Petersfield Ramblers

• Date:                           18 March 2023
• Walk Leader:            Mike Wallace
• Distance:                    5.5 Miles, MORNING WALK
• Start:          10:00am near Staple Ash Farm, Chilgrove GR: SU841 152

Wild Daffodils in West Dean Woods

Putting our trust in the Met. Office’s forecast for the morning, we set off in heavy rain to the starting point. As we parked by the roadside, the rain ceased. There was even a lot of blue in the sky.

Aim of the day was to see the wild daffodils and primroses in West Dean Wood then carry on up to the South Downs Way to begin the completion of a circuit, taking us back to the cars.

The footpath rises gradually all the way up to the South Downs Way (SDW). After the heavy rain earlier that morning, the path was wet and with water flowing downhill but it was less slippery than expected.

The first point of interest was one of the many huge limestone spheres placed in these woodlands as part of the Andy Goldsworthy Chalk Stones Trail. For a detailed, illustrated article go to:

The Stones must have been spectacular when they were newly sited but time, moss and frosts have started to change their colour and break off chunks of the limestone rock. One of them has been cleaved in two.

The Stones must have been spectacular when they were newly sited but time, moss and frosts have started to change their colour and break off chunks of the limestone rock. One of them has been cleaved in two.

Continuing uphill, we saw the first wild daffodils in the woodland to our right. They were not accessible from the path but a little further on and the wood opened out and that’s where the cameras came out.

The daffodils are delicate and a paler yellow than the ones we have in our gardens but nonetheless a beautiful sight which we paused awhile to enjoy. We continued uphill and passed patches of primroses reminding us that Spring really is very near.

We joined the SDW at the top of the hill. Away to the East was Cocking village but we turned West towards Beacon Hill and Harting Down. SDW is a ridge-way and it’s very popular with cyclists and walkers because of the views to both North and South. It being Saturday, there were many cyclists.

The SDW is rightly famous for the views on either side of the track and we continued to enjoy them until we reached the Devil’s Jumps at OS Grid Ref: SU 825172 at altitude: 709 ft. The Devil’s Jumps are the best example of a Bronze Age barrow formation in Sussex. They are aligned with the position of the setting of the sun on midsummer’s day, although the nearby trees mean that the effect of the sun dipping below the horizon is likely to be less uplifting today than it would have been to our downland ancestors.

Here we paused for a break by an impressive Beech tree. One of the pleasures of our group walking breaks, is catching up with news (or gossip, if you prefer) and seeing the varied drinks and snacks people produce from their rucksacks.

Duly refreshed and updated, we set off once more and soon the track curved SW and we left the SDW and went SE towards Monkton House. Monkton is an architectural one-off commissioned by Edward James. In 1932 Edward James came of age and inherited the West Dean Estate. In a letter written in 1939 to his friend Aldous Huxley, James expressed his concern for preserving certain arts and crafts he feared would be lost during WWII. That preservation work continues today at West Dean College.

Then we left the woodland behind and walked through open fields to the deserted medieval village of Monkton with its post-medieval farm buildings. Sadly, the brambles and bushes have hidden the remains of this village which may have been a casualty of the great depopulation in the 14^th Century, caused by the pandemic we know as The Black Death. Nevertheless, this site is listed on the National Heritage List for England.

See: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1005811/

From Monkton, we passed Monkton Farm and followed the road which took us back to Staple Ash Farm and our cars.

Thanks to Mike for his reconnaissance and leadership of a varied and very interesting morning’s walking.

Author: Michael Moore

Photography: Paul & Linda Farley, Claire Anderson

• Date:               11 March 2023
• Walk Leader: Lynne Burge
• Distance:         10 Miles
• Start:               10:00 am Hedge Corner GR: SU688 303

On a day that was forecast to be grey and cloudy, six of us met in the potholed lay-by at Hedge Corner, alongside the A32. Thankfully the route took us back up towards Petersfield, through some delightful trees and out into a field as the sun began to shyly emerge from behind the clouds. It spent the time of our walk showing itself before disappearing again so that the weather was better than expected.
Skirting around Becksteddle Farm the path took us over a minor road and then through two grass covered fields. What an amazing time of year it is to be out. Everywhere is beginning to think of emerging from winter hibernation, there are signs of growth on the trees, hedgerows and verges. The inevitable kites were flying around searching for their prey, joined at times by a buzzard.

