The final piece of the Serpents Trail jigsaw was a short section between
Burton Park and Lavington common, so Bertie and I set off to the car park on
the common with the intention to head south to the foot of the Downs then work
our way back through Duncton and its mill to Burton Park then puck up the
Serpents trail back to the car park.
We crossed the back road and began down the wide path on the other side,
continuing past the junction we had turned off last time.
The track grew a little narrower as we approached the edge of the common, and
left through a gate onto a drive way that bent around from Lower farm.
Opening out to wide views of the south downs near Westerlands farm, and a camp
site
Going around the farm yard and down a green lane into a small wood, before
coming out into a barley field, with Duncton village on the skyline.
There was a small climb up to the village around a grass field, all the while
following signs showing camper how to get to the local pub.
A short zigzag down the main A285 road before taking the driveway to Duncton
Mill
A turn through woods and past a number of ponds, before reaching the collection
of houses beside the mill pond.
The pond calm until we disturbed a family of coots
Just beyond the mill we turned up the slope parallel to the Downs, and then back
down again beside the regenerated Fountain copse
Through more grass fields and back at the pond complex below Burton Park.
Climbing up the other side into the parkland of the big house.
Following the driveway around the big house and past the converted stables and
outhouses.
Continuing down the driveway that led to the lodges until we me the ST at this
interesting ancient oak tree
The new direction went through the woods and coming out beside a huge horse
exercise yard of Burton Park farm.
Alongside Black pond to come out on the farm track leading to Burton Park
Farm
Beyond the farm we continued on the farm drive way out to the back road, which
we crossed and came out through the rough to the A285 once more opposite the
farm shop in Heath End.
A driveway continued west and converted into a track, past a house with some
interesting wood sculptures in the garnden.
The track led into the woods of Duncton Common in a wide swathe.
Crossing over into Lavington Common, the landscape changed into more heathland
A bit more forestry near the car park as we returned to the van. Only a short walk, however we had now completed the Serpents trail from Guildford to Peterborough.
