WALKS & STROLLS AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018

Dear Members,

British Summer Time continues throughout this programme, so let’s use the long days to enjoy our walking and travelling. After a late start, early summer has been beautifully green, so we hope to see full harvests in due course. With our varied weather, plants and animals on the Downs have much to cope with each year and it’s interesting to see how they are affected.

You’ll notice this time that several Saturdays do not have any of the longer walks. Several Saturday walks leaders have had health and/or age issues lately! They have mostly been covered by strolls on these days, which are particularly welcome. Thinking about strolls, sadly Peter Harris has found it necessary to say farewell as a strolls leader. We are most grateful for his contribution over the years, especially for his entertaining themed strolls, and hope we shall still see him out strolling from time to time.

All your walk offers are valuable but arranging them suitably is not always easy. The same areas do seem to cluster. So it’s worked out that lunch at Burpham is popular - in successive walks. However they do cover quite different ground. And if some people had not been able to swap there would have been three. Let’s just call it “Love Burpham Week”!

In general we are down on number of walks leaders. Ideally all walkers would take part in leading so there would be a large enough pool of leaders to cope with temporary unavailability. This time some valiant people will step in three times each - this would be exhausting long-term! Hopefully without risking putting people off joining us walking, we are asking more to take the plunge. Do it with a friend, at least once a year, we’ll all welcome you. Enough said!

We have a good selection of walks and strolls, for all abilities, interests and areas. Come and find out about Mad Jack, look for summer grassland flowers, try an easy-paced cycle ride or introduce a friend to walking on one of our taster walks. We’ll see you there.

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 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 or contact the leader. 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.

All routes are circular unless stated otherwise. At lunch breaks, some people have a meal in the pub while others eat their packed lunch away from the pub premises and then go in for a drink or coffee. We usually stop for about an hour.

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.

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, , West 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 Thursday 2nd August Arlington Reservoir / Yew Tree near Chalvington 09.30 – 16.00 14m WALK Start : Arlington Reservoir Car Park (small charge) or roadside layby opposite, BN26 6TF. (Berwick Train Station is c. 800m to the south, along Station Road) Ref : 123 / TQ528076 Route : Abbot’s Wood, Upper Dicker, Yew Tree Inn on Chalvington Road (Pub and cricket field for picnic) Eckington Corner, , Mays Farm. Dogs by leader’s prior agreement only, thank you.

Thursday 2nd August ‘‘ Tillington Vineyards & Pitshill Award Winning House’’ 10.30 -12.00 3m STROLL E Start : The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington, GU28 9AF. Bus No.1 Stagecoach. By Car: 1 mile west from on A272 , then, in the middle of Tillington, turn north following brown tourist sign to The Horse Guards. Parking in road. Contact Gerald if uncertain. Dogs welcome. Ref : 133 / SU963220 Route : A lovely & interesting walk in and around Tillington, via vineyards and then to Pitshill House, Tillington, runner up in the 2017 National Restoration Award Scheme & top Award in the 2017 Georgian Group. Time to pause and admire the house. Firm and pleasant going.

Saturday 4th August “Downs Views – from Top to Bottom” 09.45 – 15.45 12m WALK Start : Village Car Park. Ref : 122 / TQ188106 Route : SDW, Hill, Fulking (Pub – Shepherd & Dog) Tottington Wood, , River Adur.

Tuesday 7th August High Walk 10.00 -15.45 11m WALK Start : Gills Lap Car Park, Kidds Hill, Ashdown Forest. Ref : 135 / TQ466316 Route : Newnham Park Farm, Stroods House Farm, (Pub – The Hurstwood) Barnsgate Manor.

Tuesday 7th August “Bernard’s Cycle Ride” from Chichester 10.30 -16.15 25m CYCLE Start : Chichester basin, Canal Wharf, PO19 8FR. Ref : 120 / SU858042 Route : Tow paths, CTC cycle routes and country lanes. No hills. No excuses! North Mundham, Rookery Farm, Almodington, East Wittering, West Wittering (lunch) Saltern Way, West Itchenor (ferry), Bosham (tea) Chichester.

