Petersfield Ramblers

• Walk Leaders: Sandy Arpino and Claire Cane
• Date: 10th June 2026
• Distance: 7.5 miles

Petersfield Ramblers’ Summer Outing to Nymans Gardens – would the weather be kind?

As Wednesday 10^th June edged nearer, many Ramblers were keeping a close eye on the weather forecast. We wanted some sunshine for our annual summer outing – at least no rain – but the likelihood of even a dry hour was looking bleak.

Nonetheless 16 brave walkers assembled in the car park of Nymans Gardens in West Sussex for 09:45, determined to make the best of things. After drives of over an hour, we were grateful for immediate access to clean toilets. Everyone had their rain gear. Everyone was very chatty. We passed through the payment entrance – only to return to the car park as there was a walk to be enjoyed before we actually entered the gardens. In truth very little money changed hands – most people had free entry by use of their National Trust or RHS cards.

So we were off. Nymans sits on the top of a hill, so the only way to go was down. We took the NT Lake and Woodland walk down to the lake, passing some impressive redwood trees along the way. Turning south we reached the lovely village of Staplefield with its vast green and then headed west to the village church. As is our custom we popped inside and were surprised to find some beautiful modern frescoes themed around trees.

We stopped for a leisurely coffee break in the valley, looking across to Lake Hart. Still no rain – indeed there were patches of blue sky! Refreshed we followed rural lanes uphill, on a north-westerly trajectory, before turning easterly across large fields to commence our return. Alas a large herd of cows stood between us and our destination. Bother. The brave souls in our midst assured those of us more wary of cows that the bovines looked very placid and we’d be fine. Or as one member reminded us: “Do one thing that scares you each day”!  Huddled together we carried on and all was fine; over a stile we left the beasts behind with some relief.

Passing woodland and smaller fields – admiring wild flowers along the way – we arrived back on the Lake and Woodland Walk to complete this circular path up to our start point. It was an unwelcome climb given that we were all very keen for lunch but flashes of sunshine encouraged us onwards until we reached the secret door into Nymans. Having already completed the entry process, we had a code for the door and could enter the gardens here, avoiding more climbing.

We made our way to the lawns in front of the house and ruins, where we had intended to sit for lunch but there were rumours of toilets and a café nearby so we headed instead to this inviting option. Teas, coffees, scones and cakes were purchased – and we rested outside the café in a huge circle of comfy wooden chairs, entertained by the myriad of large birds feeding off the tables. A couple of magpies even flew inside the café, only to be quickly shooed out.

With the weather still in our favour – reinvigorated – we set off in groups to explore the grounds. Our photos describe what we saw better than any words. There were endless familiar and less familiar trees, shrubs and flowers to be admired. For me, the backdrop of the house ruins – and the gardens within them – were the stars of the show. We wandered, we chatted, we marvelled. For almost two hours the weather let us enjoy the wonderful gardens. Then at 4pm everything changed; just as we started our meander to the exit and our cars the heavens opened. Our pace most definitely quickened, until we found shelter in the inevitable NT gift shop.

Eleven of us were booked for dinner at the Beech Hurst Harvester in Haywards Heath at 6pm. We agreed that the rain was now settled in, so we’d bring our meal forward. The Harvester couldn’t have been kinder, settling us in a perfect position with lots of natural light. We enjoyed very good food, excellent service and lots more convivial conversation. There was even a maths test at the end when we attempted to split the consolidated bill into 11 separate bills!

It was almost 9pm before we arrived back in Petersfield, tired and sated, with memories of a lovely day whirling in our heads. Best of all – the weather had been very kind (until 4pm).

Author: Sandy Arpino

Photography: Sandy Arpino and Rose Field

• Walk Leader: Val Wood
• Date: 27th May 2026
• Distance: 6 miles approx.

Bignor Hill and Stane Street Circular

Someone should have told the weather gods that this is May – usually a benign month when Spring really does get into its stride and the fresh green countryside and wild flowers are glowing, and the temperatures are pleasantly warm with a promise of summer around the corner.  Not this year though.  After a few days of sweltering in an official heatwave (or canicule, as the French call it, a much more interesting word), Wednesday’s temps were forecast to be a little less hot.  So having debated with myself over the wisdom of cancelling, I eventually decided to continue, but start an hour earlier and reduce the length from 9 miles to about 6.

