Special Walks
Kennet Valley Walk
Breakfast Walk
It was up early for eighteen of us on the morning of 2 July as we met up at the car park on Bignor Hill at a quarter to eight for Edwina and Bryce’s breakfast walk. The sky was cloudy but bright, the temperature mild with no sign as yet of the rain forecast for later.
We started off along the South Downs Way going east, part of the Roman Road complete with Latin signpost, and drank in the magnificent open view from the top of the hill. It all seemed so peaceful with just the sound of unseen skylarks. The path then descends to the A29 and soon after crossing we paused for a drink and to enjoy more lovely views ahead. The thought of breakfast increased our pace as we approached Houghton alongside the river Arun. We received a cheerful welcome at the riverside cafe and were soon all served with a good cooked breakfast.
Two more ramblers joined us for the rest of the walk. We crossed Houghton Bridge and soon left the river to ascend to the car park at Whiteways for a quick drink stop before making our way through trees and by fields towards the cars. On the final stretch the drizzle started and as we drove off in heavier rain we knew it had been a good idea to make an early start. Our thanks go to Edwina and Bryce for organising it all. Nicky Salway
Explorer Walk
Sunday 22 June, saw Peter Horlock's long-awaited "explorer walk", from Farley Heath. For those ramblers who have never experienced one of these, it's a walk where everyone takes a turn in choosing, and leading, a 20 minute section. A piece of paper is picked from an envelope, and this gives the lunch stop site, thus determining the area of the day's walk. (Peter has four or so other alternatives, so even for him, the walk area is a surprise!) Eleven of us set off, aiming for lunch on the top of St. Martha's Hill, with Albury or Chilworth conveniently placed for a drink (at the pub) en route.
The first event was unexpected - helping a young Duke of Edinburgh’s award walker who had taken a nasty tumble and made a mess of his knees. However, with two ex- nurses in the group, he was soon patched up and on his way. We had blue skies and sunshine all day, and we also had a great deal of fun! Excuses are not allowed for not leading a section: "I forgot my glasses" - "Borrow mine!"; "I haven't got a map" - "I've got plenty!"; "I'm a useless map-reader" - "Now's the time to practise!". And Peter's help is first rate ---"You could take the boring path, or maybe the one with good views, but it's your decision!!" Whatever was decided, Peter accepted with graciousness and good humour. The route chosen (which turned out to be approx. 11 miles) eventually covered Farley Heath, Farley Green, Brook, Albury, St. Martha's, Chilworth and Blackheath, with interesting loops and corners on the way.
Those of you who have never been on an explorer walk, don't miss it next time. Apart from the fun, it's a great way to practise map-reading. Thank you, Peter, for your fantastic planning, as always (When is the next one?). Wendy Hoare
Two “undulating” coach walks in August
The outing to Chartwell on 7th August began with a re-union with our driver Jason (somewhat slimmer than last year and sporting pictures of his 8-month son Zack), and thereafter became a day of exquisite timing. The non-walkers presented themselves at the entrance of Chartwell in good time to avoid three coachloads of visitors. Meanwhile the long walkers, led by Muriel, commenced an undulating circular trip taking in a variety of landscapes, and wonderful views across the Weald. The route through Crockham Hill, Crockham Common, French Street and Toy’s Hill, passed many fine houses, and we witnessed the phenomenon of a village school going through its second extension in 14 years! A shower of rain came through when the party were sheltered by trees, and from then on the weather improved to allow a pleasant stroll through the lovely Chartwell gardens in gentle sunshine at the end of the afternoon. The short walk, led by Wendy H, was also circular but tended to be in more open country. Fortunately there was a convenient barn ready to provide shelter when the shower came over. Even more happily, the walkers chanced upon the staff at a local micro-brewery taking their coffee break and were invited to take an impromptu tour of the establishment, including some samples.