Passing by a large collection of farm buildings, probably used to house chickens, but they seemed empty as far as we could ascertain, we made our way up to Windmill Farm Cottages. One would assume that in the past there was a windmill in the area, but there are no signs of one today.

Noticing the wild garlic peeping up in the woodland there were discussions about making wild garlic pesto and/or garlic cheese scones. Maybe on a subsequent walk we might be able to sample these culinary delights? The path ploughed its way across two large fields with sheep grazing contentedly. The stile out of the first field was not for the faint hearted. It was a double one, both having barbed wire close to them with some of the barbs taken out. Thankfully we all managed to negotiate both with no torn trousers and made our way down to Slade Farm.

This is a delightful old farm, out in the wilds of the countryside where cake may be purchased if one wished. It made us wonder who would drive along the very bumpy road, miles from the nearest village to complete their purchase. We did not give into temptation but slogged our way up the hill to view at the top two very large, fairly new built houses, constructed of wood in a very angular fashion. They did not blend gently into the landscape.
Speeding up now with the promise of a coffee stop soon we picked our way down a stony track to emerge at Colemore, a small hamlet. Refreshment having been accomplished along with a look in at the church we continued on our way across large fields edged with feeding bins for the pheasants raised in the vicinity.

Another stony path led us up to Shotters Farm where we encountered some difficulty. Since this walk had been tried out the farmer had ploughed his fields with no sign of the paths. The first field we could walk around the edge but the second left us no option but to walk across claggy damp soil to get to the woodland. We did spot a hare bounding its way across a nearby field which was an exciting sight.

The subsequent woodlands led us to the top of a steep drop at the bottom of which would have been a railway until Beeching axed it years ago. To safely cross we had to detour around until we could descend to the track bed and then walk along the other side.
Crossing the A32 the path took us between Pelham Place and Rotherfield Park. As we ascended the hill a helter skelter was just visible at Pelham, put there many years ago for the owners’ amusement.

By now lunch was being looked forward to and with the promise of logs to sit on not far along the path everyone strode on. Disappointment. The logs had been cleared away since our last visit so the bank had to suffice. No one complained, they were too pleased to have a break and eat their lunch.

Taking time to view Rotherfield Park it was noticed that the house is indeed a folly. The main part of the building is what you might expect from the Lord of the Manor but an extension at the rear looks more like a castle with embattlements. Its origins go back to medieval times. As we made our way back to the A32 it was interesting to see a bridge across a deep dip in the field over which vehicles need to drive to get to the house.

Entering the village of East Tisted, we noted the enclosure for stray animals and further up the village pump next to the village pond. But the feature that stands out in the village is the old railway station. This has been converted into a house that still shouts out that it was the ticket hall and station, in the back garden is a railway carriage, well worth seeing.

Following the path we came upon the bed of the disused railway, not an official route but one that has been accepted over many years as it wends its way back to Hedge Corner running parallel to the A32.

Reaching the cars after a good 10 miles we were all thankful to take off our boots to head home for a well deserved cup of tea (or coffee).

Author: Lynne Burge

Photography: Lynne Burge & David Roberts

• Date:               15 February 2023
• Distance:      12 miles
• Start:             10:00 at Lady Place CP GR:  SU  716 393
• Leaders:        Sandy Arpino & Lynne Burge

Petersfield Ramblers continue their journey along St Swithun’s Way

St Swithun’s Way is a 34-mile long-distance footpath from Farnham to Winchester Cathedral, roughly following the route of the Old Pilgrim’s Way. Swithun was Bishop of Winchester in the mid-800’s and is said to have performed miracles both in and beyond his lifetime – raising him to sainthood. So his shrine in Winchester became a site of pilgrimage.  

