Another stroll along the next section of the Serpents Trail from where it bends
around at Fittleworth.
We parked in the car park at Hesworth Common, and headed into the woods aiming
to cut the ST where it emerged out of the common (we could have followed it up
to the high point).
Coming out of the woods we came across the first of a number of swathes of
bluebells, before turning along the first of a number of vehicle tracks - both
would reoccur throughout the walk.
The track emerged onto the side road at the old Swan pub (looking for new
owners). From here there was a contrived section along the road over the river
Rother and the disused railway.
More of the road and into the village of Lower Horncroft. Finally we left the
road and took the driveway to Tripphill farm.
The driveway turned into a vehicle track into Coates common and more
bluebells
Climbing up to Sutton Common, with views across to the South Downs as they bend
around Duncton Down.
Crossing the heathland of the common down to the pond at Lord's piece car
park.
On the opposite side from the pond we followed a track into the woods of Collumn
Hill which then came out at a back road at Sutton End.
A bit on the back road before taking a drive which led to a track into the woods
and lots more bluebells.
This ended at another back road until we turned off beside Crouch Farm
We emerged at Chingford Pond and crossed the dam, complete with a large number
of signs indicating the private sections belonging to Burton Park estate.
Into the estate village beyond the pond (with more Keep Off signs) then turning
down into the woods .
Cutting through the woods coming pout to a road where it passed Burton Mill
Pond.
The Pond and car park were crossed again on another dam.
Beyond Burton Mill we climbed the bank into woods (and a lot more bluebell
swathes)
The path came out above some pasture fields, which we followed the fence line to
reach Shopham bridges over the old railway line and also the river Rother once
more.
going around large pasture fields first on a farm drive then a farm track, as we
worked our way up to the path we had followed last time we were here.
Beyond Hesworth farm we climbed up the road initially then into the common,
reaching continuing up to the high point.
Dropping down the other side and back to the van. Today's route seemed to be mostly on vehicle tracks, and roads as it contrived to join several small bits of interesting bits.
as
