This week's walk was another local favourite stretched to bring in some new elements. The aim was to head down the parish boundary track to Kirdford, then cut across diagonally to Plaistow, before cutting back to Ifold.
Arriving at the Irrigation reservoirs the path opened out, but still very muddy. With arable crops each side
Closer to Chandler Barn things improved as the track converted into a road/ drive, dropping down through the woods to the river.
After the river the track returned to a more muddy versions as we cut across towards Kirdford.
The track cut across the fields for the Stud - distinguishable by the post and rail fencing. Some narrow muddy swamps before it opened onto a concrete path.
Through the stud buildings, and out onto the Wisborough Green road and into Kirdford.
Back out up a farm drive/ track, evolving into another muddy track which lead down to the same river we had crossed earlier.
Well used track, presumably by the local dog walkers, across the river and through the trees.
Into the field beside the local football pitch and Bertie had his mad moment, splashing in the puddles and chasing sticks.
Around a field that had a sheep dog trials set up and over a mud wallow to get to a drive heading to the Ifold road.
I had not realised there was some National trust land around here ... later on there was a sign detailing the butterfly work going on. The map shows this as Mackerel's common.
Once more we could take tot eh woods to escape the muddy path.
The track came out of the woods and opened out as we moved into sheep pasture territory.
looking now for somewhere to have early lunch we came past Crouchlands house, with some escapee shrubbery.
We stopped at the barrier which closed off the "lagoon area" of the now obsolete Farm fuel venture. The lagoons were still contentiously being made safe.
After our break, we passed the cow sheds of the farm, following the track up to Plaistow - thankfully mud free
At the next junction we cut right now heading back towards Ifold.
Not surprising a muddy path cut through the woods and then around a field with specimen sheep and an Emu, before exiting onto Rickman's lane.
Crossing over and down a track to yet another stream crossing and more mud.
On the other side, through a sheep pasture to the deer enclosure and the "always muddy" gate entrances. We were back on familiar territory, as this is one of the regular circuits to Plaistow, coming out on Foxbridge lane. Down the lane and out into Ifold village and home.