Given the delightful countryside that St Swithun’s Way passes through, Petersfield Ramblers decided to walk the route, spread across three separate days. The first of these was in mid-October, when 10 walkers set off from Farnham Station to hike 13 miles south-westerly to Alton. We had to wait until February before embarking on ‘part 2’, as the daylight hours in mid-winter are too short for long walks – but after an extended break, 12 keen Ramblers finally set off from Alton. Our destination for this leg was Bishops Sutton, 12 miles away.

The weather was uncharacteristically sunny for mid-February which put a spring in our step – and a lack of recent rain meant that the ground was firm underfoot.

Heading south at a lively pace we quickly left the sprawl of Alton behind, replacing it with the tranquillity of delightful Chawton village. Shortly after passing Jane Austen’s house, we left roads behind, to walk along pleasant tree-lined paths. These included a section of the historic Meon Valley Railway route, providing an opportunity to admire one of its imposing Victorian brick bridges.  

The route then steadily climbed to its highest point, passing south of Four Marks and cutting directly through Garthowen Garden Centre. What better place to stop in the sun for coffee!

Resuming our walk we reached the little hamlet of Kitwood – notable for its abundance of delicate snowdrops and friendly sheep!

Crossing fields of emerging cereal crops and ploughed up turnips (fodder for sheep), we spied a single tiny lamb tottering alongside its attentive mother – a sure sign of spring. Onwards we strode through woodland and more fields, over a series of well-constructed stiles, until reaching tarmac and the outskirts of Ropley. Stopping in the churchyard for lunch, we enjoyed both the warmth of the sunshine and the wonderfully restored church.               

Sadly, Ropley’s St Peter’s church, originating in the 11th century, was devastated by a huge fire in 2014. The blaze engulfed the main body of the church destroying its roof and bell tower. Eight years after the fire, the restored building – designed by John Alexander – was re-opened to considerable acclaim in August 2022.  Preserving everything possible of the old, the building has been enhanced to create a multi-functional, intergenerational space.

Our group of Ramblers was certainly very impressed by the rebuilt structure; it is light, spacious and contemporary – a perfect example of a modern church.

From Ropley, refreshed, we headed east to Bishops Sutton and the end of our walk – crossing first the unattractive A31 dual-carriageway and then a pretty, crystal-clear chalk stream by the side of a ford. On this final stretch nostalgia beckoned when we spotted a black steam train with three coaches chugging in backwards formation along the Watercress Line – and then a ‘fox stalking a rabbit’ straw finial on the ridge of a thatched roof.

By this time, with 12 miles under our belts, we were ready for the bus to take us back to Alton and our waiting cars. It had been a lovely day, full of sunshine and interest. Next time: the final part of our journey to St Swithun’s shrine in Winchester Cathedral. 

Words and photos: Sandy Arpino

• Date:               21 January 2023
• Walk Leader: Lynne Burge
• Distance:         8 – 9 Miles
• Start:               10:00 am The Trundle, Goodwood. GR. SU879113

The Trundle and Beyond

Thirteen brave souls, plus one dog, drove through ice and fog to the start of this walk. As we emerged out of cars into the car park to don our boots the sun began to break through offering splendid views of the countryside.

This walk starts with an immediate hill up to the trig point at the apex of the Trundle, and what panoramic views were offered to us. 360 degrees of rolling English countryside with glimpses of the sea in the distance. Having gained all that height there was only one way to go- down. Gingerly picking our way down the steep path, avoiding the iciest parts, we were back at Goodwood level to begin our circular walk.

The first section is not the most interesting, walking alongside the busy roads as we skirted around Goodwood before gaining the sanctuary of trees at Counter’s Gate. Glad to be off the side of the road we followed the path by the side of the trees, being careful in the muddy patches that by this time had thawed out. The path took us down through the trees until we had our first glimpse of the village of East Dean. Nestling in the valley between the trees it was evident that its low lying position was a magnet for the abundant water that is around at the moment. Our path should have taken us across the fields of the recreation ground but we could see that a large stream was blocking our way. Rather than wading through we diverted across some higher fields and made our way into the village.

