After yesterday’s blustery walk along the coast and navigating my way around flooded fields I am heading inland to walk on the South Downs. I am meeting up with my regular walking buddy Nigel from New Forest Navigation who is scoping out routes for his new guided walking venture; Wessex Adventures.
The starting point for our walk is a roadside parking area just south of Walderton (Grid Ref: SU 787104). From the car park we turn right to walk on the pavement besides the B2146 towards West Marden and Petersfield.
We soon reach a junction where we turn left into Woodlands Lane and follow this quiet country lane as it heads steadily uphill.
The lane levels out and turns to the west. This road is a dead end for vehicles and it is clear there is very little traffic using it. After passing Woodlands Cottage the lane becomes a track and reaches a gate which we walk beside to reach a junction of public rights of way. Here we take the path on the right following a track heading north along the edge of woodland.
At a junction of tracks we turn right and follow the driveway to Broadreed Farm and then near the farm at a fork in the track go left to walk on a footpath through the farm buildings.
Leaving the farm we go along a grassy track beside fields. After passing a copse on our right I spot the Broadreed Ordnance Survey trig pillar in the field on the right. Fortunately the way the tractor tracks run mean I can walk to the trig without causing any damage to crops. This is the 414th trig I have bagged.
Rejoining Nigel on the footpath we continue between fields to reach an area of woodland, Wythy Piece.
After a couple of hundred yards at a junction of paths we turn right to go along a grassy track between fields. The rain that has been with us since we set off has become more persistent. I am not a fan of walking in full waterproofs, but on days like this it is essential.
The track leads us to Lodge Farm. We pass the farmhouse with its array of old barns including a granary that has been converted into a chicken coop.
Continuing in a northerly direction we go through a gate and follow a track towards another gate. After going through we turn right on Oldhouse Lane and follow this to a junction with the B2146.
We cross the B road and head steadily uphill to a copse and find a suitable fallen tree to perch on for our elevenses. Refreshed we follow the footpath to a minor road where we turn right and then within a hundred yards go left on a track towards Lyecommon. At a junction of tracks we turn left, soon passing a cottage before entering woodland.
At a junction of tracks in Grevitts Copse we go right and soon turn right onto a minor road and within a couple of hundred yards just after a cottage we turn left onto a bridleway. We stay on this track to pass a large cottage and then keep going towards Inholmes Wood.
At the edge of Inholmes Wood we turn left to follow a path along the edge of a field with the woodland to our right and then in the woods take a track on the right which heads downhill towards a minor road.
We cross the road and enter Wildhams Wood and immediately turn right on a track in the woods. On reaching a junction of tracks on the edge of the woodland we turn left and follow a path around the edge of a field. We ignore a path in front of us to stay beside the field and then re-enter trees and turn left along a forestry track.
We soon reach a fork in the track and go left. The track passes properties and then becomes more of a path and goes alongside a row of fine beech trees.
The beech trees then give way to an avenue of yew trees. At a crossing of tracks we turn right and head south on a path leading towards Bow Hill. When we reach a clearing with a dew pond we stop to take in the extensive views across the South Downs.
Still heading south up Bow Hill we soon reach the Bow Hill Ordnance Survey trig pillar. Nigel has been here on a number of occasions, but it is my first visit so I bag my 415th trig pillar.
From the trig we keep on the track as it sweeps to the right and then go through a gate to carry on besides the Devil’s Humps. These are four Bronze Age barrows creating an impressive sight on top of the hill.
Re-entering woodland we head in a south westerly direction along a road path.
At a junction of tracks by a clearing we turn left and follow a track with the trees to our left for a couple of hundred yards before turning right at the next junction of paths. This takes us along the edge of woodland.
Leaving the trees the path starts to descend between fields. The rain has now cleared and there are fine views as we head downhill.
At a junction of paths by a derelict barn we turn right, the path leads into woodland where we continue downhill towards Walderton.
On reaching a road we walk through the village passing the Barley Mow pub and continue on to reach our starting point.
Despite the wet weather it has been another cracking walk with Nigel. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we are out together again.
You can view this 13 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here
To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey OS Explorer 120 – Chichester, South Harting & Selsey
14th November 2023
© Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.