Tuesday 7th August “Picnic at Bepton Down” 11.00 -15.00 5.5m STROLL Start : Cocking Stores and Post Office GU29 0HN. Ref : 120 (OL8) / SU878176 Route : Hill Barn, Cocking Down, Bepton Down SSSI (please bring picnic), Henley Lane. Involves a steepish climb up onto the Downs but includes wonderful views and a nationally rare example of unimproved chalk downland.

Thursday 9th August Hindhead to Chiddingfold 09.30 – 16.15 15m WALK Start : Devil’s Punchbowl Car Park, Hindhead, GU26 6AF (nearest). Ref : 133 / SU891357 Route : Gibbet Hill, Smallbrook, Greensand Way, Wormley, Chiddingfold (Pub – The Crown) Grayswood, Hurthill Copse.

Saturday 11th August Ashdown Forest 10.00 -13.30 5.5m STROLL Start : Kings Standing Car Park, TN22 3JD. Ref : 135 / TQ473302 Route : Poundgate, Vanguard Way, Barnsgate Manor ( coffee stop ) Camp Hill. Lunch after at café if required.

Tuesday 14th August Clayton / Stanmer area 09.30am -15.30 13.5m WALK Start : Clayton Recreation Ground Car Park, Underhill Lane. Ref : 122 / TQ299140 Route : , Lower Standean, Stanmer Village (Pub or café) Highpark Wood. No dogs please.

Tuesday 14th August “Gentle Stroll with the Chairman” Ardingly Reservoir 10.30 -13.00 5.5m STROLL Start : Ardingly Inn Car Park, Street Ln, Ardingly, Haywards Heath RH17 6UA. Ref : 135 / TQ347294 Route : A flat stroll around the Ardingly Reservoir. Lunch afterwards if required in the Inn.

Wednesday 15th August Stoughton and Up Marden 10.30 - 15.00 6.5m STROLL Start : ‘Walderton Triangle’, PO18 9EA. Ref : 120 / SU787105 Route : Watergate Park, Lye Common to Up Marden with return via Pitlands Farm for pub lunch or a picnic at Stoughton. A shorter return walk. Hilly with good views, downland fields and old woodlands.

Thursday 16 August “The Greensand Heights” 09.45 – 16.15 14.5m WALK Start : Marley Common Car Park, Marley Lane, GU27 3PU (nearest). Ref : OL33 (133) / SU886311 Route : Stedlands Farm, Roundhurst Common, Lurgashall (Pub – Noah’s Ark) Blackdown, Greenhill Wood.

Friday 17th August “Easy stroll to Graffham” 11.00 – 15.00 4m STROLL E Start : NT Car Park, GU28 0QL. Ref : 121 / TQ949187 Route : Flat stroll that goes to Graffham (pub, Foresters Arms) and returns by another route.

Saturday 18 August “Around the Alfold Area” 10.00 -15.30 11.25m WALK Start : Sidney Wood Car Park, off Dunsfold Road, Alfold, GU6 8JG (nearest) Note: not down the Springbok Estate road! Ref : 134 / TQ026350 Route : Sachelhill Lane, Wey South Path, SBP, Barnsfold, Tisman’s Common (Pub – Mucky Duck) Hook Street, Springbok Farm.

Monday 20th August “Sussex Sculptors 1- Jon Edgar” Slindon & surrounds 10.30 -13.00 5m STROLL Start : North end of Slindon village outside Slindon College BN18 0RH. Ref : 121 / SU960084 Route : In search of ‘The Rise of Northwood’. The Folly, Northwood, Stane Street, The Gumber, Warren Barn, Butt Lane. The Forge (Slindon village café) after the stroll. Beautiful views. Jon Edgar was born in Rustington, Sussex and took part in the NT ‘Rise of Northwood’ replanting project with a unique sculpture.