After a welcome coffee stop in the sunshine at the village hall we began to climb out of the village past the church. The church is St Simon and St Jude dating from Saxon times or very early Norman. The churchyard itself is managed to ensure a diversity of plants, 127 of them at last count. Walking up the hill we left the village behind and continued upward across a field and into a wooded area. Stopping to regain our breath we were rewarded with fantastic views back across the valley over which we had just walked.

The next part of the walk was a bit of a zig-zag, walking up and down along the paths to work our way westwards. In the more sheltered parts, the hoar frost was magnificent having built up over a period of days. After the last part of the zig-zag we met with the New Lipchis Way, a walk that in 2008 was finally way marked so that intrepid ramblers can find their way from Liphook to West Wittering. We only walked along a short part of it as we stopped for lunch on the hill overlooking Singleton.

As we enjoyed our lunch we could see the odd sight of the road passing the school acting as a river. Vehicles coming along this section had to negotiate the flow of water coming off the fields and making its way into the River Lavant. When we reached this point we could witness the speed of the water as it gushed through the village. Fortunately our route took us on a drier part but care had to be taken as much of the water that had flooded the village had frozen by the wayside.

Passing the church in the village which was mentioned in the Domesday book we walked across a farm yard and then began the hill which would lead us back to the cars. As we gained height so the views appeared again- in fact this walk is all about the spectacular vistas that can be seen along the way.

Eventually we were back at the cars, the sun still shining amongst the frost, 8.5 miles and over 1200 feet of ascent later, and everyone had that lovely feeling of having achieved a hilly walk with the positive well being that it generates.

Author: Lynne Burge

Photographers: Lynne, Linda & Paul

• Date:               17 December 2022
• Distance:       6.5 miles (or 1 mile to the bus stop)
• Leaders:        Gordon Churchill, Linda & Paul Farley

Uppark House Christmas Decorations followed by Walks

On 17 December, an icy cold day, 12 walkers caught the number 54 bus to Uppark House and were met at the house by 4 more walkers. We were well organised by Gordon Churchill whose brainchild this visit was.

We arrived 30 minutes before the house opened but on time for the café’s opening and some walkers took advantage of a fresh cup of coffee and a tasty treat whilst others found a cosy seat in the garden’s gazebo where they were treated by Gordon to homemade cake.

Once the house opened, we entered the Christmas world of years gone by.  We perused the handmade Christmas decorations around the house, made by local community groups, intended to reflect the lives at this festive time of year of the inhabitants of this 17^th century house.

The decorations were made from products derived from nature, e.g. dried fruits, evergreen fronds and pinecones with some emitting the pleasant aroma of spices and pine plus of course, traditional paper chains but made from newspaper.  We were greeted in most rooms by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers.  The smaller of the 2 historically important doll’s houses was intricately decorated for Christmas and was a popular point of interest.

We then split into 2 groups, one led by Gordon, down through The Warren to South Harting to take the bus back to Petersfield and the other, led by Paul & Linda on a 6.5 mile walk back to Petersfield via the South Downs Way and the Milky Way with a lunch stop next to Buriton Pond. We were well entertained by the ducks and moorhens literally skating on frozen sections of the pond.

Author & Photographer: Linda Farley

• Date:               30 November 2022
• Distance:       9 miles
• Start:             10:00 Hambledon Church CP – GR SU 646 152
• Leader:          Anne

Our Circumnavigation of Hambledon

A misty, atmospheric morning saw 17 walkers starting off from Hambledon Church.

We walked up through the vineyards, the vines trimmed and wired, put to bed for their winter hibernation.

With the mist clearing, we began to have views and glimpses of the beautiful surrounding countryside. By coffee time, the sun broke through with views towards the Solent but not as far as the Isle of Wight. As we walked it seemed a perfect winter’s day.

We reached the furthest point of our walk with the Meon Valley stretching out ahead of us with sheep happily grazing. Now walking the track towards Park House, we had an amazing array of Autumn colours, hard to believe for a December day.

