Petersfield Ramblers

• Date: 14 May 2025
• Walk Leader: Sandy Arpino
• Distance: 12 miles

Petersfield Ramblers complete their convivial journey around Mary’s Crescent

With 39 miles of the Mary’s Crescent walk ‘in the bag’, the Ramblers were keen to complete their journey – a Downland exploration of Medieval churches dedicated to St Mary – by walking from Chilgrove to Chichester Cathedral. It promised to be a warm day for this final 12 mile section, which would include the 500 foot climb to the top of St Roche’s Hill and its Iron Age hill fort ‘The Trundle’.

Our group of twelve fine walkers assembled in the theatre car park in Chichester, before squeezing into four cars for the return drive to Chilgrove and the start of the walk. The route followed undulating rural roads for the first mile to Staple Ash Farm. Once again we paused frequently to admire the abundance of roadside flowers and blossoming hedgerow trees. A couple of houses offered wisteria teeming with racemes of purple flowers. A stunning red horse-chestnut attracted the photographers in our midst, as did an unusual, pink-tinged hawthorn. And, of course, frothy white cow parsley was everywhere.

Leaving the tarmac, our footpath across Stapleash Down was bookended by two large chalk balls, part of Andy Goldsworthy’s ‘sculpture’ of 14 chalk stones – placed at intervals along a 5 mile route that links West Dean with the South Downs Way. The balls were intended to sink and erode away – but remain very visible after 22 years. Having gained height, there were lovely far-reaching views across the Downs.

With the sun getting stronger we took a familiar footpath along the edge of the wooded West Dean estate. Huge stacks of logs evidenced commercial logging activity – as did the decimated landscape behind a thin margin of untouched landscape.

It was time for a coffee break. Whilst a few of us were keen to lap up the sunshine, the majority preferred shade. Generous offerings of biscuits and sweets were enjoyed by all !

Moving on, there was no way to escape the sun: for a mile we traversed open arable fields before reaching Colworth Farm. Swathes of yellow Crosswort lined our path, along with clumps of Comfrey.

Much appreciated shade from overhanging trees made walking more pleasant on the descent into Singleton. We stopped to admire a huge ash tree and to discuss the colour of the dainty Speedwell flowers at our feet: blue or purple? We compromised on mauve! Then we crossed a dismantled railway on a grassy bridge with impressive, renovated brickwork.

Singleton proved a veritable playgroup for some of our members! There was skipping through sprinklers on the cricket pitch, riding a decaying tractor and swinging on a tyre disguised as a horse! Perhaps it was the effects of the sun! The light-hearted mood was enhanced by a sign in the middle of the village indicating the direction and distance to the local pubs.

Sobriety restored we made our way to the first St Mary’s church of the day. Singleton church’s tower originates from the 11^th century though much of the building is dated to early 13^th century.

Rested, we were ready for the big climb up to the Trundle hill fort – with its trig point and modern-day mobile masts. On the way up, Goodwood racecourse and grandstand were passed on our left and at the top the 360 expansive views were admired – while little planes flew overhead from the nearby airfield. Lunch was overdue, so we found some shade just off the exposed hilltop before starting our descent via the long, straight Chalkpit Lane. Enroute were fields of buttercups and emergent elderflowers and ox-eye daisies.

Feeling quite warm from the early afternoon sun, we were glad to find cool in the St Mary’s church in East Lavant. The nave of this flint and rubble built church is 12^th century with the tower added in 1671. Notable inside were two Medieval tombs embedded in the floor.

After following Fordwater Road for a short distance we crossed meadows and the River Lavant before reaching Summersdale in the north of Chichester. A mile of pavement walking took us into Oaklands Park and down to the remarkable Festival Theatre – where many of us had enjoyed performances over the years.

Pausing to drop off bags in our parked cars, we continued on down North Street – our journey not yet complete. Mary’s Crescent ends at Lady Chapel, behind the main altar in Chichester Cathedral. With so much to distract us as we strolled the length of this magnificent, 950 year old cathedral, our progress was slow but full of interest. Discretely placing a full-stop at the end of our 51 mile walk was a bronze statue of Mary and Child beside the altar in the Lady Chapel.  

