After lots of rain last week, there was standing water all over the
local fields, so I though that a walk on the Downs Link (DL) may be free from
too much water, so I chose, rather stupidly as it turns out, to walk the downs
link between Partridge Green and Henfield, circling around to the east
completing the circuit. However the flood plains around the river Adur were
far more extensive than I would believe. We parked in the aptly named "quiet
car park", just south of Shermanbury, just over the Bridge by the Bull Inn. A
quick look showed that we would have difficulty crossing the water anywhere to
the east of here, so plan A quickly morphed into Plan B... we would return
through Henfield and re touch the DL before cutting across to the car park. In
addition we would start crossing the bridge over the river then try to pick up
the route to Ewhurst manor.
The car park had a very narrow barrier, however it was 2m in each direction so
the van could get through. We parked then walked up the verge to the pub, and
over the bridge gazing at the floods to the east.
We then picked up the bridleway towards the church, which was well used and even
had a causeway past a huge puddle on the roadway.
The path to Ewhurst Manor was blocked by a large puddle - too deep to wade. So
plan C ... back to the road and continue into the village then cut over to
Partridge Green . luckily there was a path beside the road up to the village and
the turnoff.
The path followed the side of a drive, fenced off, but relatively dry. Unfortunately it started raining - not heavy just persistant.
The path came out into a large grass field, where we turned north at a boundary
coming out past the recreation ground. Beyond that a small section beside the
B2116 before we could turn up a farm drive.
The track morphed into a path that went around a field being planted with trees.
The path disappeared into bushes and became impassable so we broke out and
walked through the field.
After the maze field the path consolidated in a hedge line before coming out at
the Windmill pub in Littleworth (north of Partridge Green).
Beyond the pub we walked through a series of grass fields in a zigzag motion,
that finally came out at the line of trees marking the Downs Link.
Up on the downs link was a relief from the boggy fields, and provided some
solidity underfoot, at the price of a lack of peripheral views. In addition the rain stopped.
The DL emerged from its tree lined route at the southern end of Partridge Green,
where the DL route crosses the B2135. We regained the original track down the
driveway to Homelands farm.
Back on the relentless track, we passed through the flood plains with pools on
both sides.
Passing Brightman's farm, the track opened out on each side with views down to
the south downs.
Over Betley bridge with floods each side, and continuing down alongside Henfield
(with a bit of road where the old station used to be) then back on the track.
Views across to Chanctonbury ring where we were last week.
Beyond Henfield and still on the DL, as it curved away following the flood
plains. A terrific downpour hit us on the DL, however not long lasting. When we reached the point where we had joined on a walk around Bramber,
we reversed the route out across the fields - luckily the path was raised just
out of the water.
One small issue - the water had burst across the path at ne point, and we had to
wade over. Luckily Bertie went over first and proved it was lower than his
stomach, so my gaiters would prevent too much ingress.
Through the soggy fields turning north to Lipride Farm. Staying north heading
directly up to Henfield. the grass was boggy but not underwater.
On the outskirts of the town we climbed up a green lane to the houses. There we
crossed over a street and followed another green lane signposted for the
churches
Past the churches (several dominations) across a street and past a sports
ground, around the outside of a school and back out into fields. Heading back to
the DL.
Back on the DL going the north this time. At the next junction we took a track
down to Little Betley, with the aim to use the path behind it to get back to the
car park. However as it dropped to a stream we could see the bridge rising out
of a large pool. Plan D ... go up to the next path and try that one.
Back up to the DL, and along over the Betley bridge, and over the open fields
section.
Opposite Brightman's farm we took the next path East, down into the field,
skirting around the large puddle. Unfortunately the same issue at a tributary to
the river Adur. Plan E ... up to Partridge Green and back along the route we
came across on.
Back on the DL up to the junction where we re-joined it on the way down, after
crossing the B2135. Here we cut across the opposite way and down around a sewage
works.
Skirting around the eastern edge of the village, until we could pick up the path
we came out along. then follwoing it back alongside the drive way and out to the
A281. Then along the road back across the river Adur on the bridge.
Back past the pub and to the van waiting in the car park.
The abiding memory will be the flooding ... typified by the signs.