Three walkers left us and had an enjoyable lunch in the cricket grounds whilst we tackled the hill to Glidden Farm for our lunch stop. Lunch was a chilly affair but seating and views were a bonus after our climb.

Not stopping long we walked on picking up the Wayfarer’s Walk, back to Hambledon.

An invigorating, nine mile walk with great views in good company,

Thank you all.

Author & Photographer:  Anne Herbert

• Date:              October 2022
• Distance:      13 Miles
• Start:             Farnham Station
• Leader:          Sandy Arpino

Petersfield Ramblers start their journey along

St Swithin’s Way

St Swithun’s Way is a 34-mile long-distance footpath from Farnham to Winchester Cathedral, roughly following the route of the Old Pilgrim’s Way – much of which now lies under the A31. Swithun was Bishop of Winchester in the mid-800’s and is said to have performed miracles both in and beyond his lifetime – raising him to sainthood. So his shrine in Winchester became a site of pilgrimage.  

Given the delightful countryside that St Swithun’s Way passes through, Petersfield Ramblers decided to walk the route, spread across three separate days. The first of these occurred in mid-October when 10 walkers, accompanied by 2 dogs, set off from Farnham Station to hike 13 miles south-westerly to Alton station.

 After crossing the busy A31, we headed for Gostrey Meadow where we spied a large – very still – heron on the banks of the River Wey. On through the main shopping centre and a sizable car park, we traversed the grounds of the University of Creative Arts with its concrete sculptures, before finally reaching open fields.

Leaving bustling Farnham behind, we followed ever-more-rural, undulating lanes and tracks for 3 miles with lovely names like Dora’s Green Lane and Dippenhall Lane. The role of walk leader was soon taken by one of our furry companions, Doodle, who – straining on his lead – set an exacting pace!    

Notable was the emergence of beautiful autumn colours, though the weather was anything but autumnal: we bathed in the warmth of unexpected sunshine.

On reaching a vast solar farm we paused for a coffee break before continuing on footpaths – up and down – through fields and copses.

At almost half-way, circling well north of Bentley village, we arrived at Bentley’s St Mary’s church – a rather mishmash building dating originally from the 12th century but subsequently added to, especially during the Victorian era. The path to the church is lined by some very ancient yew trees, providing a quite magnificent sight.

Leaving the road again, we walked down the side of a vineyard and across further fields before arriving at Pax Hill Residential Home. This impressive house, built in the early 1900s, has a fascinating history including being home to Lord Baden Powell, a domestic science training school and a boys’ boarding school. A bicycle outside was colourfully decorated with autumn produce.

Our path then took us south of Lower Froyle, where we stopped at the Anchor pub for lunch. Our second four-legged friend, Pickle, was by this time very ready to share our sandwiches and crisps!

Revitalised, following footpaths through barren fields, we reached the attractive grounds of the magnificent Upper Froyle Hotel, leading into the churchyard. Within this cemetery we found unusual brick-arch-covered graves – but have been unable to discover why these structures were built.

Passing interesting Rawles garage which specialises in classic car restoration (a magnet to some of our male members!), and traversing a number more fields, we met tarmac again at Holybourne church – another interesting building. Here we found the ‘leper squint’, a curious hole penetrating the wall, with a view to the altar, which provided a window through which sufferers of leprosy could observe services. There was also wonderful, recent woodwork in the form of new pews and doors.

From Holybourne we hit the sprawling outskirts of Alton and the trek to the station. Tired, we collapsed on the waiting train for a journey back to Farnham where we’d parked our cars.

Given that St Swithun’s Way is a pilgrim route, it seems fitting that some of our most interesting moments were spent in the churches and churchyards along the way.

Author & Photographer: Sandy Arpino, Club Treasurer

Walking the Peddars Way through autumn colours in rural Norfolk

Having taken on the challenge of Offa’s Dyke trail in the heat of summer – hiking alone – walking Peddars Way couldn’t have been more of a contrast – flat, cool and in company. It was these differences that I relished, though much depended on the weather in late October and how well our trio of ramblers got along. As it turned out, meteorology was largely on our side and my companions definitely enriched the experience. 