Tuesday 21st August Mad Jack Fuller. The life of a rich, outrageous, 09.30 -16.00 13m WALK folly building Georgian squire Start : Public Car Park (free) behind the Bear Inn/Motel at Burwash. Ref : 136 / TQ674246 (majority of route is on map 124) Route : Bateman’s, Glaziers Forge, Woods Corner (Pub – Swan Inn) Brightling and follies. Far reaching views.

Wednesday 22nd August and Ditchling 10.00 -12.30 4.5m STROLL Start : Hassocks railway station, east side near Hassocks Hotel, BN6 8HW. Buses 270, 271,272 and 273 arrive at Stonepound crossroads just five minute walk away. Ref : 122 / TQ304155 Route : To Ditchling via Oldland Windmill, down around the village and back over fields to Hassocks, pub (Hassocks Hotel).

Thursday 23rd August Clayton Windmills to Fulking 09.30 – 15.30 13m WALK Start : Jack & Jill Car Park, Mill Lane, Clayton, BN6 9PG. Ref : 122 / TQ304135 Route : Wolstonbury, Poynings, Fulking (Pub – Shepherd & Dog) Haresdean.

Saturday 25th August to Ashurst 09.45 – 15.45 12.5m WALK Start : Car Park at Partridge Green Village Hall, RH13 8HX. Ref : 122 / TQ190192 Route : Claylands Farm, Spithandle Lane, Ashurst (Pub – The Fountain) Blundens Farm, Downslink.

Tuesday 28th August Burton Mill to Heyshott 09.45 – 16.15 13m WALK Start : Burton Mill Car Park, Burton Park Road, near Duncton, GU28 0JR. Ref : 121 / SU978180 Route : Heathend, Graffham Common, , Heyshott (Pub – The Unicorn) Woodcote Farm, Duncton.

Tuesday 28th August Duncton and Barlavington 10.30 – 13.00 5m STROLL Start : Cricketers Car Park, Duncton, GU28 OLB. Ref : 121 / SU960170 Route : Ridlington Farm, Heathend, Chingford Pond, Barlavington, return to Duncton, pub (Cricketers). (Farmland, woodland, ponds; level going for most of route).

Thursday 30th August Glynde / Kingston near 09.30 – 16.00 14.5m WALK Start : Glynde Village Car Park just north of Glynde station. Ref : OL11 (122) / TQ457087 Route : Beddingham Hill, Southease, Northease, Kingston near Lewes (Pub – Juggs Arms) Lewes, Oxteddle Bottom, Glynde.

Saturday 1st September Taster Stroll – Fittleworth and Stopham 10.00 – 15.00 8m STROLL Start : Hesworth Common Car Park, RH20 1JF (nearest). Ref : 121 (OL10) TQ007193 Route : Stroll around Elgar’s countryside & Stopham Church. Bring picnic lunch. Also, refreshment stop near end of stroll in pub at Fittleworth. No dogs please.

Tuesday 4th September “ Levels and Channels” 10.00 – 16.00 11.8m WALK Start : Church, far end of Church Road, BN27 1QJ (nearest). Ref : 123 or 124 / TQ643101 Route : New Bridge, Down Level, Chilley Farm, Pevensey (Pub – Royal Oak and Castle Inn) 1066 Country Walk.

Wednesday 5th September Afternoon Stroll, Angmering Park Estate 13.45 – 16.15 4.5m STROLL Start : The Dover Car Park, BN18 9PX. Ref : 121 / TQ061065 Route : Afternoon stroll for summer; mainly in the woods. Fairly flat and no stiles.

Thursday 6th September Buriton / East Meon 09.30 – 16.00 14m WALK Start : Buriton Car Park by pond/church. Ref : 120 / SU739200 (also 133) Route : Butser Hill, Ramsdean, East Meon (Pub – Ye Olde George Inn) Langrish, Weston.

Friday 7th September “Nutbourne and Wander” 10.00 – 12.30 5.5m STROLL Start : West Chiltington Recreation Ground, RH20 2PZ. Ref : 121 / TQ083178 Route : King’s, Nutbourne Village, Nyetimber, plus a visit to West Chiltington church with its Flower Festival. Pub (Queen’s Head) at end.

