Walks & Strolls
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WALKS & STROLLS FEBRUARY - APRIL 2018 Protecting the beauty of the Downs Dear Members, Spring is round the corner again and that’s enough to renew our walking vigour! This popular time has interesting walks in East and West Sussex on the South Downs and up into Surrey’s hills. Whether it’s a hike along the sea front, a foray into ancient woodland, an exploration of common land or breezy views from beacon heights, there are many miles to cover. You may be interested to know that for the greyhounds among us 19% of the walks this time are 15 miles long or more; then 46% are 14 to 12 miles and 35% are 11 to 10 miles. Strolls vary from 3 to 7.5 miles. The average number on walks from August to November was around 9 people. A great range of Strolls is on offer, in theme and in area covered. We look at the influence of the Rampion Wind Farm on our countryside for one set. Inspired by the current exhibition ‘Gluck: Art and Identity’ at Brighton Museum (until March 11th), artists with Sussex connections return to provide a theme. Then the spring flowers reappear: snowdrops in February, wild daffodils in March and we hope for bluebells towards the end of April. At the Christmas dinner Judy and Rosemary were given flowers to thank us for our co-ordinating work. It was a lovely surprise and much appreciated. Of course, if the leaders didn’t respond to our regular badgering there would be nothing to co-ordinate! So really they are the ones who make the programme come together and thanks go to all of them. Conjuring up new walks does make one look at different areas and can be most interesting. All walkers are welcome to give it a try ! With best wishes and see you out and about. Rosemary Warren (Walks co-ordinator) Judy Robinson (Strolls co-ordinator) Notes for walkers & cyclists Please ensure you have read the ‘Walks Guidance Notes’ on our website www.southdownssociety.org.uk (go to ‘Who we are’ then ‘Public documents’) or contact the South Downs Society office. Please remember to take care of your own safety on walks and strolls, and make sure you wear appropriate footwear and clothing and you are fit for the walk/stroll outlined. Make your own way to the meeting place and please consider the use of car sharing or public transport where possible. For advice about a particular walk or stroll, contact the South Downs Society office on 01798 875073. The first three figures in the map reference, e.g. 121, refer to maps in the OS Explorer series. New walkers – please note that the start time on the programme is the time we start walking. It is best to arrive at the meeting place at least 15 minutes before this time, to allow for putting on boots etc. E = Easy walk, mostly flat with few or no stiles, well-suited for more gentle walking - Strolls (grey heading) are a maximum of 9 miles. Walks (white) are 9+ miles. All are circular unless stated otherwise. Dogs, where permitted, must be under control. Owners must do as requested by the leader. No extendable leads please. Cyclists: Members are responsible for their own safety - helmets can help prevent a head injury if you fall from your bike. Please note that terrain may vary from bridleways to public roads. Experienced cyclists over 18 only. SOUTH DOWNS SOCIETY Registered Office: 2 Swan Court, Station Road, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1RL Tel: 01798 875073 Email: [email protected] www. southdownssociety.org.uk The Society is a limited company by guarantee, registered No. 319437 and is a registered charity No.230329 FEBRUARY 2018 Thursday 1st February Glynde, Lewes 09.15am - 16.45pm 16.5m WALK Start : Glynde Bridge Car Park (near Glynde station) BN8 6SS. Ref : 123 / TQ 458088 Route : Saxon Down, Cliffe (Lewes) SOVW, lunch at Abergavenny Arms in Rodmell, Southease, Beddingham Hill, Firle Park, Little Dene. Thursday 1st February Petworth via ‘ Shimmings Valley’ 10.30am -12.30pm 3m STROLL Start : Petworth Library, Rosemary Lane, High St, Petworth GU28 0AU. Park in Petworth town centre main car park, 3 mins walk east from toilets, up passageway to Rosemary Lane (meet inside Library if wet). Ref : 121 / SU 977215 Route : See ‘‘Little Switzerland” as the locals call the beautiful Shimmings Valley. Long uphill slope (half an hour climb) to Brinksole Heath (see the best sign in Sussex), return via Byworth, crossing the Haslingbourne stream. Dogs welcome. Saturday 3rd February Friston Forest 10.00am -15.30pm 10m WALK Start : Litlington Road, Litlington, Forestry Commission Car Park (charge applies). Ref : 123 / TQ 518002 Route : Friston Forest, lunch in National Trust Café at Birling Gap, Seven Sisters, West Dean. Tuesday 6th February Around the Commons, Chailey 10.00am -16.00pm 12m WALK Start : Pound Common, Chailey. Ref : 135 / TQ 377207 Route : North