Peddars Way is the first part of the combined National Trail ‘Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path’ which extends for 130 miles. Our plan for 2022 was to complete the 46 miles of the Peddars Way in 4 days, returning in 2023 to undertake the Norfolk Coast Path. Peddars Way starts just inside Suffolk at Knettishall Heath Country Park – following a very straight Roman road for 46 miles to Holme-next-the-Sea on the north Norfolk coast.

Our decision to use Contours Holidays to arrange our accommodation and baggage transfers proved to be a good one, as logistics worked seamlessly throughout, and overnight lodgings were well placed. As always we elected to carry only day packs, to make the walking more enjoyable. 

I’d walked many times over the past 2 years with my fellow travellers from Petersfield Ramblers, Lynne and Helen, so felt reasonably confident that we’d get along well together (though you can never be sure on long-distance routes!) – and both had previous experience of National Trails which boded well. 

So we set off in late-October by train to Thetford, the nearest town to the start of our trail. After a smooth journey, we embarked on a brief explore of Thetford; notable were all the flint buildings, reminiscent of our home landscape – a reminder that much of Norfolk is underlaid with chalk.   In the morning a prompt taxi picked us up at 9am for the 6 mile journey to the trail start: a car park pretty much in the middle of nowhere! We set off at a good pace, in cheerful spirits – due north – mindful that our next accommodation was 15 miles away.

For much of the first day the sandy soils supported primarily Scots pine with interspersed silver birch. For a while we traipsed through boggy terrain, often on welcome boardwalks, hidden by tall rushes. Then oaks and beech – in dazzling autumn shades – began to make an appearance as we progressed into chalkier areas.  

On our left-hand side for mile upon mile lay military ground, bordered by barbed-wire fencing and ‘Keep Out’ signs. These ranges were acquired during World War II, uprooting whole villages, and have remained as active training grounds ever since. Indeed, we heard frequent booms throughout the day.

It wasn’t long before we encountered the first of many huge pig farms that peppered our route. It was lovely to see the big pink bodies – ears shading eyes – roaming freely, appearing content in their muddy world. Less appealing were the countless sheds that we assumed were full of growing poultry. Thankfully, both pigs and poultry were largely odour-free.

The farming theme continued as the military land gave way to huge arable fields. Tractors ploughed and tilled the rich soils, followed by flocks of seagulls. We quickly identified sugar beet as the primary crop.

Our day ended in Little Cressingham, the first village for 15 miles – and even this was just a few houses strung out along a minor road. Our overnight at Phoenix House was perfect: lovely rooms, friendly hosts and a welcome tray of tea and coffees.

After the unusually sunny start to our walk, we woke up to rain, with wet forecast until mid-afternoon. Our route for the day (16 miles) appeared to be largely on minor roads which, though rather uninspiring, were perfect for the climatic conditions. So we donned waterproofs, put our heads down, and strode forward through the rainfall.

By 11 0’clock we’d reached North Pickenham, a small village with a church. Experience has taught us that – in the absence of any other shelter – church porches are a useful option for a coffee stop. So, dripping wet, we settled ourselves down for a short respite from the downpours. As chance would have it, it was Sunday and people began to arrive for a service! Rather than making us feel uncomfortable, the very kind parishioners couldn’t have been more welcoming, even inviting us to use of their toilet facilities – an offer much appreciated.

Two hours later we chanced upon a remote McDonalds as we crossed the busy A47. Another timely opportunity to take refuge from the rain while enjoying purchased cups of coffee and clean restrooms.

As promised, the relentless showers abated late in the afternoon, though by then we’d been damp under our waterproofs for some time. (Even the best waterproofs only withstand constant rain for a few hours before starting to leak) By this time we’d reached Castle Acre, close to our final destination for the day. This fair-sized village is no doubt an interesting place with its ruined priory and castle, but its appeal was largely lost on our damp souls. To be warm and dry were by then our only concerns.    