Six of us met at the NT Bignor Hill CP ready to leave promptly at 9am.  Well, five of us did, Chris arrived a little late but could see us on the very visible track east over the South Downs and soon caught up. With fantastic views all around, it was a magic start to the day.  As we turned north slightly up hill to start before heading down, we were in and out of shade for a while until reaching Bignor village where some mostly shaded country lane walking took us past The Holy Cross parish church with its impressive mass of ox-eye daisies in full bloom amongst the front gravestones.  We were glad of its cool interior to take refreshment.

Round a bend down another lane, we picked up an intriguing footpath alongside a pretty house heading west along and over a stream to climb through a bit of woodland, on through meadows and fields to the outskirts of Sutton village.

We continued along boundaries of pretty gardens many in full mid-summer bloom.  Weaving this way and that, with more splendid views of the Downs ahead we eventually arrived at Glatting Farm, very close to where we entered the woodland and a long hard climb back up to the Downs.  This is where I made an unfortunate error in our path.  Having changed the route on my second recce to avoid a particularly difficult rough and root strewn ascent, I manage to take the stoic group up the very one I’d planned to avoid.  As we climbed gingerly, I was extremely grateful to Chris and Peter for giving me a helpful push and pull, as my tired legs were on the point of giving up!

All of us extremely glad to reach the top, we stopped in the shade for some welcome lunch and a rest before turning left and south-eastward to the junction close to the radio masts.  This is where we would have turned right along the edge and then south through cool woodland before turning south along Stane Street Roman Road.  In more comfortable conditions this is the perfect last three or so miles with which to complete the full 9 mile route.  That we’ll have to save for another day. Instead, we took the path straight ahead to rejoin our cars. 

Many thanks to the jolly band who accompanied me, and I feel we coped very well with the conditions. With particular thanks to Claire and Sandy for taking the photos. Am I glad I did the walk in the heat?  Well, yes and no – you’d be hard pressed to better the views and variety of countryside in such lovely sunshine.  But no doubt those of you who decided it was too darned hot were probably the wisest!

Author: Val Wood

Photography: Sandy Arpino and Clare McCullough

• Leader: Sandy Arpino
• Date: 13th May 2026
• Distance: 9.5 miles approx.

Petersfield Ramblers finish the New Lipchis Way in very mixed weather

Thirteen keen members of Petersfield Ramblers awoke on Wednesday to very mixed weather reviews. Bother! It was the final day walking the New Lipchis Way – ending on the beach at West Wittering – so everyone had been hoping for sunshine. Instead we drove to Wittering through quite heavy rain showers. Thankfully the clouds had cleared – indeed a little sunshine was breaking through – by the time we grouped in the car park and headed back to start our walk from a convenient layby beside Birdham’s St James church. Having the week before noted the exorbitant parking fees in Chichester Marina – the intended starting point for our day’s walking – our leader had found a cheaper option only half a mile away.

We heartily welcomed back into our troop a cheerful absentee from our previous three walks; she had been laid low by an injury. Suitably clothed and booted – with rainwear at the ready – we set off along a country lane towards the marina. Bright ox-eye daisies lined the verges. We entered the marina by crossing Chichester Canal over a small swing bridge, providing extensive views along the waterway that we have followed for much of the previous walk. We debated whether homes on the canal bank should be called barges when they were clearly built on solid concrete foundations!

After diverting briefly off our route to take in the views of yachts, we came upon a swan’s nest on the canal side. No cygnets were observed, so we agreed that it was later than the nest we’d viewed the week before. Continuing on, we recrossed the canal on top of its final lock, leading waters into the sea – but not before wondering why there was a stone head lying in the grass nearby and what were those huge flower spikes (Giant viper’s bugloss).

We walked through shipyards and passed more yacht moorings, keeping an eye on the worsening weather conditions. Crossing fields we reached a gravelled track – then an access road – that revealed distinctive large coastal homes set in perfectly manicured gardens.

Leaden skies turned to rain. We tucked under trees to pull on waterproof trousers and cover our rucksacks. The downpour didn’t last long, soon we were romping along the seashore.

