Overcast and threat of rain, but as we had only been for a short walk in
the morning, Bertie and I took the opportunity to get a lift with Sue to
Wellcross Grange and then walk back using the Downs link and canal tow path.
I knew the path went down the side of the house, so walking back up the drive
and then down the path between tow tight hedges brought us out at the
airfield.
Across the grass runway, near its end and down the side of a wheat field led to
a farm drive way
Just past the old Horsham tip and a slight ramp took us onto the downs link. The
old railway bed continues all the way to Guildford, in an almost straight
line.
The only interruptions to the track making a tunnel through the greenery was as
we passed through Slinford village (crossing one road) and under the two A
roads. As we passed the Slinfold business park there was an information sign on
the whole route to the sea.
Beside the golf club we left the old railway line by climbing up and over a
bridge, then following a private road down the side of the golf course.
When the road ended we skirted the end of the golf course and entered into
Tittlesfold copse, and over a stream, before climbing up the other side.
Leaving the woods beside some pasture fields and a huge converted barn house, we
came out onto the haven road.
Turning down the back road towards the ship inn we got our first (and only) long
range view - over the hedges towards Cranleigh and the green sand hills.
We stayed on the back road past the blue ship inn, until taking the drive way
down to Gibbons mill past the associated farm
The mill (and mill pond) - we had passed a number of time in the past -
signalled the beginning of the home run.
Climbing up the green lane to Newhouse farm, and then alongside the fields to
Drungewick road. This was the point where we got the wettest on the walk - not
from the drizzle, but rather brushing the undergrowth.
Dropping down Drungewick road to the canal - following the towpath, rather than
the direct route over Baldwin's knob.
The canal towpath was familiar territory, as we followed it all the way, through Loxwood to the path up to Ifold, and back home.