Common, Memorial Common, Fletching Common, Warrs Hill Lane, lunch at North Chailey pub/café, North Common, Vale Farm, Springfield Farm, Romany Ridge Common. Wednesday 7th February Rampion Cabling Eyesores (1) 10.00am -12.30pm 5m STROLL Start : Car park north of Beggars Bush, Bostal Road, BN15 0AY. Ref : 121 / TQ 162080 Route : Coombe Head, Cowbottom Hovel, Lancing Ring. Steady climbs. Lunch at the Castle Pub, Bramber, after end of stroll. Thursday 8th February Arundel 09.30am -15.45pm 15m WALK Start : Mill Road, Arundel, BN18 9PA. Ref : 121 / TQ 021072 Route : Warningcamp, Wepham Down, Amberley Mount, lunch in the Bridge Inn at Houghton Bridge, Yew Tree Gate. Saturday 10th February Ditchling Beacon 09.45am -15.45pm 12m WALK Start : Ditchling Beacon Car Park. Ref : 122 / TQ 334130 Route : SBP, Lower Standean, High Park Farm, lunch at the Swan Pub in Falmer, Waterpit Hill, Plumpton Plain, SDW. Tuesday 13th February Chiddingly 09.45am - 15.30pm 11.5m WALK Start : Little London lay-by opposite Ardingly showground. Ref : 135 / TQ 344303 Route : Chiddingly, Newhouse Farm, lunch in the Half Moon Inn or Tearoom at Balcombe, Kemps Farm, Stone Hall. Tuesday 13th February Pycombe Circular 10.00am -12.45pm 5.5m STROLL Start : Old A23 north west of Pyecombe Village and Plough Inn BN45 7FR. Ref : 122 / TQ 288127 Route : One steep ascent and descent, otherwise flat. Could be wet. Lunch at the Plough Inn, after end of stroll. Thursday 15th February Abinger Roughs 09.30am -16.00pm 14m WALK Start : Shere Recreation Ground Car Park, Guildford GU5 9HE. Ref : 145 / TQ 073480 Route : Abinger Roughs, Friday Street, lunch enroute in the Abinger Hatch Pub at Abinger Common, Hoe, Albury Park, Shere. FEBRUARY 2018 Thursday 15th February Frensham Common & the Surrey Hills 11.00am -15.00pm 6.5m STROLL Start : Frensham Great Pond GU10 2QD. Entrance to car park is from lane to NW of Pond. Follow sign for Frensham Pond Hotel from A287 and continue round bend. Ref : 145 / SU 843406 Route : Great variety, water features, rolling green hills, heathland and glorious views, lunch at the Blue Bell Pub at Batt’s Corner. Possible lift from Havant Station. Friday 16th February Duncton Ponds & Mills 10.30am -13.00pm 5m STROLL Start : Cricketers Car Park, Duncton GU28 0LB. Ref : 121 / SU 960170 Route : Chingford Pond, Burton Mill, Duncton Mill, finishing at The Cricketers for lunch. Hard surfaces for most of the way. Saturday 17th February Devil’s Dyke Figure of Eight 09.45am -15.45pm 10m WALK Start : Devil’s Dyke Car Park (NT charge applies). Ref : 122 / TQ 258111 Route : Sussex Border Path, New Barn, Monarchs Way, lunch at the Devil’s Dyke Pub, Saddlescombe, Newtimber Hill. Saturday 17th February Alfriston & Wilmington 10.35am -15.00pm 6.5m STROLL Start : Alfriston Long Stay Car Park BN26 5UG (charge applies). Some free parking in nearby streets, or Cuckmere bus from Berwick station departs 10.22 am (please check). Ref : 123 / TQ 521032 Route : Windover Hill, by path with gentler climb, Folkington, lunch at the Giants Rest Pub in Wilmington, River Cuckmere. We hope to see snowdrops. Tuesday 20th February Ditchling Common Country Park 09.30am - 15.30pm 12m WALK Start : Ditchling Common Country Park BN6 8SQ. Ref : 122 / TQ 337180 Route : Plumpton Race Course, East Chiltington, lunch in the Horn’s Lodge Pub at South Chailey, Wivelsfield Green. Wednesday 21st February Benbow Pond to Midhurst 10.30am -14.45pm 7.5m STROLL Start : Benbow Pond, on A272 next to Cowdray Park Golf Club, GU29 0AQ (nearest postcode1.3m west of Benbow Pond). Ref : 133 / SU 914222 Route : Via Ambersham Bridge to Midhurst for lunch at café/pub, returning via Easebourne & The Race. May be muddy in places. Thursday 22nd February Dunsfold, Godalming 09.15am -16.15pm 15m WALK Start : Dunsfold Village Car Park. Ref : 134 / TQ 006363 also need 133, 145 Route : Ryestreet Common, Hambledon, Busbridge Woods, lunch in the White Horse Pub at Hascombe, Hascombe Hill, Scotsland Farm. Saturday 24th February Figure of Eight, Rottingdean 10.00am -15.30pm 11m WALK Start : Marine Cliffs car park, Rottingdean BN2 7HY (nearest postcode). Frequent Brighton – Eastbourne no. 12 bus passes nearby. Ref : 122 / TQ 371021 Route : Undercliff to Telscombe, The Tye, High Hill, lunch at Rottingdean, Beacon Hill, Ovingdean, Roedean, undercliff to Rottingdean. Tuesday 27th February Slindon & Arundel 09.30am -16.00pm 14m WALK Start : Park Lane Car Park, Slindon. (approximate post code BN18 0QY). Ref : 121 or OL10 / SU 961076 Route : Goose Green, lunch in Arundel – pubs and cafés, Rewell Wood. FEBRUARY 2018 Tuesday 27th February Hassocks & Ditchling 10.00am -12.00pm 3m STROLL E Start : Age Concern Car Park (long stay) Hassocks BN6 8LW. Ref : 122 / TQ 308153 Route : Circular walk from Hassocks to Ditchling, via Oldland Mill, lunch at Pub or café in Hassocks after (optional).