Day three demanded a further 16 miles of walking and, though we departed our overnight lodgings with gloomy skies above, the weather quickly improved, offering sun and blue skies by the afternoon.

Our path – still ruler straight and northward – passed through mile after mile of flat arable land, punctuated only by occasional pig farms and grain stores, and glimpses of tiny villages in the distance. Early surprises were a concrete trig point – at 300ft the lowest one we’d ever seen – and a herd of inquisitive highland cattle!   

But the real delight of the day was the autumn colours and fruits. Autumn had leapt out at us all along Peddars Way, from the patches of woodland to the perpetual deep, rich hedgerows that lined our track. Huge beeches and oaks dazzled in golden shades. Ashes – here not yet damaged by dieback – shimmered less ostentatiously in yellow. Like children we kicked through densely fallen leaves and crunched down on carpets of acorns and sweet chestnuts.

The hedgerow fruits were of an abundance rarely if ever seen before: hawthorn berries, rosehips, sloes, and unnaturally pink spindle berries splitting to reveal brilliant orange seeds.

We wondered at the number of large oak trees, diameters clearly showing them to be hundreds of years old. And we pondered at the low density of human residents amongst the vast farmlands.

High in the skies were parallel vapour trails of aircraft, identifiable as military fighters by the tone of their engines and their speed. We assumed there must be a training base nearby. Down on the ground our ears were assailed by the noisy squawks of startled pheasants.

After a comfortable overnight in Sedgeford, we set forth on our fourth and final day at a more leisurely pace, conscious that only 8 miles of walking were required before reaching our final destination, Hunstanton.

After a mile we encountered an impressive 17^th century building with a fascinating history: Magazine Cottage. Apparently magazine buildings – used to store gunpowder for military or engineering purposes – are dotted across Britain. From here we progressed northwards to Ringstead with its flint church and sail-less windmill, inching ever nearer to the sea. Finally we reached sand-dunes and an extensive flat area of damp sand leading to water. The tide was out.

Following the beach westwards for a couple of miles, clambering over tide-breakers, we came to Hunstanton and a welcome cuppa with cake. Our journey along Peddars Way was complete.

Next year we’ll continue from Hunstanton around the Norfolk coast, to explore very different landscapes dominated by the sea.

Author & Photographer: Sandy Arpino

Ramblers HF Holiday in Malhamdale

3 – 6 October 2022

Twenty-four of us Petersfield Ramblers went to Malhamdale in the Yorkshire Dales for a 4-night break to enjoy walking the area, courtesy of HF Holidays.

We stayed in a lovely mansion, Newfield Hall, just outside the town of Malham. We were offered three walks per day of various lengths and ascents which were led by very competent leaders, Rich, Gwyneth and Greg. The food was excellent, not only B & B and dinner, but we had the most wonderful packed lunches, too. HF Holiday houses are always equipped with everything that a walker would want, notably boot storage and drying rooms – and these were very much needed!

On the first walking day, Tuesday, we were led from the house and acquainted ourselves with the area of fields, woods, rivers and streams and the views. The Pennine Way runs through here so we covered a bit of that and went along the River Aire. A kingfisher was spotted, allegedly. Well, many people said they saw it, but I didn’t.

We saw hundreds of sheep – black sheep, black and white sheep, spotted sheep, sheep that looked like goats, yellow sheep, sheep that posed for us, long-haired sheep, sheep with tails, sheep without tails. I’ve never seen so many sheep! Oh, and some cattle, too.

On Wednesday we were bussed to Settle into Ribbledale and went along the Dales High Way for a spell. In full wet weather clothing, we headed up the River Ribble along which we saw many mill chimneys and huge buildings; old mills now turned into living accommodation. The water was gushing over the stones and weirs in the river in full spate – I wished I could channel some of that water into Petersfield Lake!

Some of the high stiles in the stone walls were very slippery because of the wet and we had to be careful. We had our lunch INSIDE a limekiln which was not the prettiest venue in which I have eaten my sandwiches, looking out at the rain! Disused since 1939 when the quarrying of limestone and lime production stopped and the workers moved out, the area is now being reclaimed by nature and peregrine falcons, jackdaws, blue tits, and willow warblers now breed on the slopes.