Saturday 8th September Ringmer to Mount Caburn 10.00 – 13.00 6.5m STROLL Start : Ringmer Anchor Field Car Park BN8 5QW (Bus 28 from Lewes and ). Ref : 122 / TQ449123 Route : Saxon Cross, Oxtedle Bottom, Mount Caburn, return to Ringmer (pub, The Anchor).

Tuesday 11th September Newlands Corner / Shere 10.00 – 16.00 12m WALK Start : White Lane Car Park (NOT the main Newlands Corner Car Park). Ref : 145 / TQ032490 Route : Saint Martha’s Church, Blackheath, Little (Pub – William IV) Albury Park, Shere, North Downs Way.

Tuesday 11th September and Parham 10.30 – 13.00 5m STROLL Start : The Crown Pub Car Park, Cootham, RH20 4JN. Ref : 121 / TQ074145 Route : Airfield, , Parham Park, return to Cootham (pub, the Crown).

Thursday 13th September “They don’t like it Upham” 09.15 – 16.00 15m WALK Start : Cheesefoot Head Car Park, A272, east of Winchester, SO21 1HW. Ref : 132 / SU528279 Route : South Downs Way, Monarch’s Way incl Stephen’s Castle Down, Upham (Pub – Brushmakers Arms) Allan Kings Way. Total ascent = 1,200ft

Thursday 13th September Chichester City Walls Walk 11.00 – 13.00 2m STROLL E Start : Chichester Railway Station entrance, north side. Ref : 120 (OL8) / SU859043 Route : Discover more about Chichester’s past by following the Roman walls around the city.

Saturday 15th September Ashdown Forest “Foray” 10.00 – 15.30 12m WALK Start : Car Park at end of Station Road, , RH18 5DW. Ref : 135 / TQ427353 Route : South Park Farm, Goat Farm, (Pub – Red Lion) Raven Wood, Bank Cottage, Forest Row.

Tuesday 18th September Lavington Common to Heyshott 09.30 – 16.00 14m WALK Start : Lavington Common CP, Duncton Common Road, GU28 0QN (nearest). Ref : 121 / SU949187 (also 120) Route : Graffham Common, Serpent Trail, Heyshott Green, Cocking, Heyshott (Pub – Unicorn Inn) South Downs Way, East Lavington, Lavington Common

Tuesday 18th September “Sussex Sculptors 2 - John Skelton” Hooe Levels, Bexhill 10.30 – 13.00 5m STROLL Start : Norman’s Bay Station, BN24 6PT (Travel by train if you can!). Ref : 124 / TQ683056 Route : Over Hooe Levels, Golf Course, seaside to Bexhill, St Augustine’s Church with John Skelton’s sculpture of the saint. John Skelton was nephew and apprentice of Eric Gill and has notable work in Sussex and elsewhere. Return by train from Collington (£2.40/1.70) anticipating Saturday’s ‘World Car Free Day’!

Thursday 20th September to Devil’s Dyke 09.15 – 16.00 16m WALK Start : Henfield East arC Park, off Coopers Way. Ref : 122 / TQ216159 Route : Foxhole Cottages, Devil’s Dyke (lunch) New Barn Farmhouse. Saturday 22nd September “World Car Free Day” Chichester to West Dean 11.00 – 13.30 6m STROLL Start : Chichester Railway Station entrance, north side. Ref : 120 (OL8) / SU859043 Route : Centurion Way to West Dean (at 13.30). Return by bus. Refreshments at West Dean or on return in Chichester.

Tuesday 25th September Ditchling Common to Chailey 10.00 – 16.00 12m WALK Start : Ditchling Common Car Park Folders Lane, east of Burgess Hill. Ref : 122 / TQ337180 Route : Wivelsfield Green, Chailey (Pub - Five Bells) Plumpton Green.