Magnificent in one garden we spotted an impressive sculpture – Cloister Conspiracy – by Philip Jackson. The internet told us that the sculpture was crafted “to catch the quiet and subtle movement of the body revealing the secret thoughts and intentions of the figures”. 

Pondering that thought we entered West Itchenor, passing picturesque cottages in pastel shades with climbing roses. Time for a coffee break. A row of convenient benches – overlooking the ferry run to Bosham across the water channel – offered us a rest until fresh showers drove us on.

The next mile and a half were an absolute delight; our path, lined with oak trees newly in leaf, followed the shoreline. Glimpses through the branches gave vignettes of brightness creeping up the waters.

The weather was all over the place: blue and sunny in one direction, grey and dull in another. One consistent element though was the worsening wind. We reached West Wittering beach – the end of the New Lipchis Way – but our leader had plans for more trekking before celebrating. Chancing her luck with the weather warnings, she made an ill-advised decision to circle the sand dunes. Halfway round she attempted to cut short the excursion by crossing the dunes and heading east. The wind was having none of this – it set up a veritable sandstorm! As we retreated, we were bombarded with painful hailstones. Horribly exposed, the only option was to tuck in a ball and scuttle for cover.

Alas, any protection from weather was some distance away and we took a heavy pounding. As we approached the beach café our buffeting eased, as the meteorological conditions improved, and we sat down in the dry to eat our lunches. The calm didn’t last long, it was a quick break as a shower descended again. We hurried off, seeking shelter behind hedges and beach huts – and some beautiful clumps of tamarix. The rain was short lived, so we moved onto the damp sands for our final mile or so to our waiting cars. Our leader reflected that the Witterings were not much brighter when she undertook a recce with the two ladies who – through holiday plans – had been absent from this walk.

Author: Sandy Arpino

Photography: Sandy Arpino

• Leader: Sandy Arpino
• Date: 6th May 2026
• Distance: 10.8 miles

Petersfield Ramblers enjoyed a relaxing third walk on the New Lipchis Way

After a week’s break, thirteen seasoned Ramblers resumed their journey on the New Lipchis Way. The weather forecast was okay and – aside from an initial climb – the 10.8 mile trek ahead promised a gentle descent, followed by a guaranteed flat route along an old railway track and a canal.

The Ramblers gathered in the public car park of Chichester Marina, before heading back to the Trundle car park for an 09:50 start – cheered by the unexpected sunshine and blue skies. Circling the chalky ramparts of the ancient hill fort on top of the Trundle (St Roche’s Hill), there were extensive views in all directions – north-east to Goodwood racecourse, south to the sea and rolling green Downland at every point of the compass. Closer to hand, we spotted a solitary Early Purple Orchid.

Our one climb done, we headed downhill to a large signpost – similar to the one we’d seen above Singleton on our previous walk. There were again dates carved in the post but no amount of internet searching would reveal their relevance.  

Continuing down Haye’s Down – providing lovely views west – we met the Centurion Way and headed south towards Chichester. The path was lined with white froths of cow parley flowers and sweet scented hawthorn blossom. Further along we crossed the clear River Lavant and encountered vast swathes of comfrey (excellent for making organic liquid fertiliser).

At Lavant, where the Centurion Way runs through a housing estate, we paused for a coffee break. Passing the old Lavant Station – tastefully converted into apartments but sadly currently covered with scaffolding – we walked under one of a number of interesting, original railway bridges. This particular bridge is notable for the metal cutouts hanging down, designed by children at the local school. The bat and tick are especially entertaining!

A series of sculptures adorn the Centurion Way – some made from used gas cylinders. At one of these the walk leader and her ‘recce helpers’ posed for a group photo – a memento of the New Lipchis Way planning.

At last, after following the Centurion Way for 4 miles, we arrived at the newly-erected archway at its beginning and, of course, couldn’t resist the photo-op.

Starting to feel hungry for lunch, we made our way eastwards along the pavements of Westgate towards the centre of Chichester, turning south at a large roundabout to follow Avenue de Chartres to the old city walls. Running parallel to these took us to the end of East Street, past a pizza vending machine, then over the level-crossing by the station to the basin of water at the northern end of Chichester Ship Canal. Time for a well deserved lunch.

