Petersfield Ramblers

• 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

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An exhilarating, windy, challenging walk with fantastic panoramas.

Author & Photographer: Lynne Burge

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

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.

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.

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.

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

• Date:                           15 September 2023
• Walk Participants:     Lynne Burge, Sandy Arpino & Lesley Stapley
• Distance:                     17 Miles

Day 4 Blakeney to Cromer, 17 miles

What a day of contrasts! From the boats of Blakeney amid the continuing endless salt marshes, through the miles of shingle banks as we plodded our way along the coast, to grassy clifftops with wide ranging views to eventually the ‘I do like to be beside the seaside’ at Cromer.

To start, the weather was calm and balmy in the early morning as we set off on what we knew was going to be a long and challenging walk. Another raised sea wall took us out of Blakeney towards the sea. As the tide was in we could witness the glistening of the channels of water all around us, with the reeds swaying gently in the breeze. It seemed yet another graveyard for unwanted boats as we saw several just slowly mouldering into the surrounding mud. Making our way out, along and then back in towards the land, in a big C shape, was a delightful way to begin. Heading towards the windmill of Cley, through the village, and then, gallingly, back parallel to the inland path we had just taken. This was necessary as the local river had been diverted inland and we had to walk to the road to cross the river. They are trying to prevent the beach being breached causing an influx of salty, brine water into a freshwater area.

At Cley there was a magnificent windmill, sadly no longer used to pump water, but now a highly desirable wedding venue and hotel. We sat and gazed rapt it for a while, with local boats bobbing quietly on the inlet eat of water. Then it was off along the raised bank again to the sea and the shingle. Passing some birders on the beach who made it evident we were not a welcome addition we passed by.

Walking on the shingle was hard going and soon we drifted down to the sea shore where the tide was retreating, leaving patches of sand to walk on. We soldiered on for a couple of miles and sat for a rest. As we did a seal tantalisingly popped its head above the water then disappeared again. We sat avidly waiting for it to reappear which it did sporadically. At last he was caught on camera, but only just- the photo is a ‘where’s the seal?’

Further down we came across more evidence of this area being used for military training during the wars, pill boxes and some gun emplacements could be seen- thankfully no longer used. Eventually we were able to move off the beach onto the cliff path, a much easier walking environment. From here we had beautiful views of the beach which quickly turned from stones to sand and patches of rock. Sadly we had a few hills (well, to be honest, more like small hummocks!) to negotiate. I think we climbed all of 471ft, but that did contrast to the other stages where we only gained 200ft or less.

Then we began to spy Cromer, or to be frank, the many caravan parks that surround the town. We walked up to them, along side them, through them and then out of them as we gained the town. By this time we were flagging after such a long and hard walk, we were grateful that we were reaching our goal and longing for that cup of tea when we were at our hotel. Taking time to admire the pier and the goats used to much the grass in some steep slopes we headed off for a shower, cup of tea and supper.
The end of 4 days of walking in improving weather – well, the first day couldn’t have been wetter- and what a great experience. The views, the ecology, the birds (not as many as we hoped) and the company all made it a fantastic journey.

Author & Photographer: Lynne Burge

• Date:                           14 September 2023
• Walk Participants:     Lynne Burge, Sandy Arpino & Lesley Stapley
• Distance:                     9 Miles

Day 3 Wells-next-the-Sea to Blakeney, 9 miles

Leaving the boats of Wells behind us we set off along the coastal path between the green of the land and the inevitable marsh land to our left. To get there we had to negotiate a muddy track past crumbling outbuildings which held the accoutrements of the local fishing trade. There was even a tiny ships chandlery, blink and you missed it but there were a few items for sale seen through a grubby window.

Off along the shoreline we went, hoping to see a myriad of different seabirds but we were disappointed with the masses of seagulls and very little else. As we made progress towards Stiffkey evidence of the military use of this area became apparent. A small pillbox hid in the long grass, concrete paths appeared and disappeared, a straightened length of waterway was seen plus various roads/paths extending out into the marshlands.

Alongside the path was a wealth of fruit- hips, haws and bushes of blackberries- were everywhere. A great place to walk if you enjoy blackberry and apple crumble! Then we came to Stiffkey Quay, the village was hiding slightly inland. It boasted the fact that Henry Williamson, who wrote Tarka the Otter, lived there during WWII.

