- Leader: Sandy Arpino
- Date: 10 December 2025
- Distance: 10 miles approx
Petersfield Ramblers walk to Racton Ruin
On an unexpectedly sunny day in mid-December, 15 members of Petersfield Ramblers gathered in the overflow car park at Stansted House for a walk that would ultimately take them to Racton Ruin. Built between 1766 and 1775, Racton Ruin is a folly with extensive views over Chichester Harbour and to the Isle of Wight. Though only a mile or so east of Stansted House, the planned walk took a circuitous route of 10 miles to reach the ruin, ensuring a good workout for the ramblers.
Heading northwards the path offered lovely views of stately Stansted House. Given the poor state of some wooden fences in the park, the highland cattle had been moved to different pastures but were still close enough to cause us to pause and admire them.
Following firm tracks along field edges we arrived at wooded Watergate Hanger. A gentle uphill slope led through an impressive landscape of barren winter trees, silhouetted against the clear blue skies. Unfortunately the subsequent downhill was steeper, a chalk bed covered by wet leaves. We went slowly, using our walking poles, all reaching level ground safely – much to the leader’s relief!
A further mile through fields and woodland took us to Lyecommon where fallen tree trunks provided convenient seating for a coffee break in winter sunshine. One member had just had her birthday so very kindly handed around much-appreciated chocolates.
As we continued our walking – largely across open fields – we spotted two small groups of deer (watching us as we watched them!). Looking back to the north the rich blue skies were mesmerising – so out of keeping with the time of year.
After 6 miles we descended via a sunken track to the picturesque village of Stoughton. Passing the pub, we made our way to the unusual village church, the largest in the Octagon Parish, little changed from the 11th century. Here we stopped for a leisurely lunch and exploration of the many interesting features of the church. Outside the building old gravestones had been laid flat to provide (dangerously slippery) paving. The door into the porch looked more Moroccan than English, as did the brass light-fittings inside. An abundance of tapestry and embroidery decorated the interior, from kneelers to wall hangings to altar cloth. A large locked safe hung strangely from one wall, beneath the bell pulls for six bells – lit by a colourful stained glass window.
Our church exploration completed, we set off for the final stage of the walk. There was a long steady ascent past holly bushes hung with berries, before turning south-west to cross fields of brassicas mixed with fiddleneck (a green manure) to the hamlet of Walderton.
Carefully crossing the B2146 we trekked parallel to the road – safely on a footpath over fields – to Lordington. Along the way was a swing which our youngest member couldn’t resist giving a try!
After briefly touching the road we climbed again – up a track to our goal: Racton Ruin.
After due exploration and picture taking, we set off along the final mile of track back to our cars. Alas in places puddles and mud extended for the full width of the path. We did our best to skirt the edges, largely keeping our boots dry. A last section through huge redwood trees returned us to our start point. Time to change shoes and skurry off for coffee and cake at Stansted’s delightful café!
Author: Sandy Arpino
Photographer: Sandy Arpino