Thursday we were in the bus again and headed into Malham to enjoy the highlights of the area – Malham Tarn, Malham Cove with the limestone pavement above, Janet’s Foss (waterfall), and Gordale Scar.  Here there were many more walkers enjoying the tracks and we had a great time greeting and chatting with them. One set of chatty young people joined us for our group photo and we had great fun!

The Yorkshire Dales offers very different walking than here in Hampshire and it’s interesting to discover different terrain and challenges. Each day after walking, we peeled off our walking gear and freshened up for an evening of delicious food and socialising. What’s not to like?

Author: Sheila Gadd, Club Secretary

Photography: Sandy Arpino, Jo Legg & Lesley Stapley

• Date:               21 September 2022
• Walk Leader: Val Wood
• Distance:         8-9 Miles
• Start:               10.45am at Alresford Railway Station

Watercress Wander

On a beautiful sunny early autumn morning, some 21 ramblers, including two guests, gathered at the Watercress Line car park for start of our linear walk.  First to get to our start point – which turned out slightly more problematic than it should have. We walk the short distance down Station Road to West Street ready to catch 11.05 Winchester to Alton bus.  However, expected bus is late, then later.… and by 11.25 or so has still not appeared.  We converse with a regular local bus-user who has consulted her “App”.  Because of a driver shortage the bus should arrive at 11.37.  Eventually it appears a few minutes after that. Fortunately, it’s a double-decker or some of our number may have been standing for the short journey to Four Marks.  Alighting at the Hazel Road stop, we walk the short distance to the station, crossing over the bridge, and are ready at last to begin our ramble proper.   

Leaving Four Marks station we head north-west along a track, turning left onto Five Ash Road for about 10minutes before taking footpath right in a north-west direction skirting Medstead village. 

Walking westward we’re eventually rewarded with splendid views south towards to the South Downs, identifying unmistakable Cheesefoot Head on the ridge before us. Next, we turn south-west past Hattingley Valley Vineyard.  We walk through some of the vineyards and can’t resist a taste of the tempting ripening white grapes which are sweet and delicious.  Hattingley Valley is one of many vineyards that continue to be established all over the south, and now even further north in the country.  Climate change and increased knowledge of where grapes will thrive have encouraged landowners to invest considerable sums of money in a product that often takes up to 7/8 years to come to fruition and begin a return.  We are almost spoilt for choice in our region with many vineyards to visit and sample their wines.

We cross Chalky Hill Lane and continue on to the Oxdrove Way, a bridleway that takes us southwest to Old Alresford where the end of our walk brings us back alongside the famous watercress beds and beautiful riverside paths.  We pass the old Fulling Mill, now a pretty private house. The building dates from the 13^th century and was saved from dereliction in about 1951.  The fulling of cloth was a method used to tighten and shrink cloth into a closely woven product. In early times the pressing and kneading was done by human feet, in shallow streams, using fullers earth. In due course water power took over and the mills became known as Fulling Mills.

Our walk has taken us on varied paths and bridle ways, through stands of woodland, copse and across typically wide expanses of undulating Hampshire agricultural countryside.  Now looking a little greener and less parched, after some recent rain.  We

spotted numerous red kites circling determinedly over a tractor busy harrowing a field, a buzzard, hare and most odd looking fungus structure growing in the earth beside the Oxdrove bridle way. 

Alresford is a delightful and attractive town.  First founded in the 13^th century and making its fortune in the wool trade, more recent industry saw the commencement of water cress production in the 1860’s.  Much of the pleasing old buildings in the main streets are a result of rebuilding in the 18^th century after two great fires.  It’s now home to many thriving independent shops, boutiques and café’s along with various hostelries.  Because of our tardy return to the town, we had little chance to browse around its attractions – a trip for another day. 

A fascinating history of the Watercress Line can be found on their website.

Author: Val Wood, Programme Organiser

Photography: Sandy Arpino and Rose Field