But of course we weren’t finished yet: time to celebrate! Returning to the White Horse in Chilgrove, over teas, coffees, beers and wine we reminisced about our wonderful adventure – and greatly appreciated our resident poet’s reading of his latest ode to our Mary’s Crescent walk.

Author: Sandy Arpino

Photographer: Sandy Arpino

THE ST MARY’S CRESCENT PILGRIMAGE by David Roberts

We started our pilgrimage from Portchester Castle 15 strong

Making our way along the shore in the sunshine

The rippling waves of the sea like shimmering diamonds

Until we reached the beautiful St Mary’s church

Striding past the crematorium along a rocky footpath

Up Portsdown hill via Fort Nelson where mini chocolate eggs were enjoyed

Dispensed by our group leader the remarkably well organised and upbeat Sandy

While admiring the stunning panoramic views over the South Downs

Moving down the hill to the coffee stop at Boarhunt church

There the group sat in the grounds admiring the beautiful flowers and trees

Afterwards we made our way along the Meon Valley Trail

With beautiful celandines, bluebells, violets and primroses along the way

To lunch overlooking the magnificent Wickham church

There were three Clare’s in the group, two without an I and one with, which can make things confusing.

Fair- haired Claire is the fantasist of the group dreaming of  a world of peace and harmony where Portsmouth football club learn to play decent football.

Dark-haired Clare found her true role in life sitting in the stocks playing the victim

Threatening to sue the Petersfield ramblers for compensation as a result of bullying  

Grey haired Clare is the wise sage of the group like Gandalf in Lord of the Rings Dispensing tea bread and kindness throughout the land  

Gerald was his usual good humoured self his bonhomie cheering everyone along      

Lynne as the chairman of the group made sure that everyone was suitably attired

Mandy was cheerful and charming, Helen talkative chatty and amusing   

Fiona bought delicious chocolate brownies with Georgia etched on her mind

Jo, as self-contained as ever, took it all in her stride

Not showing any signs of tiredness however long the walks

Peter was the macho-man of the group leaping up hills

And jumping on ropes and swings to show off his athleticism

Tony was perfectly happy provided he wasn’t out of internet range 

David dished out chocolate truffles while wondering whether Dulcia’s kind suggestion of a mankini might improve his appearance

Chris was the rock steady back marker making sure no-one was left behind  

Slightly sad without the group mascot Pickle by his side        

Following lunch we passed under six bridges as we left the Meon Valley Trail

To join the the Wayfarers Walk along the flood plains of the river Meon to Droxford

There we stopped to peruse a second St Mary’s church

Before we walked in the glorious hot sun to the delightful country pub the Baker’s Arms

There we unwound with tea, coffee, chocolate brownies and lemon cheesecake which melted in your mouth

There was a glorious feeling of happiness and contentment after walking the St Mary’s Crescent pilgrimage 

• Date: 7 May 2025
• Walk Leader: Sandy Arpino
• Distance: 10.5 miles

Petersfield Ramblers enjoy a delightful day’s walking on Mary’s Crescent from Buriton to Chilgrove

Having completed half of the Mary’s Crescent walk (from Portchester to Buriton) – and taken a week off to rest – Petersfield Ramblers were ready and keen to undertake the second half. This Downland exploration of Medieval churches dedicated to St Mary would now lead our walkers from Buriton to Chilgrove, then on to Chichester cathedral later in May. With an encouragingly good weather forecast, our group of thirteen rendezvoused in the White Horse car park in Chilgrove. Everyone arrived early and excited chatter was well underway when one ‘kill-joy’ reminded the party that there was a walk to be done! Fortunately this leg of the journey would be shorter at 10.5 miles, though plenty of ups and downs were expected. So – squeezing into four cars – we drove back to Buriton pond to commence the day’s exercise.

Before leaving the pond we admired the impressive clump of Yellow-flag Irises at the water’s edge and the lovely Celtic crosses in the churchyard.

Then it was on to the steep, chalky Milky Way – our first climb of the day. Thankfully the abundance of wild flowers on the banks either side of the path gave us just cause to pause frequently to admire and take photos. The pure white ‘May blossom’ on the Hawthorne was stunning – emitting a beautiful scent that followed us throughout the walk – but even more impressive were the vast swathes of Wild Garlic in full flower, in places interwoven with Yellow Archangel.

