The sun was shining once more, and with some fronts potentially crossing over
the next couple of days Bertie and I headed out for a short walk. We headed to
Pulborough and along the Stopham road to the small parking area near the Garden
centre. We had passed here on the Wey South path and noted the place. Stepping
over the A283 and along a footpath beside the Garden centre that lead up a drive
then a track past some allotments.
We merged onto the Wey South path between the wooded area and some grass pasture
fields, on a slight incline climbing to the motte at the end.
The motte is hidden in the trees and behind a fence, so we continued down a
drive way until it turned.
The remains of a WWII pillbox overlooked the valley below, before we crossed the
fields beyond towards Pulborough
Looking north across the horse racing training area of Coombelands, before
dropping onto a road and past the nursing home.
Down a drive to a huge pond and mill complex, which is all now accommodation,
even the heron was shy.
The driveway for Middle Barn Farm transitioned into a dirt track as it climbed
up to the gallops.
Across the fields to the training tracks, then across the tracks themselves.
There were even jump course training areas, before the track continued into
Codmore Hill farm.
Beside the farm was a small dell - probably an old quarry - resplendent with
snowdrop plants in drifts like snow on the banks.
Looking over to the Toat memorial on the next hill over. We would not go there,
but first we would need to drop down to the valley in-between.
In the bottom of the valley we turned West and along some field boundaries.
Looking over to Fittleworth Wood where we were heading.
Back on the Wey South path we walked down the back road then the driveway for
Sheepwash farm.
Down the side of Pallingham lock farm to the remains of the lock - just a plank
bridge over a ditch. Then over the flood plain to the river bridges.
Leaving the Wey South Path again alongside Pallingham Quay farm climbing up to
the woods above.
Following the edge of the crop field, ascending through a short spur of woods
and out along another arable field.
Finally into Fittleworth Wood, initially a wide and open track, however it then
dropped steeply down to a deep gully
Before ascending the opposite side, initially traversing the slope before the
kicker at the end. A rather welcome bench greeted us at the top.
A gentle descent through neglected coppiced woods, which was being harvested for
palings.
Leaving the woods behind and across first grass then arable fields.
The path merged into a farm track before coming out on the back road leading into the village of Stopham and the church on the green.
Down to the main road (A283), then alon g the side until we could take the old road to Stopham bridge and the white hart pub, before continuing up the other side to the van, now joined by several other cars.