The path then became a little boggy in places, but nothing that could not be by passed in a variety of ways. Around this area there were many people having parked locally and hoping to glimpse the seabirds through their binoculars. After a stop on a set of steps above Freshes Lake where we witnessed Belted Galloways grazing happily on the grass we made our way to Morston. Here there was a very welcome seating area, cafe and toilets which we availed ourselves of. Being in no rush as we were only walking 9 miles today we leisurely sat to eat our lunch and soak up the atmosphere at this National Trust site.

Eventually we decided to soldier on for the last mile and a half to get to Blakeney. Most of the time it was along the raised sea defences and we could see the houses of the village getting closer. As we walked onto the quayside we saw benches and people sitting on them enjoying an ice cream in the warm weather. We walked past the buildings there were several plaques showing how high the water had risen in different years. Up the High Street towards our accommodation for the night we saw the delights of the village houses. All with huge pebbles on their walls and many little snickets off the road to cottages at the back of others. A charming little place. Time for a good rest before a long day tomorrow.

Author & Photographer: Lynne Burge

• Date:                           13 September 2023
• Walk Participants:     Lynne Burge, Sandy Arpino & Lesley Stapley
• Distance:                     14+ Miles

Day 2 Brancaster to Wells-next-the Sea, 13 miles

Well, the day dawned brighter than yesterday, though that would not have been difficult. The sun was in the sky as the taxi driver picked us up to take us back to where we left off yesterday- namely Brancaster.

We walked back down the lane to the coastal path and prepared to set off. Problem. There was a sign saying path closed as there were 83 faults with the boardwalk. Ignoring this missive, as many other walkers seem to have done we set along it and yes, there were areas you had to be careful in where the wood had rotted, but it was passable. We made our way along the path at the ends of the gardens from houses in the village. They were huge gardens, but afforded no glimpse of the sea due to the vast extent of the Brancaster Marsh.

At one stage we came across an area dedicated to boats and sailing, with an activity centre alongside. We passed between the various buildings towards the end of this part of the walk. The boardwalk and ended and it became a regular path, still at the end of long gardens. Reed beds abounded along with a fair few derelict boats left in various places to decay quietly into the mud.

Eventually we started to walk along a raised bank which was the sea defences. This bank took us out away from the habitable land, between Deepdale Marsh and Scolt Head Island Nature Reserve. It was initially interesting but 2-3 miles of walking along the raised pathway with either reeds or mud on either side palled after a while. A windmill gradually came into view, we knew that was the point at which we left behind this tiresome stretch, but it was one of those illusions- it never seemed to get closer. All good things must come to an end and we reached the main road and the windmill, which is a holiday home.

After a pit stop in the local pub (only tea was drunk) we continued on another, but more interesting raised path. We could see more water channels here where boats would, at the right stage of the tide, sail out to sea. Except up until now we hadn’t been able to see the sea it was so far away due to the extensive marshes. Nothing daunted we came to a huge are of sand dunes. Picking our way carefully along and through them we eventually reached the beach. It was enormous! It stretched for miles in both directions, with the sea still some distance away as the tide was out. We ambled along looking at the shells that littered the sand, admiring the vastness of it all and enjoying listening to the splashing of the waves. It was a delightful time. We sat and just admired the beach.

We made our way to Holkham Gap. We knew we were going in the right direction because there were many more people as there was a large car park close to the beach. Following the path that led away from the beach we reached the car park and then turned along the coast behind a large stand of conifers and mixed trees. The path was easy to walk on, the sun was shining and the end of the walk was not too far away.

A caravan park came into sight and we knew we would soon reach Wells-next-the-Sea. A large car park was situated near the sea with the inevitable ice cream sellers and cafes. We walked along the raised track that at one time took a miniature railway from the heart of the town out to the beach. It gave us good views of the town and the inevitable marshes off to our right. Wending our way through the town, past restored buildings now housing flats and holiday lets, we made our way to our B and B, thankfully sitting down for a rest after our 14+ miles of walking.

Tomorrow is another day and only 8 miles- can’t wait!

Author & Photographer: Lynne Burge

• Date:                           12 September 2023
• Walk Participants:     Lynne Burge, Sandy Arpino & Lesley Stapley
• Distance:                     12.5 Miles

Day 1 Hunstanton to Brancaster, 10 miles + detour

Starting off with a very dubious weather forecast, covers pre-emptively on rucksacks we set off from our accommodation. The path started right by the gardens in Hunstanton, next to the war memorial. Off we went, stopping quite quickly to put waterproofs on as the rain began, admiring the view over the coastline. With the tide on the way out we were able to admire the strange, linear patterns of rocks showing on the beach. The previous evening we had strolled down to witness the layers of rock in the cliff side, ranging from dark brown at the base, with a creamy layer higher up and a white layer at the top of the cliffs.