Suitably reinvigorated we embarked on the final 3 miles of our walk beside the canal. Full of interest in any season, a recce in early January had found much of the canal frozen over, while a recce at the end of March revealed a swan’s nest. What would May show us?

A butterfly sculpture. A paddle-boarder. A canoeist. Yellow flag irises. A Turner painting!

Indeed in 1828 Turner painted Chichester Canal which is now in the Tate Collection. It is thought that its brilliant colours may have been influenced by atmospheric ash from the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia. Certainly the same view photographed today is a good deal greener and bluer.

There were water-lilies just coming into flower and delightful canal scenes with gentle reflections.

But the stars of the show were most definitely the cute baby birds on the water. We cooed over three set of ducklings and a trio of coot chicks with their mother.

And lingered longest to watch the fluffy cygnets climbing over their patient parent. Such a pleasure to see the progress on the nest that we’d observed when recceing in March.

On reaching our cars in the Chichester Marina car park we started to change footwear and drop off rucksacks in preparation for a stroll down the marina to its scrumptious café, until one of our party discovered the car parking fees: £7 for up to 6 hours, £15 if we exceeded 6 hours. With one car within 4 minutes of this expensive deadline we dashed to depart as quickly as possible! We re-grouped at Durleigh Marsh tearooms for the very welcome, relaxing coffee and cake. It had been a lovely day comprising a relatively easy walk, some delightful sights and oodles of cordial conversation.

Author: Sandy Arpino

Photography: Sandy Arpino

• Leader: Sandy Arpino
• Date: 22nd April 2026
• Distance: 11 miles approx.

Petersfield Ramblers achieve the heights walking the second section of the New Lipchis Way

Unlike the rain and difficult car journeys of the previous week on the New Lipchis Way, this Wednesday started with great promise. Twelve keen ramblers met at the Trundle car park by 09:15, surrounded by blue skies and green rolling Downland.

A quick car shuffle back to the Half Moon in Midhurst and we were off. After quarter of a mile we reached the point of the Lipchis Way where we had suspended our walk the week before. We recrossed a large grassy field which the week before had been yellow with dandelions – now most had already turned to seed clocks. We headed north, following a loop of the River Rother, overlooking Woolbeding house and gardens – with a clear view of the glasshouse with its marvellous tapered segments that open out like a bud.

After a mile of gentle walking we encountered a boardwalk which provides dry passage through a swampy patch of land. The boardwalk wobbled worryingly in places but we all traversed safely.

Our route dropped down closer to the river, leading us to a noisy weir at Easebourne.

On observing a rope dangling down from a nearby tree – and egged on by our group – one of our party couldn’t resist a quick swing! Entertainment over, we climbed up to the roadside, crossed the A272 bridge over the Rother and circled round to Cowdray Ruins. Once one of the finest houses in Sussex, the building was destroyed in 1793 by fire caused by ‘cowboy builders’.

Continuing along bustling Midhurst high street, we took a left into the quieter environs of ‘old Midhurst’ where we settled by the parish church for a coffee break. The old timbered buildings around us – including the Swan Inn – were stunning.

Refreshed and warmed by the sun, we set off again, leaving Midhurst behind. Heading east along a narrow, fenced footpath our path was inevitably lined with bluebells. To our left grew huge sweet chestnut trees with their distinguishing cross-hatched bark.

Our route led us past Cowdray kennels and dairy, the former probably housing fox hounds in former times, before turning onto the wooded heathland of Todham Rough.

Suddenly – in the middle of nowhere – we found ourselves on a bridge over a disused railway. Phones came out to identify the route – but mobile signal was poor. At home research revealed this to be the old Midhurst to Pulborough railway track.

Following more sandy trails – thankfully with frequent Lipchis Way signage to aid navigation – then traversing two large grassy fields, we arrived at the village of Heyshott with its popular pub and pretty church. There was no time to visit either – the BIG HILL awaited us.

The walk leader had warned that the climb up to the top of Heyshott Down was exceptionally steep – expectations had been managed! Fortunately the chalky path was dry, nonetheless the path is a challenge even for fit ramblers. We took it slowly, pausing to get our breath from time to time. Some plodded doggedly, heads down – others appeared to continue an animated conversation for the entire ascent!

