Lightburn & Flick

(Plus Linda & Paul Farley who couldn’t join the group but visited 2 days later)

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 6 December 2023

22 November 2023

  • Date:              22 November 2023
  • Distance:      9 miles
  • Start:             10:00 at South Meadow CP GR:  SU696164
  • Leaders:        Chris and Martin

Finally Petersfield Ramblers enjoy a dry walk in November

After weeks of wet, cancelled or squelchy walks 18 Ramblers at last gathered in Clanfield – with a dry (if cold) weather forecast – to enjoy a walk without rainwear and wet feet. Unusually the jaunt was led by Pickle – our 4-legged mascot – who executed his responsibilities with remarkable diligence!

It is always tricky to set a walking pace that suits everyone – some like slower, some like faster – but Pickle succeeded in maintaining a speed which satisfied everyone. Quite a notable achievement!

The first segment of the walk took us in a huge loop – across grass, round fields, through woods and along tracks – until we reached the Rising Sun Inn where we stopped for coffee. In truth no one took a great deal of notice of the route as this was our first opportunity in too long to have a good chat. Thankfully Pickle wasn’t side-tracked by all this conversation, staying focused on leading the group. Until that is, he heard pheasants in the undergrowth which proved a major distraction!

On leaving the pub we admired the impressive bells on St James church opposite. Passing Clanfield Junior School, the scout hut and a very striking olive tree outside someone’s house, two dog-themed signs made us chuckle:

The autumn colours were glorious – both in gardens and along the hedgerows – as we made our way through woodland to the South Downs Way. For the third time we passed tractors with massive cutters pruning back the hedgerows, the farmers politely halting operations until we had safely passed.

The views to our right – across the Downs behind Butser Hill – were lovely with rolling landscapes punctuated by stately oaks. Two eagle-eyed Ramblers spotted a caulifower fungi which they harvested for supper, assuring those of us less well informed that it was perfectly safe to eat. Too many of us have watched Midsomer Murders to feel quite so confident!

Cauliflower Fungi

Stopping at the Sustainability Centre for lunch, we enjoyed slices of their delicious (reasonably priced) cakes, alongside lunches from our rucksacks. Revitalised we strolled through the tranquility of the South Downs Natural Burial Site, marvelling at the effort required to dig graves in solid chalk.

As we entered our tenth and final mile, some people were starting to tire. Pickle continued to take his duties seriously, looking behind to check whether walkers were keeping up and adjusting the pace accordingly!

Our thanks to Pickle – and Chris and Martin, of course – for such a lovely walk. We look forward to more.

Pickle

Author and Photographer: Sandy Arpino

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 22 November 2023

1 November 2023

  • Date:                          1 November 2023
  • Walk Leader:           Flick
  • Distance:                  7 miles
  • Start:                         10:00am, Kilmeston Church GR: SU591 263

We parked at Kilmeston church on the first day of November, the day that the forecasters warned of Storm Ciarán, so it was a party of just 11 of us who braved whatever the weather threw at us on the day.

We did start in rain wearing our full waterproofs, but very soon it cleared and we enjoyed a delightful walk of about 7 miles. Storm, what storm?

We set off in our usual fashion of walking and talking and headed along a muddy lane to the delightful hamlet of Beauworth (pronounced Bewith) which contained some very attractive thatched cottages. Later we headed uphill and came to a building where work was being carried out. It had been a public house called The Milburys where I remember buying a drink and a group of us having our sandwiches on a previous walk – sadly no longer possible. Another pub closed.

Trekking along the South Downs Way and admiring an abundance of berries and colourful leaves still on the trees, we came to a large field where our leader had planned an early lunch stop at the top corner where we could admire the view, but suddenly rain and wind set in, so we carried on for a while until the sun came out, so lunch was eaten and enjoyed.

We came across a field of attractive plants with lovely blue flowers which none of us had seen before. Upon investigation via Google, we discovered that it is called Fittleneck and is related to the borage family. It is apparently very attractive to insects, and it is a good soil improver – you learn something every day! We wondered if the farmers just dig it in to ‘feed’ the next crop?

We arrived back close to our cars, but our leader gave us a choice of walking an extra half mile to the National Trust house of Hinton Ampner for a cup of tea and cake. This was enthusiastically taken up by all!

As always, whatever the weather, it’s always wonderful to be out in the countryside; good for our health, physical and mental.

Author: Sheila Gadd

Photography: Various walkers

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 1 November 2023

15 October 23

  • Date:               15 October 2023
  • Distance:       9 miles
  • Start:              10:00 St Catherine’s Park & Ride, Winchester
  • Leader:           Sandy Arpino & Lynne Burge

Nine intrepid Ramblers don’t let Storm Babet dampen their enthusiasm

Although Storm Babet – named after a woman who visited an open day at the Dutch weather headquarters (!) – was still crossing the country, nine brave Ramblers stuck to their planned walk along the River Itchen one Saturday in mid-October. There had been heavy rain all night and the forecast was very patchy.