On we went over the cliff path, working our way out of Hunstanton and along the dunes, passing on our way beach huts by the score, most well painted and in good condition. Enjoying the freedom as we strolled along we took our eye off the ball and eventually found ourselves ‘up a creek without a paddle’. We had taken the wrong path, easily done as it looked correct, and ended up by a creek with no way of traversing it. This was annoying as the rain was pounding down by this stage making us steadily wetter and wetter. There was nothing else for it but to backtrack to find the correct path, which, after about a mile, we did. Checking firmly to see that we were now on the right path we continued in the rain along the coast.

Maybe it was wrong to say we walked alongside the sea. Often there was up to half a mile of marsh and reeds before the coastline, and when the tide goes out it could be almost a mile out to the sea. Anyway, on we went through puddles, with squelching feet through the nature reserve. We could not have been wetter. Eventually salvation was in sight- a cafe on the reserve and a chance to drip dry. Diving in fast we divested ourselves of our dripping coats, hanging them on the backs of chairs and ordered hot drinks with fresh scones to revive ourselves.
Discussions then took place over the logistics of the rest of the walk. Was it best to cut our loses when we could and take the bus back, or soldier on in the rain to achieve our aim? Back and forth went the discussion, eventually coming to the idea that we would walk into the next village and assess the rain situation.

Setting off from the comfort of the cafe it took us time to warm up again, having got cold sitting down. The rain eased off and we enjoyed walking along a board walk and then a high coastal defence so we had sight across the whole of the marshes. Gaining said village we decided to plough on and finish what we had set out to do. Along the main road, up a minor road and off onto a track across the fields. We had to veer inland as there is no safe path along the coastline at this point due to the marshes. On we went along a pleasant track, reminiscent of last year’s Peddars Way walk, with full hedgerows supporting sloes, hips, blackberries, elderberries and a wealth of flowers. Also pigs. Young pigs tucking greedily into the food provided in their fields, vying with each other to gain the tastiest morsels, turning their backs on us when we failed to produce any food for them.

Eventually we turned down towards the village of Brancaster and the comfort of the local pub to await our taxi. Fortified by a drink and a warm room we gratefully got into the taxi for the trip back to Hunstanton. There ensued a time of divesting ourselves of wet clothes, hanging up damp coats, stuffing boots full of newspaper and- joy of joys- a hot shower and dry clothes.
A longer walk then expected due to our unexpected detour, we sat in our accommodation pleased with the 12.5 miles that we walked in the rain, ready for more adventures tomorrow.

Author & Photographer: Lynne Burge

• Date:                     23 August 2023
• Walk Leader:     Felicity Heal (AKA Flick)
• Distance:             Short WALK & BBQ
• Start:                     10:00 am at the woodland

Woodland Walk & BBQ

On a sunny day in mid-August Petersfield Ramblers enjoyed a delightful lunchtime event.  Long-standing member, Flick, has a piece of woodland in Hyden Wood, close to Clanfield, and she invited us to a BBQ and a tour of the privately-owned sections of woodland around her.  

In a clearing within her 4 acres, there is a shepherd’s hut, a round house, a stone-built BBQ and various tools for work in the wood and for cooking. There is even a marvellous compost loo, carefully screened with wattle panels, and a ‘vacant’ and ‘engaged’ sign for use as needed! As it was high summer the trees were lush with foliage, and we were delightfully immersed in nature.

Twenty-one of us assembled (plus two dogs) all bearing contributions to the lunch – sausages, burgers, bacon, rolls, salads, puddings, cakes etc. Leaving the goodies with Anne and her husband Colin who were doing the cooking, our host took us on a walk to learn about the other areas of Hyden wood which included ancient woodland, beech trees, oak trees, ash trees (all suffering from ash die-back and which would eventually likely be felled) etc, and we saw wood stacks, a treehouse, and rotting timber for the insect life. And we heard about the primroses and bluebells which would appear in the Spring – alas, not for us to see as it was the wrong season.

Flick is acquainted with some of the other woodland owners, where they live and what they do. It was interesting to see what different owners did with their ‘patch’, some mostly left the land to nature, some coppiced their hazel trees, some used the woodland as a fun place, some cut logs for wood burning stoves.

Of especial interest was an area owned by Christine and John and their son, who use their acreage as a business. They fell trees for logs to sell, make besoms from twigs and small branches (marvellous for sweeping leaves from the lawn), and they have two ‘retro’ wood burners. Christine gave us a short lecture on besom-making and explained the process of producing charcoal, all very interesting.