It was definitely time for lunch – we needed more energy for the final three miles. In no hurry, it was a leisurely break; some walkers even fitted in some sunbathing!

Revived, we set off again, immediately crossing the South Downs Way. Now it was a gentle downhill through wooded slopes, brimming with fresh green leaves.

Just before Levin Down we encountered the substantial signpost that most of us had seen before on walks in the area. The observant amongst us noticed dates on the main post, questioning their relevance. Home research has revealed the following. “The post is a replacement of a hunt post erected in the 1970s when the Cowdray Hunt was still going strong. The purpose of the post was to provide guidance to any riders who had strayed away from the main hunt. It commemorates the most famous day in the history of the Charlton Hunt. The 26^thJanuary 1738 has become immortalised as the ‘Grand Chase’. The hounds ran continuously from eight in the morning through to six when it would have already been dark for a couple of hours. The post also acknowledges the Arab Horse Society, which was founded in 1918, plus the 1972 Golden Horseshoe Ride.”

The trek south over Levin Down to Singleton village was a delight in the sunshine. By now walkers had discarded many layers of clothing and were weighted down with now-unnecessary jackets and jumpers. We took a look inside Singleton church, at the request of one rambler who had never been inside; those of us who walked the Mary’s Crescent last year remembered visiting the church on this occasion. Very unusually, the church contains a small stained glass window tucked very high up in its roof. We tried a group photo but most faces were hidden behind sunglasses or in the shadow of sunhats.

Time for the last mile – but another tough climb up to the Trundle car park. After 11.1 miles and 1,330ft ascent we were reunited with our cars, tired and very ready for pub refreshments. Our chosen location was the Blue Bell in Cocking, a community-run establishment on the way back to Midhurst. It certainly got the thumbs up from us: very welcoming, lots of delicious cakes and pleasant garden seating. We lingered over cordial conversation, happy to rest awhile after our shared experience.

Author: Sandy Arpino

Photographer: Sandy Arpino

• Leader: Sandy Arpino
• Date: 15 April 2026
• Distance: 11.5 miles

Petersfield Ramblers enjoy a first day’s walking on the New Lipchis Way

For their Spring 2026 adventure, Petersfield Ramblers decided to walk the New Lipchis Way – a 39 mile route running broadly north-south from Liphook to West Wittering. The appeal of the Lipchis Way – created in the 1980’s by a group of Liphook Ramblers – is that it traverses such a range of landscapes: woodland, heath, riverside, towns, downland, seaside, marina, canals, railway tracks. Thankfully the route is depicted on OS maps so – in theory – we couldn’t get lost. Nonetheless, many recces were undertaken in advance of taking a group of walkers on the journey. Our plan is to complete the distance across four separate walks.

So it was that 13 participants – spread over 9 cars – set off early on a Wednesday morning in mid-April to meet at the Half Moon pub on the outskirts of Midhurst, with the intention of driving half the cars back to Liphook to start the day’s walking. Alas, everyone came to a grinding halt halfway along the A272 and we sat in an unmoving traffic jam for some time. Eventually, one by one we turned back, frantically researching alternative ways to get to our Midhurst destination. Thankfully our combined initiatives saw us gathered, somewhat later than planned, at the Half Moon – swiftly followed by car shuffling so that 4 cars sped off to Liphook laden with passengers.

It was a later start to walking than intended – and it was raining lightly – but at last our suitably booted feet started walking. It felt like a mammoth achievement to have even got to this point!

The weather wasn’t on our side. We set off in rain gear, hoods up and rucksacks covered; on the plus side, we were certainly a colourful bunch! There was promise of better conditions through the middle of the day but heavy rain was forecast for 2:45pm, so we adopted a steady pace.

This first part of the Lipchis Way is the wooded, heathland section. In the rain it didn’t look very attractive – but we did our best to keep smiling.

We admired some impressive tree specimens and an abundance of moss.

Recent tree falls presented us with an obstacle course – but our nimble walkers took it all in their stride!

After 3 miles the rain had stopped and the outlook appeared brighter. We halted for a well-earned coffee break. Continuing on we skirted a muddy patch before encountering the delights of endless yellow gorse bushes then pungent swathes of bluebells.