Being a linear walk – from Eastleigh to Winchester – there was the inevitable complexity of how to end up back at our cars when the walk completed. The walk leaders decided to tackle this issue at the beginning (rather than the end) of the walk, so we met in Winchester’s St Catherine’s Park & Ride and took the P&R bus to the city centre. From here a mile’s walking through the inviting market and up a hill led us to Winchester railway station, from where we took a waiting train south to Eastleigh. Our timing was perfect vis-à-vis the weather: the heavens opened as we reached the dry of the station forecourt and the downpour ceased as we disembarked at Eastleigh. A short stretch of pavement delivered us to an extensive recreation park and onwards – finally – to the River Itchen.

Perhaps not unsurprisingly, the normally gentle chalk-stream with its crystal-clear waters had been turned into a murky, raging torrent – and the riverside path was very wet. Thankfully underfoot was firm gravel, though extensive puddles had accumulated which required careful manoeuvring to avoid wet feet. Given the high water levels we were able to observe in action the navigation infrastructure along the river which serves to control flow. Indeed after a few miles walking upstream the waters cleared, held back by a series of weirs. Delightfully the sun broke through the leaden skies for a while, offering us picturesque scenes to photograph.

Once the waters calmed, we encountered groups of water birds, posing amongst the newly emerged autumn colours.

After passing Compton Lock – where families paddle on summer days – and taking a tunnel under the noisy M3, we forked left to follow the westerly side of water meadows to the Hospital of St Cross. Not a hospital in the modern sense, St Cross is an alms-house, founded in 1130 by the Bishop of Winchester, to provide charitable support for those in financial or physical difficulty. Today the Hospital still offers a home to 25 Brothers in its beautiful almshouses. Its striking Norman church impresses by its setting, size and simplicity.

Rain began to fall quite heavily as we approached St Cross so we hurried for the cover inside where we enjoyed our lunch. Some of us bought tasty tea, coffee and cake from the inviting cafe, while others participated in Wayfarers’ Dole. The tradition of Dole at St Cross – the giving of refreshment to travellers – dates back nearly 900 years. Modern travellers like ourselves can request Dole, receiving a small tumbler of pleasant ale and a little square of bread.

Reinvigorated – and with the rain reduced to a light shower – we strode back to the P&R and our cars. Setting off for home, we were grateful that the storm had been kind to us – and pleased that we had braved the elements for an interesting walk.

Author:  Sandy Arpino

Photography: mostly Sandy Arpino plus a few extra from Linda & Paul Farley

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 15 October 23

Annual Holiday 2023 Day 3

  • Annual Holiday:         Church Stretton, Shropshire
  • Date:                             October 2023, DAY 3
  • Distance:                     12.5 Miles

Our third and final walk took us to the Long Mynd, from which our HF holiday residence (Longmynd House) takes its name. The Longmynd – meaning ‘long mountain’ – is a heath and moorland plateau that forms part of the Shropshire Hills. It is approximately 7 miles long by 3 miles wide, running broadly north to south, and is characterised by steep valleys on its eastern flanks and a long slope to the western side. The high ground is common land and is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Much of it is owned by the National Trust and is managed by the Longmynd Commoners.

As the walk had been billed as more challenging than previous days (12.5 miles with 2,400ft ascent) and the weather forecast was for rain, a smaller group than normal gathered at 9:15 to head out from the house. Through almost 2 hours of persistent heavy drizzle, 8 walkers plus our leader – Edward – trudged to Little Stretton then up wooded slopes leading to a very steep climb through moorland to the top of Longmynd and beyond. Only on stopping to look back did we appreciate the impressive valley up which we had scrambled.

Before the commencement of the vast heather and bilberry moorland, we ascended through sheep fields where we watched a mighty ram saunter casually amongst his ewes, sniffing them for signs of interest! Further along – to our surprise – one ewe decided to join our ramble, trotting boldly within our midst for some distance! There was a fast-flowing stream to be crossed – luckily via a small bridge so our feet stayed dry, unlike the rest of us.

It transpired that Edward worked for the National Trust in the area so he was able to explain how the terrain was managed to preserve the biodiversity while accommodating the Commoners’ right to graze animals on the moor. Apparently the bracken on steeper slopes – which had been scythed until very recently – was now cut by robotic machines … though not always very successfully. Three robot cutters had to date tumbled down the slopes and been destroyed!

On reaching the top of the plateau we were met by a biting wind, adding coldness to our already quite damp selves. On we plodded – heads down, conversation muted – to a promised shelter at Pole Bank, the highest point on the Longmynd at 1,693ft. With great relief we bundled into the spacious shelter – made by Edward’s NT team from wooden trusses and corrugated iron – grateful to be out of the wind and rain. Warmed and refreshed from coffee and flapjack, we emerged into the elements to find that, fortunately, the showers had finally stopped. Rejuvenated we marched to the inevitable trig point, from where we could look westwards to the Stiperstone hills where we’d walked the day before. Edward described to us the Stepping Stones NT project that was developing a natural corridor from the Stiperstones to the Longmynd, working with local farmers, to enable species to move more easily between the two sets of hills.

