- 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 12th 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