Restless spirit had me out again today ... A short trip to Petworth Park
and a circuit up to Lurgashall with a short section on the Serpent's Trail.
We parked in the top car park, since we were too early for the one closest to
the big house as this did not open until 10am. However this allowed for some
flexibility. The original aim was to leave the park through the north lodge
gate, so we set off up the initial slopes. This opened out to the bowls of the
deer park.
The gate at the North Lodge was locked shut - obviously public access was not
encouraged - so we continued around the boundary wall. I knew there was another
gate at the village of Upperton, and we could do the planned route in
reverse.
Past another gatehouse - this one like a folly, and some deer grazing in the
trees
The morning mist was still persisting looking down to the big house from the top
of the deer park.
Going through the Upperton gate and into the village, following the Lurgashall
road until we were back at the other side of the folly where we could take the
ST track down to Upperton Common.
Dropping down through the woods of the common, which came out at a collection of
houses at the end of a driveway.
Taking a farm track from these houses before crossing some pasture fields to
Lodge farm
Beyond the farm was a car park, so I guessed that the farm had expanded to other
businesses. We then left the ST as we crossed some arable fields ploughed and
harrowed.
Beyond a further grazing field we passed River Park Farm and its large lake.
Across some more grazing fields traversing around a hill above a stream.
Crossing through Mill Farm
The Mill Pond beyond with its dam
Down the drive way to the back road, however just before reaching the road we
took the footpath that paralleled it though some winter wheat.
Reconnecting with the road as we entered into Lurgashall.
Leaving the village across the playing fields then dropping down to a stream,
and climbing up the other side.
Across more fields and wooded areas until approaching Ragham Lodge. This was a
gateway to a large estate.
In the estate we followed a road as it dropped slightly to a stream before
rising again through rough woods.
Out of the woods gave a view across the rolling hills and a winding road
disappearing over the skyline - this is what we would follow
Climbing up the final rise to a sheep barn, then dropping to a lodge as the road
entered into the woods of Pheasant copse
Continuing in a very straight road through the woods and past a fishing pond.
Knowing that the north lodge gate was closed we followed the road to a gatehouse onto the main road (A283)
We followed the main road around to the entrance to the car park and the van. There were a few more cars now out for the lunchtime dog walks.
