A later start after waiting for a delivery, so we chose a local walk today, as
the promised rain had not yet arrived. We went back to the sports ground at
Billingshurst, and set out in the same direction as last time, only this time we
knew about the hedge and so kept to the left of it. This opened into a rough
grassland running up to a wooded area..
We skirted the side of the wooded area before heading into it - mainly because
the first entrance was exceedingly muddy. the furthest entrance was better and
we angled back in the woods to the direction we wanted to go.
Out of the woods and into pasture fields, which we crossed on the path (over a
lane) and came out near Rowner Farm. We took a slightly different route to last
time, which turned out to be a better route. Crossing the road and continuing
with the alternative which bypassed the farmyard, before merging with the other
route and dropping down to the river.
We took another alternative route to avoid the worst of the mud down at the
river that came to the weir from a different direction not used by the
horses.
Up to the canal at Rowner lock, and turned south.
Alongside the canal on a towpath between it and the river, initially narrow and
overgrown, before opening out to a grassy bank.
Passing Northlands Bridge, and continuing to the A272 at New bridge.
On the other side of the bridge the canal is less well defined, existing at
first, but not maintained. Continuing past Guildenhurst manor on the bank above
us.
Beyond the canal takes a sharp turn away from the river, and follows the edge of
a wide flood plane.
The canal and river come together again at Lording's lock and its water
wheel.
Beyond the lock, we left the canal and headed up the fields above the river
angling back the way we had come.
Having reached the highest point here the path dived back down through the woods
and onto the opposite edge of the flood plain to our outward journey.
Turning around Brockhurst lake scaring the geese roosting there. Opposite the
boat house we turned up a green lane for Streele Farm.
Through the pasture fields near Guildenhurst Manor and down its drive to the
B2133
A new path on the opposite side of the road went down the side of the caravan/
camp site before cutting over to the correct side for the path. We followed this
path through a number of fields before arriving at the main road - A29
Taking the direct crossing rather than fight the brambles down the less used path beside the road to the under pass. On the other side was a new hogging path between the houses and the road.
At the bridge to the new retail plot, we followed the road around to the Moles roundabout, however if I had gone down beyond the bride we could have followed the new track around. However we met up again at the A272/A29 roundabout. Continuing around to the next road crossing and back to the recreational fields, along the approach driveway.
Back at the van for refreshment, and cleaning the mud off boots.