It was a delightful occasion – not to be missed if it gets offered again next year!

Author: Sheila Gadd

Photography: Rosemary Field

• Date:                     Saturday 29 July 2023
• Leaders:               Gordon Churchill, Linda & Paul Farley
• Meet:                    Petersfield Station bus 92, leaving at 08:30
• Distance:             5 miles river plus 1.5 in Midhurst
  
  
  
  

A Walk Beside the River Wey Navigation

Five of us took the bus from Petersfield via Midhurst to Godalming, arriving near the river at around 10:00am.  We knew there was a chance of showers but started walking in warm sunshine along the tow path, admiring many moored narrow boats along the way. 

We came across paddle boarders who appeared to be having their first lesson and wondered how they would fare when they fell in the river which they surely would on their maiden voyage!

We met many dog owners with wet dogs and were passed regularly by joggers but mostly we were left to enjoy the walk together in peace, surrounded by idyllic English countryside, complete with grazing cows, butterflies and many wild flowers. 

Narrow boats passed occasionally and a couple of times some were working the locks.  A single scull caught our eye as it skimmed through the calm waters.

The River Wey holds the distinction of being among the earliest rivers in Britain to undergo navigation improvements, enabling it to accommodate barge transportation as early as 1653.

The Guildford to Weybridge waterway, spanning a distance of 15 miles, connected these two locations and ultimately provided access to London via the Thames River.

The Godalming Navigation, which was established in 1764, allowed barges to traverse an additional 4 miles upstream.

It would have been a bustling environment, being a major mode of transportation for Surrey merchants. Crews would be concerned about missing London tides and would work swiftly to unload goods of grain, timber, coal, and even explosives.

Every penny was valuable, and the time spent opening and closing locks and weirs was critical. Rollers were set on severe bends to help the barges round corners more swiftly and can still be seen.

However, Guildford railway station opened in 1845, making it possible to travel to London in under two hours. For a time, it was more cost effective to carry bulk commodities by canal, but the new railway unavoidably pulled some business away from the canals.

The National Trust currently operates and oversees the navigations as a recreational waterway.

We arrived at Guildford Castle as storm clouds threatened. 

It is believed that William the Conqueror or one of his barons constructed Guildford Castle soon after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Guildford Castle and its grounds, which had served as a Royal Palace, a prison, and a private residence, were sold to the Guildford Corporation in 1885. In honour of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, the grounds at Guildford Castle became public gardens in 1888.

We admired the castle gardens, which are concentrated at the 11th century Castle Keep and are noted for their brilliant floral displays and settled to eat our picnic lunch.  Low and behold, half way through eating our sandwiches, down came the rain.  We beat a hasty retreat under a tree for shelter and started out for the bus station.

The number 70 bus to Godalming was delayed but this gave us a chance to finish our picnic.  In turn, this resulted in us arriving in Midhurst with enough time for a cup of coffee and ice cream but sadly not enough time for the planned short walk via the river to St Anne’s Hill to check out Midhurst Castle. This photo is from our recce.

The Normans, were Scandinavian Vikings who arrived in northwest France in the early ninth century. They ruled the Normandy region until the mid-13th century. After William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066, several kings of England, including Henry I and II and Richard the Lionheart, were Normans who controlled both territories.

On St Ann’s Hill, which is located on the eastern side of the ditch, a Norman motte and bailey timber fortress was constructed in 1066. A stone fortification was built to take its place in the late 12th century and was used for 100 years before being abandoned. Then, a new home was constructed on the plain below, which would later become Cowdray House during the Tudor era.

The foundation stones, hidden by trees, are all that’s left of the Norman motte and bailey castle that formerly stood on St Ann’s Hill in Midhurst.

The castle’s existence was crucial to the development of the town of Midhurst, even though it was later abandoned in favour of the Tudor mansion of Cowdray House. The remains of the motte and bailey, and the foundation walls are now a scheduled ancient monument. To be visited another time.

Refreshed with coffee, tea, ice cream and cake, we boarded the number 92 bus back to Petersfield, all agreeing that it was a very interesting and somewhat different walk, well worth the journey.

Author: Linda Farley

Photographs: Paul & Linda Farley

5 July 2023

A few images taken on our annual club BBQ at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

The weather co-operated and it was a splendid occasion in a wonderful location.  Thanks to Anne and her great team of helpers for organising and catering so well, it was much appreciated. As you can see, we all enjoyed the event!