With height gained, the views north became ever more splendid, before we turned onto the small, flat rural road leading to Sunwood Farm. This road was spectacularly lined with tall copper beech trees covered in newly-emergent leaves.

Turning right off the road – continuing along a level section of the South Downs Way – we were sustained by more lovely green views across the fields and the delightful pathside wild flowers: yellow Buttercups, dainty Red Campions, endless frothy Cow Parsley and low-level, spreading Bugle / Ajuta reptans.

On reaching the B2146 it was time to spur off the SDW, to drop down to South Harting and its St Mary’s church. The steep descent finally flattened out at the village green with its ‘forest school’ for small children and an impressive parade of horse-chestnut trees in full flower.

Time to explore South Harting church and to take a well-earned coffee break in the churchyard. Though we were all very familiar with the landmark of the large green copper spire of the church, few had seen inside. Many admired the expansive interior and the huge array of colourful, nature-themed tapestry kneelers – and appreciated the facilities!

We found a sun trap on the south-side of the church with ample benches for our coffee break. A very kind member of our group had baked teabread / Irish Barmbrack for us which was delicious. We certainly valued the extra calories needed for our climb out of the village and on to Harting Down.

But first there was one more bit of fun to be had: one of our number was keen to try out the village stocks! In good spirits – with sunshine bathing us – we tackled the 500ft climb, rejoining the SDW, crossing the B2146 and later the B2141. At the top of Harting Down we could look down on the way we had come, with the green church spire now tiny in the distance.

After a short rest we marched across the wide open downs, dropping into Bramshott Bottom before rising gently onto Little Round Down. Here we left the SDW to pass Telegraph House, making our way to little North Marden village and its humble 12^th century church.

Adored by the walk leader, this tucked-away church has no electricity and a semi-circular end to its simple chancel – being only one of six churches in England to have this feature.  

With 8 miles under our belts it was time to stop for lunch. Again we found a nice sun-trap where we consumed food from our rucksacks, supplemented with gorgeous M&S truffles that another generous member had brought. Revitalised we retraced our steps along a footpath affording lovely views right and left: rapeseed fields on one side and vistas of more distant purple / copper beeches on the other.

A further mile and a half across flat fields returned us to Chilgrove with its charming White Horse pub where our cars awaited. But first there was the agreeable task of enjoying coffee and cakes – and more conversation – in the upmarket pub garden. Only then – sweetened by mini biscoff doughnuts – did we set off to our homes, a perfect day completed.

Author: Sandy Arpino

Photographer: Sandy Arpino

• Date: 23 April 2025
• Walk Leader: Sandy Arpino
• Distance: 14 miles

Petersfield Ramblers weather the challenges of walking Mary’s Crescent from Droxford to Buriton

Having completed a most enjoyable day of walking from Portchester Castle to Droxford on Mary’s Crescent in mid-April, a week later Petersfield Ramblers rendezvoused at Buriton Pond for part two of the Downland exploration of Medieval churches dedicated to St Mary. Alas, after heavy overnight rain, the forecast for the day remained damp and overcast. Undaunted, thirteen intrepid walkers were up for the 14 mile challenge. Everyone donned rain gear before setting off in four cars for Droxford, the start of the day’s walk. The car journey involved dynamic navigation around two blocked roads and heavy showers; it was not the best start to our hike. Finally at 09:40 – in light rain – we set off.

Our route led us along the north side of Droxford church (explored the week before), past the Mill House and its water race, under a bridge and back onto the Meon Valley Trail – a disused railway track. Unlike the previous week, there were no colourful flowers lining our path, just damp flattened greenery. Our band of walkers looked equally lacklustre in the rain.

After almost 2 miles of easy walking on the Trail, we met the point where the South Downs Way crossed our path. Here we left the Trail, joining the SDW to head due east To Old Winchester Hill. Although our ascent commenced almost immediately, spirits lifted as the rain ceased and skies lightened. Open views across fields spread north and south as the climb became steeper.

A stunning patch of cowslips caught our eyes, protected by orange fencing; unexpected was the electric shock that the fencing delivered!