In comparison, the trip to East Sussex the following day was rather more strenuous. We set out from Hastings sea front and immediately climbed over 200 steps to the coastal path. This walk was described as “undulating”, but was considerably more challenging. The word “switchback” came to mind as we climbed down into a series of glens and then back up again. It was well worth the effort as the coastal path affords magnificent views along the coast from Beachy Head to Dungeness. Our leaders were Jack and Wendy S, who had recce’d the route more than once, and had a wealth of local historical information to share with us. By lunchtime we had reached Pett Level, and the worst was over. At a comfort stop there, we were entranced by the swallows nesting high up in the toilet block. At this point the short walkers were glad to ride into Rye with Wendy, but Jack took the rest along the Groyne to Winchelsea beach, and then turned inland to inspect Camber Castle (still in its original 17th century design) on the way into Rye. We all enjoyed these two days immensely, and particularly thank the leaders for the hard work they all put into planning such interesting walks. Celia Woodward
Coach Walk, Monday 15 September
Twenty eight Ramblers enjoyed a superb day of walking with warm sunshine, good visibility, light breeze and only a short period of cloud at lunch time, which cleared later, on the Eastbourne Seven Sisters walk.
Two walks were offered, the longer of 11 miles which started at Holywell at the western end of Eastbourne which eighteen walkers took. The medium walk starting at Birling Gap attracted 10 walkers. The route from Birling Gap onwards was the same for both groups though they walked independently meeting briefly by chance at lunchtime.
Walking on the springy turf of the Seven Sisters, many walkers in short sleeves, it seemed we had caught a little piece of Indian summer, for the day at least. Lunch overlooking Cuckmere Haven was a great place to stop; we were briefly joined by the longer walking group before we moved off towards Exceat inland. A steep climb giving us wonderful views at the top brought us to West Dean, then Littlington, by a tranquil woodland walk – lovely dry paths here. Further on the walk beside the river Cuckmere gave us even more variety in this beautiful walk as we entered Alfriston with its old cottages and character pubs. At the Tudor House Teashop we indulged in tea and excellent home made cake. This day must rank as one of our best and sunniest walks of the season.
Our thanks are due to leaders of the long walk, Muriel Clark and Brian Gray and leaders of the medium walk Kate Norris and Damian Wheeler and also to Edwina and Bryce Good who designed the walk. Thanks and appreciation to the ever helpful and jovial Jason our coach driver who even produced bottles of cold water for us at Eastbourne. Doreen Hutton
Coach Walk, Tuesday 16 September
We were picked up at Grayswood exactly on schedule and Jason proceeded to Godalming, collecting the rest of the group on the way and ensuring we could leave promptly at 7.30. After a welcome comfort stop at Rownhams Service Station, we arrived at our start point, a quarry on a small road near Langton Matravers, in time to start the walk at 10.30 am. Brian had explained the various options for the day and a list was circulated for people to select their choice. This resulted in 37 of the total 38 people setting out on the 5.5 mile morning walk.
Kate Colley led us a short way along the road and then we turned off towards the coast, walking through fields. A short while later as we gently ascended, we were able to see the sea, sparkling in the sun. Unfortunately, we did not see much more of this elusive element, but the weather remained dry all day. We turned on to the Priest’s Way and at one junction Kate pointed out a sign made of Purbeck stone with the 'Bishop' pointing the way. We walked through the pretty village of Worth Matravers and then northwards on the Purbeck Way. After a gentle stroll down a lovely valley, we turned right and in front of us was a very steep escarpment; were we to have to climb this? Luckily the path climbed round the side of the hill and soon reached Corfe Common, where we had our picnic with views of the village and Castle below. After lunch we had a short break in the village, where many people bought the most delicious ice creams to fortify us for the next climb.
At this point a few people left the walk, to meet us later in Swanage.
Some of the party decided to climb the steep 'permissive' steps to the top of the downs, but we followed Kate up the more gentle path to the ridge and spectacular views over to Poole, Sandbanks, Brownsea Island etc. Jason picked us up at a small layby and thence to the 'Station Buffet', which he had arranged to stay open for us to have a very welcome tea, before travelling home. A really enjoyable day out. Ann Harmes
Chidham Peninsula, Chichester Harbour, Wednesday 10 December
Festival of Winter Walks 27 December 2008 – 4 January 2009
Coach walks 2009
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 23, 24 & 25April.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10, 11 & 12 August.
MAKE A NOTE IN YOUR DIARY AND COME ALONG.
Where are we going? I do not know! How are we going to get there? Only Jason knows. I expect cost to be the same as this year providing we have numbers. Wanted - helpers for administration and walks leaders. Brian Gray