At last a corner of blue sky broke through, cheering everyone as we trudged up Telegraph Hill. Jackets were removed. Damp haze lifted offering clarity as we looped through conifers to a sunken trail lined with dainty purple violets.

Time for lunch! Our chosen spot was a viewpoint looking west over Woolbeding Common. Though windy, we were rewarded with stunning views. Reinvigorated, we grouped for a photo.

After a further short ascent, we began the very gradual descent down to the River Rother, our companion for the rest of this day’s walking and the start of next time’s trek. The skies grew bluer as we passed delightful Woolhouse Farm with its huge chimneys and rare-breed white cows with black noses and ears.

For a precious hour we enjoyed full sunshine as we reached – and crossed – the Rother at Iping, then heading east to Stedham Bridge. Following close around one of the river’s loopy meanders we had wonderful views of Stedham Hall, now converted into classy apartments.

At the noisy weir of Stedham Mill we found our next obstacle: a path closure. Tired though we now were – with ominous rain clouds forming – we were forced to climb the river bank on a steep path up to a road and drop down again quarter of a mile later at Brambling Farm, to rejoin our riverside path.

Our route was lined with an abundance of spring flowers – primroses, yellow celandines, swathes of richly-blue bluebells, pinky-white lady’s smock and stary white stitchwort – whilst overhead hung the lime green leaves of emerging oak, maple and beech.    

Unfortunately the rain wouldn’t hold off any longer; we raced the final mile back to our cars as the drops came ever heavier. Damp but not too wet, we drove along the now-unblocked A272 to Durleigh Marsh for well earned refreshments and the convivial conversation that comes from a worthwhile shared experience.                   

Author: Sandy Arpino

Photography: Sandy Arpino

• Leader: Val Wood
• Date: 25 March 2026
• Distance: 10 miles approx.

Bentley circular walk

Sixteen members assembled in the Bentley Memorial Hall Carpark in bright sunshine with a stiff north westerly breeze blowing. We’d had heavy cold showers earlier in the morning but were optimistic that the day would be dry – which proved to be 95% the case.

We set off north up Hole Lane, before turning west at Jenkyn Place along the St Swithun’s Way, where the path was bordered for the large part by grape vines.  Over fifty years ago this area heading west towards Alton parallel to the A31 was largely given over to hop fields.  Alton was an important brewing town, founded in a modest way in 1763, and was well served by hops grown locally and benefitted from the water drawn from an essential well.  In the early 20^th century more recognisable names, such as John Courage and Son and Crowley’s (later Watney) took over the brewing.  Courage ceased brewing in 1979, but continued bottling, kegging and canning.  Other breweries continued until the 1980’s even though hop growing in the area declined.

A little further on we skirted the substantial grounds of Pax Hill.  Now a nursing home, it was the home of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement, and his wife, who owned the property from 1918 to 1938.  The house was originally called Blackacre, and was bought with a gift from Olave Baden-Powell’s father. During their time at the house, the Baden-Powells renamed it Pax (peace) Hill – and added two wings. The west wing was designed by Robert Baden-Powell himself and he also modelled the frieze for the new bathroom, depicting fish in the nearby River Wey. Scouts and Guides used to camp on either side of the drive.

Further on we passed through woodland and up a section of the drive of the beautiful Elizabethan Coldrey House once owned by one of the Watney Mann brewery magnates.  Turning right from the drive onto the Lower Froyle road, it’s not long before we turned west again at the Anchor Pub (sadly too early for a pint!) and continued towards Upper Froyle. We left St Swithun’s Way and continued up the drive towards the back of Froyle House, once the home of Sir Hubert Miller whose family had owned it from 1765 until 1947.  In 1949 the trustees of Lord Mayor Treloar Trust bought Froyle Place with eight acres of land to turn it into a college for disabled boys. When the school amalgamated with its sister campus, Florence Treloar in Holybourne, the site was sold to developers and Froyle House is now a beautiful and prestigious wedding venue. 

We had a welcome coffee stop in the graveyard of St Mary’s Church in Upper Froyle, where we met some parishioners about their duties whilst the organist practiced and we could take advantage of the facilities.

Refreshed, we walked down the road towards Lower Froyle, noting some of the many statues Sir Hubert Miller brought back from his visits to Italy in the early 20^th century. 