From the trig point we took a steep descent off the Longmynd, crossing another stream. Alas, this time there was no bridge. Running through the water, unsurprisingly we got wet feet … just when the rest of us was at last drying out! We had lunch down in a valley before turning towards the Longmynd again for a long haul back up to the ridge, enjoying stunning views behind us. Crossing a remote farmyard on the way we encountered another four-legged friend who was keen to become a member of our party: this time a lovely black cat.

The trek across the Longmynd moor was fabulous: remote, wild, vast, on top of the world. As we approached the eastern flanks, three handsome horses grabbed our attention. They lived wild on the plateau, enjoying the Commoners’ grazing rights – rather like New Forest ponies.

And the best came last – not just of the day but of the whole holiday: Town Brook Valley. It left us breathless. Such a dull, matter-of-fact name for such a stupendous sight. After soaking in the magnificent view for some time, we began the long, steady descent down the sloping valley walls and back to Longmynd House.

Author and Photographer: Sandy Arpino

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Annual Holiday 2023 Day 3

Annual Holiday 2023 Day 2

  • Annual Holiday:         Church Stretton, Shropshire
  • Date:                             October 2023, DAY 2
  • Distance:                     10.5 Miles

Day 2 began with a coach ride for all walkers, taking us through the countryside towards the Stiperstones. We were deposited near to Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle. It was constructed in the Bronze Age, over 3000 years ago. They think there was up to 30 stones originally, but today there are 15.

Part of the Stone Circle

The longer distance walkers set off on their 10.5 mile walk across the land near to the circle and over the moorland. Initially the land was flat, so made for easy walking to wake the muscles up. At times it was wet and boggy, also the ground was tufted and difficult to walk across. Apart from those problems we gently made our way along, down and up the paths. Various stiles got in the way, but nothing noteworthy happened. After coffee we crossed a main road and started on an upward trajectory.

A wooden rickety bridge had to be tackled, leading us over a gushing stream and through someone’s garden. I say garden, but it was basically a small field next to the stream with various picnic tables in it. After passing a few holiday cottages we came to two large fields with cows grazing gently in them. Surprisingly the problem we encountered as not the cows but the stiles and mud around the gates. Not easy. The stiles were well past their best and the cows had churned up the land around them. Result = 14 muddy walkers.

Mud!
The way ahead

Stopping for lunch in a field we were astounded to see a Rowan tree growing out of the split trunk of another, unidentified, tree. It looked very healthy and even had red berries growing! Then began the long ascent up to the Stiperstones. Lead mining took places in this area (though we didn’t see any evidence of this) and it is badged as an iconic upland landscape with quartzite outcrops.

Some of the Stiperstones

What we did notice was the rugged nature of the path. No time to admire the view, all concentration was needed on the path as it was strewn with large stones and rocks- an easy place to trip and break an ankle. We picked our way carefully up and up, watching our feet assiduously until we reached the stones. There were several outcrops of them culminating with the Devil’s Armchair, a tall outcrop of rock with a gap in the middle.

Devil’s Armchair

Thankfully the path began to ease, we reached a large cairn and started our descent. This proved to be muddy and lumpy bumpy. Again great care was taken, holding in check our desire to rush down to the village of Stiper to avail ourselves of refreshment in the pub. Eventually we made it down in time to board the bus and enjoy being ferried back to the hotel.

Panorama

An exhilarating, windy, challenging walk with fantastic panoramas.

Author & Photographer: Lynne Burge

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Annual Holiday 2023 Day 2

Annual Holiday 2023 Day 1

  • Annual Holiday:         Church Stretton, Shropshire
  • Date:                           October 2023, DAY 1
Ready to Roll

During the briefing for Walk 2 (Hope Bowdler and Ragleth) on our first walking day, leader Edward told us about wood sculptures in the woodland gardens of Longmynd House which were carved by David Bytheway. What an interesting name is ‘Bytheway’!

We walked through Little Stretton past some wonderful half-timbered very old houses, braved the fast traffic on the A49 and ascended Ragleth Hill, and the promised ‘sharp ascent’ did not disappoint! We took it slowly, stopping at intervals to enjoy the view behind and catch our breath.

Excellent views all around

The views from the top were, well, breathtaking! On our way up we passed a gravestone for Craig Bullock who had been killed riding his motorbike in 1972, seemingly on his way home from the pub which may explain his demise.

Memorial to Craig Bullock

Walking along the top we came across some badger-faced sheep. Not seen these before so I tried to take a photo but only succeeded in getting a shop of their bottoms! We had wonderful views of the Shropshire Hills, many high peaks and grassy slopes, and Wales beyond. It was sunny, windy and stunning!

! We descended into the Chelmick Valley and to the village of Hope Bowdler and later on to The Vending Hut which had been set up by a local farming family which gave us access to coffee and ice creams, and we made good use of it.

The vending hut

Heading back, some of us enjoyed the delights of the charity shops in Church Stretton and parted with some money to aid the local economy! A delightful day.

Author & Photographer: Sheila Gadd

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Annual Holiday 2023 Day 1