- Leader: Sandy Arpino
- Date: 22nd April 2026
- Distance: 11 miles approx.
Petersfield Ramblers achieve the heights walking the second section of the New Lipchis Way
Unlike the rain and difficult car journeys of the previous week on the New Lipchis Way, this Wednesday started with great promise. Twelve keen ramblers met at the Trundle car park by 09:15, surrounded by blue skies and green rolling Downland.
A quick car shuffle back to the Half Moon in Midhurst and we were off. After quarter of a mile we reached the point of the Lipchis Way where we had suspended our walk the week before. We recrossed a large grassy field which the week before had been yellow with dandelions – now most had already turned to seed clocks. We headed north, following a loop of the River Rother, overlooking Woolbeding house and gardens – with a clear view of the glasshouse with its marvellous tapered segments that open out like a bud.
After a mile of gentle walking we encountered a boardwalk which provides dry passage through a swampy patch of land. The boardwalk wobbled worryingly in places but we all traversed safely.
Our route dropped down closer to the river, leading us to a noisy weir at Easebourne.
On observing a rope dangling down from a nearby tree – and egged on by our group – one of our party couldn’t resist a quick swing! Entertainment over, we climbed up to the roadside, crossed the A272 bridge over the Rother and circled round to Cowdray Ruins. Once one of the finest houses in Sussex, the building was destroyed in 1793 by fire caused by ‘cowboy builders’.
Continuing along bustling Midhurst high street, we took a left into the quieter environs of ‘old Midhurst’ where we settled by the parish church for a coffee break. The old timbered buildings around us – including the Swan Inn – were stunning.
Refreshed and warmed by the sun, we set off again, leaving Midhurst behind. Heading east along a narrow, fenced footpath our path was inevitably lined with bluebells. To our left grew huge sweet chestnut trees with their distinguishing cross-hatched bark.
Our route led us past Cowdray kennels and dairy, the former probably housing fox hounds in former times, before turning onto the wooded heathland of Todham Rough.
Suddenly – in the middle of nowhere – we found ourselves on a bridge over a disused railway. Phones came out to identify the route – but mobile signal was poor. At home research revealed this to be the old Midhurst to Pulborough railway track.
Following more sandy trails – thankfully with frequent Lipchis Way signage to aid navigation – then traversing two large grassy fields, we arrived at the village of Heyshott with its popular pub and pretty church. There was no time to visit either – the BIG HILL awaited us.
The walk leader had warned that the climb up to the top of Heyshott Down was exceptionally steep – expectations had been managed! Fortunately the chalky path was dry, nonetheless the path is a challenge even for fit ramblers. We took it slowly, pausing to get our breath from time to time. Some plodded doggedly, heads down – others appeared to continue an animated conversation for the entire ascent!
It was definitely time for lunch – we needed more energy for the final three miles. In no hurry, it was a leisurely break; some walkers even fitted in some sunbathing!
Revived, we set off again, immediately crossing the South Downs Way. Now it was a gentle downhill through wooded slopes, brimming with fresh green leaves.
Just before Levin Down we encountered the substantial signpost that most of us had seen before on walks in the area. The observant amongst us noticed dates on the main post, questioning their relevance. Home research has revealed the following. “The post is a replacement of a hunt post erected in the 1970s when the Cowdray Hunt was still going strong. The purpose of the post was to provide guidance to any riders who had strayed away from the main hunt. It commemorates the most famous day in the history of the Charlton Hunt. The 26thJanuary 1738 has become immortalised as the ‘Grand Chase’. The hounds ran continuously from eight in the morning through to six when it would have already been dark for a couple of hours. The post also acknowledges the Arab Horse Society, which was founded in 1918, plus the 1972 Golden Horseshoe Ride.”
The trek south over Levin Down to Singleton village was a delight in the sunshine. By now walkers had discarded many layers of clothing and were weighted down with now-unnecessary jackets and jumpers. We took a look inside Singleton church, at the request of one rambler who had never been inside; those of us who walked the Mary’s Crescent last year remembered visiting the church on this occasion. Very unusually, the church contains a small stained glass window tucked very high up in its roof. We tried a group photo but most faces were hidden behind sunglasses or in the shadow of sunhats.
Time for the last mile – but another tough climb up to the Trundle car park. After 11.1 miles and 1,330ft ascent we were reunited with our cars, tired and very ready for pub refreshments. Our chosen location was the Blue Bell in Cocking, a community-run establishment on the way back to Midhurst. It certainly got the thumbs up from us: very welcoming, lots of delicious cakes and pleasant garden seating. We lingered over cordial conversation, happy to rest awhile after our shared experience.
Author: Sandy Arpino
Photographer: Sandy Arpino