Shortly after crossing over Ryebridge stream, we took a bridleway left to cross some wide open arable fields, steadily climbing past and through various wooded copses before joining the road that runs west from Lower Froyle.  Turning left on the road, we soon took the lane north towards Long Sutton.  After a quarter of a mile or so walking down the lane we turned left onto a well-used BOAT (Frog Lane).  Thankfully not too churned up by the off-road vehicles that use it, nor too muddy.  We stopped for our lunch break along this track.  Handily there were ample seats for us on a large log to one side and a chunky rectangular of concrete on the other.  However, there the benefits ran out, as we were sitting in the strong cross wind of the wide open fields and a large ominous cloud blew in to deposit a sharp hail/sleet/rain shower on us! But we managed to finish eating under the shelter of some nearby blackthorn shrubs on the track.

Soon we met Well Lane and turned left for a few yards before arriving at the cross-roads in the middle of the hamlet with its iconic well. Turning right for about quarter of a mile, we soon came across a barely made up narrow lane where we turned south.  This dropped down fairly steeply and at a sharp bend east we carried straight on down the muddy and stony track which eventually becomes Husseys Lane in Lower Froyle,  and past the first of the pretty cottages and handsome houses that line the lane.  We took a footpath across some pastures, over a bridge north of Coldrey Farm and just beyond Pax Hill we rejoined the St Swithun’s Way and continued back to Hole Lane and the car park.

A thoroughly enjoyable walk in a part of Hampshire that is not so familiar to our members.

Author: Val Wood

Photography: Val Wood, Claire Anderson, David Roberts, Fiona El Hasnaoui

Photos of St Mary the Virgin church (exterior) and the Well taken from the internet

• Leader: Fiona El Hasnaoui
• Date: 4 March 2026
• Distance: 9 miles

Kingsley Pond to Binsted circular

On a slightly misty morning, 16 ramblers gathered at Kingsley Pond, hoping for some Spring sunshine to emerge later in the day.  Setting off from the pond, we proceeded down a muddy track and emerged at the back of a farm with sheep grazing.  We then walked across two large fields, spotting some running deer in the distance.

The going was wet and muddy but flat so it was a good leg stretch with open views all around.  At one stage, we emerged through a gap in the hedge to discover a burnt-out vehicle (just about recognisable as a Land Rover) which we stopped to inspect.

Continuing on northwards we ascended gently past several ponds and through woodland up to the back of the small hamlet of Wyck where we emerged to a fine view back towards Kingsley and an ideal spot for a coffee break.  After coffee, we walked on past some corn stubble, down some steep steps and turned just before a large pool of water which would have impeded our way.  The path then climbed gently up to Binsted with open, elevated views of the Hampshire countryside.  By the time we reached Binsted, the sun had finally come out and there was a lovely blue sky.

Buried in the graveyard of The Church of the Holy Cross at Binsted is the grave of Field Marshal Monty of Alamein, which we stopped to view.  We then had a look around the church which houses Monty’s banner (previously in Westminster Abbey) and a quite beautiful painted glass window designed by Capronnier (a famous Belgian glass artist) and recently refurbished.  We then partook of lunch in the churchyard whilst admiring the charming houses opposite, one of which dates back to the 14^th Century.  The blossom has started to emerge and there were joyful daffodils everywhere.

After lunch, we started the gradual descent passing the hamlet of Wheatley, with more wonderful views, and on down grassy paths, at one stage crossing the disused railway line, to the outer edge of Alice Holt Forest.  We walked for a while on a tree-lined path and having turned on to a longer path, emerged at the back of the Country Market.  A further path with very open views, and a crossing of the main road, led us back to Kingsley Common. 

Kingsley Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is characterised by heather, birch and pine, with dry sandy paths.  There were many trees covered in lichen (a sign of healthy air) and one area in particular which was quite beautiful, with lichen not just on the trees but scattered all over the mossy floor.

A short stroll to the edge of Kingsley Pond took us back to the cars.