After 4 miles of walking we reached the trig point on breezy Old Winchester Hill at 650 feet, surrounded by the impressive earthworks of an ancient hilltop fort. Here we rested with coffee from our rucksacks and the most delicious homemade brownies supplied by a generous member of our group.

Reinvigorated we descended gently, first along the SDW then later on the Monarch’s Way. A short stretch of road walking led to an exceptionally steep slope down a field, full of Freisian cows who – thankfully – paid us no attention. There followed a clear diagonal footpath across a large field, defined by yellowing crops dying from what we assumed was weedkiller; a good way for a farmer to ensure that walkers caused minimal damage to crops.

After a further two miles of relatively flat rambling across rough ground and then between fields, our course turned north alongside the burial ground of the Sustainability Centre. En route we saw more banks of cowslips, clumps of white nettles, bands of wild garlic and even the occasional gorse bush in full flower – but most beautiful were the swathes of bluebells exuding a heady bouquet.

Flagging, we paused for lunch at the Sustainability Centre – some of us enjoying tasty purchases from the Beech Café. Then we resumed our journey using the SDW for the rest of the day, a familiar route for many of us. There were architectural trees to marvel at along the way and colourful beech trees newly in leaf.

Entering Queen Elizabeth Country Park high on Butser Hill, we descended with care to the A3, dipping beneath the road via the underpass and so to the QECP Visitor Centre. Facilities were very welcome! Taking a last opportunity to bolster calories for the final 2 miles, a number of our party bought half-priced lemon drizzle cake at the café. Revived once more we trudged up and over the hill in QECP before relishing the descent past the old chalk pits to Buriton pond.

There was one last task: to pay homage to Buriton’s St Mary’s church originating in the late 12^th century. This St Mary’s is large for a village church, having been the mother church for a parish of 6,000 acres, including Petersfield and Sheet until 1886 – when Petersfield expanded with the introduction of the Portsmouth to London railway line. Renowned for its stained glass windows, we especially liked the spring flower arrangements – including daffodils suspended in a lighting ring.

So after a long – but delightful – day’s walking, 13 weary ramblers climbed into their waiting cars and headed for home – via Droxford.

Author: Sandy Arpino

Photographer: Sandy Arpino

• Date: 16 April 2025
• Walk Leader: Sandy Arpino
• Distance: 13.9 miles

Petersfield Ramblers enjoy a delightful first day of walking on Mary’s Crescent

For their Spring 2025 adventure, Petersfield Ramblers decided to walk Mary’s Crescent – a 48 mile arc-shaped route from Portchester to Chichester, linking a number of Medieval churches dedicated to St Mary. The journey – devised by Dr Tim Goulder and described in his excellent book – conveniently segments the route into four day-long walks, each starting and ending at a St Mary’s church. We elected to start in the west at Portchester Castle, completing one segment per week, and so finishing after 4 weeks at Chichester Cathedral.

So, on a Wednesday in mid-April – with a promising weather forecast – 15 participants began the adventure. We gathered in Droxford – the end point of the day’s walking – spread across two car parking areas owing to the limited parking in the village. After managing the complexities of what to take and what to leave behind, four drivers with all the walkers set off for Portchester Castle – leaving behind four cars needed at the end. By 09:15, ahead of schedule, everyone was gathered in the castle car park, eager to be off.

A short, brisk march took us inside the Roman castle walls – reinforced by Henry I – and across the grassy sanctum to our first St Mary’s: Portchester’s priory church. Dedicated around 1150, the church is a shadow of its former self, much having been demolished since its days as a key component of an Augustinian priory.

We loved the community feel of the church with its extensive, volunteer-run tearoom and invitation to four-legged visitors.

It was then time to get some serious walking under our belts. Leaving the castle and its church, we headed west along the windy coast for a mile and a half before turning north through housing. An underpass took us safely ‘across’ a main road and the gentle ascent of Portsdown Hill began. After passing Portchester Crematorium, a rough wooded track guided us to a footbridge over the M27 and onwards, emerging in front of Fort Nelson.