Wednesday 26th September Selborne and Noar Hill 10.30 – 13.00 6m STROLL Start : Selborne Village Car Park, GU34 3LE (near). Ref : 133 / SU743336 Route : Through the village, around Noar Hill and across Selborne Common. It is all lovely and of national interest. Return to Selborne (pub or café).

Thursday 27th September Kithurst Hill to Hammerpot 09.30 – 15.30 14m WALK Start : Kithurst Hill CP, between and Amberley. Ref : 121 / TQ070125 Route : Wepham Down, Hammerpot (Pub – Woodman Arms) Michelgrove, Lee Farm.

Tuesday 2nd October Burpham / Houghton Bridge 10.00 – 15.30 10m WALK Start : Burpham car park, BN18 9RR (nearest). Ref : 121 / TQ039089 Route : SDW, Houghton Bridge (Pub – Bridge Inn) South Stoke.

Wednesday 3rd October Around Burwash 10.00 – 12.45 6m STROLL Start : Burwash Village Car Park, TN19 7EX. Ref : 124 / TQ674246 Route : Circular walk passing Bateman’s - Kipling’s Good and Peaceable Place. Lunch at Rose & Crown Inn (optional).

Thursday 4th October Goodwood to Hooksway 09.30 – 16.00 15m WALK Start : Counters Gate Car Park, Goodwood Racecourse. Ref : 120 / SU898113 Route : Chilgrove, Hooksway (Pub) Colworth Down.

Saturday 6th October West Hoathly / Horsted Keynes 10.00 – 15.30 11.5m WALK Start : Finches Field Car Park, Church Hill, West Hoathly (nearest postcode RH19 4PN). Ref : 135 / TQ366326 Route : Philpots Farm, HWLT, Little Odynes Farm, Horsted Keynes (Pub – Green Man) Warren Farm, SBP, Sharpthorne.

Tuesday 9th October “Ashdown Forest and beyond” 09.30 – 15.30 12m WALK Start : Duddleswell Car Park on B2026 just north of . Ref : 135 / TQ467279 Route : Nutley, Woolpack Farm, Sheffield Forest, Fletching (Pub or Café) Down Street, Marshall’s Manor, Fairwarp.

Thursday 11th October Arun Valley 09.30 – 15.30 13m WALK Start : Houghton Hill Car Park, on B2139. Ref : 121 / TQ010112 Route : Monarch’s Way, SDW, Amberley Mount, North Stoke, Burpham (Pub – The George), Arundel, , Houghton.

Thursday 11th October ‘‘Downland easy morning stroll” 09.45 – 12.45 5m STROLL Start : Corner of Nepcote Green, Findon, BN14 0SQ (near). No.1 Bus from Worthing leaving 05 and 35 past the hour arrives 28/58. Allow 15 mins to walk from bus stop. Returns 03 and 33. Park on grass verge on left side of track. Watch for holes and bank. Ref : 121 / TQ128085 Route : Lovely views around back of . Undulating – no steep hills. Few (if any) stiles. Pub lunch if required, The Villager, Findon

Friday 12th October “Exploring our History: Mount Caburn” 10.30 – 14.30 4m STROLL Start : Glynde station, BN8 6RU. Ref : 122 / TQ457085 Route : Across via Mount Caburn to Lewes. Steady climb at start, lunch in Lewes, return by bus or train.

Saturday 13th October Angmering Estate / Burpham 10.00 – 15.45 10m WALK Start : The Dover Car Park, Dover Lane, off A27 eastbound. Ref : 121 / TQ061065 Route : Michelgrove Park, Barpham Hill, Burpham (Pub – The George) , Monarch’s Way.

Saturday 13th October Taster Stroll – Heyshott 10.00am - 15.00pm 7.5m STROLL Start : Heyshott Village. Park near the church, GU29 0DJ (nearest). Heyshott is signposted east from the A286 1.5 miles (approx) south of . Ref : 120 (OL8) SU898181 Route : Circular stroll from one quiet village to another. Pub lunch (or bring picnic) at Graffham. Fairly flat stroll with views of the Downs. Can be muddy in places after heavy rain. No dogs please.