Author: Fiona El Hasnaoui

Photography: Fiona El Hasnaoui, Clare McCullough, Rose Field, David Roberts

• Leader: Sandy Arpino
• Date: 10 December 2025
• Distance: 10 miles approx

Petersfield Ramblers walk to Racton Ruin

On an unexpectedly sunny day in mid-December, 15 members of Petersfield Ramblers gathered in the overflow car park at Stansted House for a walk that would ultimately take them to Racton Ruin.  Built between 1766 and 1775, Racton Ruin is a folly with extensive views over Chichester Harbour and to the Isle of Wight. Though only a mile or so east of Stansted House, the planned walk took a circuitous route of 10 miles to reach the ruin, ensuring a good workout for the ramblers.

Heading northwards the path offered lovely views of stately Stansted House. Given the poor state of some wooden fences in the park, the highland cattle had been moved to different pastures but were still close enough to cause us to pause and admire them.

Following firm tracks along field edges we arrived at wooded Watergate Hanger. A gentle uphill slope led through an impressive landscape of barren winter trees, silhouetted against the clear blue skies. Unfortunately the subsequent downhill was steeper, a chalk bed covered by wet leaves. We went slowly, using our walking poles, all reaching level ground safely – much to the leader’s relief!

A further mile through fields and woodland took us to Lyecommon where fallen tree trunks provided convenient seating for a coffee break in winter sunshine. One member had just had her birthday so very kindly handed around much-appreciated chocolates.

As we continued our walking – largely across open fields – we spotted two small groups of deer (watching us as we watched them!). Looking back to the north the rich blue skies were mesmerising – so out of keeping with the time of year.

After 6 miles we descended via a sunken track to the picturesque village of Stoughton. Passing the pub, we made our way to the unusual village church, the largest in the Octagon Parish, little changed from the 11^th century. Here we stopped for a leisurely lunch and exploration of the many interesting features of the church. Outside the building old gravestones had been laid flat to provide (dangerously slippery) paving. The door into the porch looked more Moroccan than English, as did the brass light-fittings inside. An abundance of tapestry and embroidery decorated the interior, from kneelers to wall hangings to altar cloth. A large locked safe hung strangely from one wall, beneath the bell pulls for six bells – lit by a colourful stained glass window.

Our church exploration completed, we set off for the final stage of the walk. There was a long steady ascent past holly bushes hung with berries, before turning south-west to cross fields of brassicas mixed with fiddleneck (a green manure) to the hamlet of Walderton.

Carefully crossing the B2146 we trekked parallel to the road – safely on a footpath over fields – to Lordington. Along the way was a swing which our youngest member couldn’t resist giving a try!

After briefly touching the road we climbed again – up a track to our goal: Racton Ruin.

After due exploration and picture taking, we set off along the final mile of track back to our cars. Alas in places puddles and mud extended for the full width of the path. We did our best to skirt the edges, largely keeping our boots dry. A last section through huge redwood trees returned us to our start point. Time to change shoes and skurry off for coffee and cake at Stansted’s delightful café!

Author: Sandy Arpino

Photographer: Sandy Arpino

• Leaders: David and Paul Roberts
• Date: 26 November 2025
• Distance: 8 miles

A walk along the sea front at Southsea, Portsmouth

Twenty two ramblers set off from the car park in Eastney by Fort Cumberland on a beautiful sunny day with no breeze. Once on the front we followed the King Charles 111 coast path with both the beach and greenery to see. 

Moving on to the pavement we passed the miniature golf course and canoe lake before coming to South Parade pier. All along the beach sea defences were being rebuilt to be completed by the summer of 2026 with many boats out to sea.

Past the Rock Gardens and Southsea Castle, we took a short break sitting down to admire the sea view.  Claire provided flapjacks for everyone to give us much needed sustenance while a number of crows looked very interested.

After the break we moved towards Clarence Pier passing the bandstand, various gardens and statues. Gulls sat atop posts using them as viewing points. Walking over a bridge we saw a statue of Nelson and the Royal Garrison church in Penny Street. Finally, we went along the Hot Walls where we saw fisherman and passages towards the round tower with shops, a restaurant and studios.  

Returning on the linear walk we stopped in the same place for lunch with even more crows in attendance. After lunch we returned with a number of people taking a detour onto South Parade pier to watch various diggers in action.

The group made it back to the car park to complete a thoroughly enjoyable walk with lovely views and fascinating history.  

Author: David Roberts

Photography: David Roberts, Rose Field and Sandy Arpino