Skirting the fort perimeter, we paused at Nelson’s Column (not the one in London!) for water and mini chocolate eggs. The wind buffeted us again as we hiked across an exposed, newly-planted field, before reaching the shelter of a little lane running due north to Boarhunt church. Being dedicated to St Nicholas, this simple Anglo-Saxon church was not on our official visiting list – but we peeped inside anyway as it looked so delightful! A coffee break in the churchyard – awash with bright celandines – was very welcome.

Refreshed, we briefly joined the Allan King Way along the edge of fields to a complex stile which everyone managed without injury. The next mile took us across another field, over footbridges and between horse paddocks to up-market Bere Farm. Then an incredibly straight north-westerly path led us to the busy A32 on the outskirts of Wickham village. Here we ascended the incline onto the Meon Valley Trail which we followed north for 4 miles – a gentle, level walk.   The Meon Valley Trail links West Meon with Wickham along a disused railway track, following part of the Meon Valley. The railway line ran from Fareham to Alton transporting local livestock and agricultural produce – and passengers for a while – from 1903 to 1968.

Shortly after joining the trail we paused for lunch, overlooking impressive Wickham Church, which sits on a large sacred mound and dates back to 1120. Curiously this church is also dedicated to St Nicholas – so not on our agenda!

The walk along the sheltered trail was an absolute delight with spring flowers lining the banks and fresh lime-green leaves emerging on the over-hanging trees. Wild garlic was in flower; white anemones spread across woodland floors, alongside early bluebells; the yellows of swathes of celandines and clumps of dandelions jumped out of the shade; a few dainty violets and soft primroses remained, now past their prime; even the less common native euphorbia stole a prominent spot.

Passing under six bridges, we finally reached the point for leaving the Meon Valley Trail to head along the Wayfarers’ Walk – across meadows – to Droxford.

But before attaining our destination, the River Meon revealed some charms. A pleasant view west from the trail to fields newly carpeted with yellow rapeseed flowers, showed cows taking a paddle in the clear Meon waters. A couple of clumps of golden marsh marigolds drew our attention, whilst at a final footbridge a family with rolled up trousers and nets where fishing in the river, successfully holding a trio of little minnows in a very neon-pink bucket!

In good time – after 13.9 miles – we arrived at Droxford church: hooray, St Mary’s!  Finding an unlocked door proved problematic but undaunted we entered via a side entrance to find some beautifully colourful, modern leaded-light windows. Their meaning eluded us; we were too tired.

So it was time to take a short stroll to the Bakers Arms where coffees, teas, beers, brownies and cheescakes were kindly made available. Refreshed, we headed back to our cars via Portchester – and so to home – eager for next week’s adventure.

Author: Sandy Arpino

Photography: Sandy Arpino

• Date: 19 March 2025
• Walk Leader: Mandy Ray
• Distance: 8.5 miles

West Tisted-Bramdean Common-Ashen Wood

A beautiful Spring morning greeted 25 ramblers who met at The Angel Hotel, Privett.

Taking a sharp left turn out of the hotel car park, we took the footpath that runs alongside the dismantled Meon Valley railway line and emerged on Brick Kiln Lane. At the junction with Brewers Lane, a footpath across The Uplands and passed Knight’s Wood, took us along the edge of Inham’s Wood to a track through Merryfield Farm, where we stopped for coffee.

A short ascent provided lovely views over Daylesford to our left, with views towards Ropley on our right.  The pathway, which enabled the group to admire many spring flowers including primroses, violets and wood anemones, dropped down to Lyeland Wood and a left turn took the group through woodland where a carpet of wild garlic was starting to appear.

Emerging on to Bramdean Common we visited the enchanting Church in the Wood. The corrugated iron building was built in 1883 to provide a church for the various communities who used Bramdean Common.

Making our way through more woodland, we followed a track named Clinkley Road that opened out to an expanse of farmland where we were able to watch hares running over the fields, and a herd of deer grazing peacefully in the sunshine – despite the noisy chatter of ramblers.

Our next stop was the 12th century church of St Mary Magdalene in the village of West Tisted.  Here we had lunch and admired an ancient yew tree estimated to be 1300 years old.  Turning right out of the church we made our way along the lane and prior to reaching Court Farm, turned right to follow the route across fields to Ashen Wood and back to The Angel Hotel for refreshments.

Author: Mandy Ray

Photography: Mandy Ray and Clare McCullough

• 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