Tuesday 16th October “2nd Attempt Balcombe to Ardingly” 09.45 – 15.45 12.5m WALK Start : Car Park in layby north of Balcombe Church, RH17 6PX. Ref : 135 / TQ306310 Route : Little Strudgate Farm, Old House, HWLT, Ardingly (Pub – Ardingly Inn) Stone Hall, Kemps Farm.

Wednesday 17th October “Three churches walk” from Ditchling 10.00 – 12.30 5m STROLL Start : Ditchling village Car Park, BN6 8TA. Ref : 122 / TQ326152 Route : Over fields and paths to Streat church, then Westmeston church and back to Ditchling, (pub, White Horse).

Thursday 18th October to 09.30 – 16.00 14.5m WALK Start : Nature Reserve overflow Car Park, RH12 2RA (nearest). Ref : 134 / TQ166323 Route : Literary Trail, Rowhook, Rudgwick (Pub – King’s Head) Sussex Border Path, Pear Tree Farm.

Thursday 18th October “Romans for the Day” 10.00 – 13.00 6m STROLL Start : Eartham Wood Car Park, PO18 0NA. Ref : 121 (OL10) / SU939106 Route : Stane Street, Gumber Farm, Glatting Beacon, Eartham Wood. Pub, (The George, Eartham) at end.

Saturday 20th October to 10.00 – 15.30 11m WALK Start : Barns Green Recreation Ground Car Park, Muntham Drive, Barns Green, near Horsham, RH13 0PT (nearest). Ref : 134 / TQ126271 Route : Lawson’s Farm, Downslink, Slinfold (Pub – Red Lyon) Holmbush Manor, . Tuesday 23rd October “Up on the Downs and down in the woods” 10.00 – 15.45 10m WALK Start : Upper Lodges Car Park, Ditchling Road, BN1 9QB. Ref : 121 / TQ325099 Route : The Chattri, , Stanmer Village (Pub or Café) Stanmer Great Wood.

Thursday 25th October Ranmore Common to Leith Hill 09.30 – 16.15 15m WALK Start : Denbies Hillside NT Car Park (charge for non-members), Ranmore Common Road, RH5 6SR. Ref : 146 / TQ141503 Route : North Downs Way, Abinger Roughs, Holmbury St Mary, Leith Hill, Coldharbour (Pub – The Plough) Upper Meridan Cottage, Broadmoor, Wotton.

Friday 26th October “Jevington Exploration” 10.00 – 12.30 5m STROLL Start : Jevington Car Park, BN26 5QG . Ref : 123 / TQ563014 Route : (Viewing the Memorial on Butts Brow). South Downs Way, Butts Brow, Coombe Hill, Holt Bottom, Jevington, (pub, Eight Bells).

Saturday 27th October ‘‘Last day of BST’’ 09.30 – 16.00 12m WALK Start : Droke Car Park, Droke Lane, east of East Dean, PO18 0JJ (nearest). Ref : 121 / SU924129 Route : Selhurstpark Road, Halnaker, Eartham (Pub – The George) Nore Wood, Benges Wood.

Tuesday 30th October Bucks Green / Newpound 09.30 – 15.45 13m WALK Start : Bucks Green Sportsground Car Park, RH12 3DW. Ref : 134 / TQ079329 Route : Pephurst Farm, Malham, Newpound (Pub – Bat and Ball) The Haven.

Tuesday 30th October “Sussex Sculptors 3 - Philip Jackson” 11.00 – 15.00 4.5m or 6.5m Chichester and Harbour or later STROLL Start : St Richard’s statue, Chichester Cathedral, PO19 1QG. Ref : 120 / SU859047 Route : After viewing the greater than lifesize statue, we shall walk down the Chichester Ship Canal to the Marina (lunch, The Boat House Café), return by bus or continue to Dell Quay and then by bus back to Chichester. Philip Jackson is a Scottish sculptor now living near Midhurst. He has remarkable statues on display nationwide, including at Brighton College and Chichester Cathedral. Travel by bus or train or use a public car park (central ones will be expensive).