They predicted another stinking hot day, so I determined to start from home
and save the journey time and be back before the sun really started to heat
up. I mapped a route down the parish boundary, then turning east towards
Wisborough Green. Through the village and on down to the canal, before cutting
west to the top edge of the Mens. From here it was back north to Kirdford and
then on the well worn paths back home.
We started following one of the standard routes out to Orchard Cottage, and down
the boundary path to Walthurst Farm developments. then continuing on past the
reservoirs to Chandler's barn.
This section had been closed recently, but we had no problems using it. At
Chandler's Barn we turn down the driveway
passing a set of stables, where a van had recently churned up the dust to
reflect in the sun beams. Out on the back road and walking down towards
Wisborough Green.
To try and avoid too much walking on the road we took a path eastwards across to
Durbans road, through the fields.
Durban's road had a foot path where we joined it and followed into the village
passing the cricketers pub and the café. Continuing along past the church and
pond - Bertie was not amused as it was too steep to get into.
Down the lane to Harsfold manor and farm, then onwards following the
bridleway.
Out on the harvested fields of Harsfold Hanger we turned west, past an useen
bend in the river
alongside the horse fields of lowfold (with its manor house) and down a farm
track.
The path came out on a farm driveway, which led to a back road (Fittleworth
road) a short section along this and some relief for Bertie as he could drop
down into the river below a bridge.
We turned off the road into some very dry grass fields which we followed until
coming out in a field with some cows sheltering under a tree - a wide detour to
get around to the gate in the corner - no dog hole, so Bertie had to be carried
over. Then into Idehurst woods
Coming out of the woods into some horse paddocks and a path between them. the
farm driveway came out on the A272, and we had to edge up it to the junction
with a back road where we could escape from the traffic.
The back road did a huge loop which we avoided with a track through horse
paddocks (no dog holes to the stiles), and then rougher pasture beside a
hedge.
Back on the road passing Linfold bridge - no water, before taking a path into
harvested fields beside a pair of ornamental ponds
We left the fields beside a treelined drive (not sure where it went) and into
Churchland copse. Some tricky navigating as the path zigzagged through farm
buildings and fields, however Bertie did take a dip in the farm pond. Leaving the farm through an overgrown field
The path went through some bushes with grave stones hidden in them before coming out in the Kirdford graveyard and church.
Away from the church and down the main street of the village, past the Forresters pub, with its wooden sculptures. Arriving at the village shop for a pause and refreshments.
From the stores, we backtracked slightly to pick up the path behind the new housing estates - Bertie took his time to read every message left on this section. Then we crossed the football pitch and picked up the well worn paths home from here - we had used them a lot in the last two years. Through Holland's Heath, and Wephurst before joining the outbound track at Orchard cottage.
Home for more refreshments and just about beating the heat, however we were helped by the last hour being in the woods.
