Clear Blue skies this morning and the Virgin Balloon flying low overhead, so
despite being out yesterday, it was time for another stroll. Not so far as
yesterday, but up and down the South Downs and check on how the mud is drying
on the lower lever tracks.
I planned to park at Chantry post, on the South Downs way at teh end of
Chantry lane, then climb up Kithurst Hill, before dropping down to Coldharbour
house then back across to Chantry lane. Down the lane and across the fields
into Storrington, before angling across to Sullington Manor farm. Next across
the A283 and into Sullington Warren (checking out the car park on the way),
followed by a route through the residential lanes to get to Washington Common
(also checking the parking there). Back across teh A283 to Rowdell, before
climbing back up to the South Downs on the SDW alternate route and back to the
van along the tops.
Trying to avoid the single lane restrictions in Pulborough, I came down the
Thakeham road, but still got caught up in the traffic jams through Storrington
centre, eventually getting out and down Chantry Lane.
The car park was full of joggers and dog walkers, but we managed to squeeze in,
then set off along the path parallel to the SDW up to Kithurst Hill.
By avoiding the SDW we had the path to ourselves only meeting one person at the
trig point.
Looking south from the trig point out to sea
Down teh other side from the high point and teh path narrowed until a cross
roads of paths where we turned down hill and into the woods.
From Coldharbour house we followed a lane to Grey Friars farm, before turning
into woods again, following a well trod path but not the one marked on the map.
They both came out at the Chantry horse livery where we re-joined Chantry
Lane.
Opposite the livery was this big pond and stream, which Bertie jumped in.
Down the lane a little way before we could cut off into some fields that led
down to the residential outskirts of Storrington. We followed the roads until we
could exit beside Chantry Mill and could get back into the fields.
Across teh fields to Sullington Manor farm, from where we could follow its
driveway north to the A283.
Up the back lane opposite to the car park for Sullington Warren.
From teh car park a steep climb up a little hillock, with an open area on top
Down a path going north through the pine trees until we could turn east to leave
the warren
Across the back road - the same one we had just left - and into more residential
roads. We now followed a vague route through the roads, and lanes (including one
bit under/ through the paving block facility).
More residential lanes until we could enter into Washington Common.
The common is just inside the nation park, bit does not seem to have many marked
trails, however we contrived a route through
The car park was in the centre of the radial paths, and we followed one away -
not quite where I wanted and we had to climb a fence to get out onto the access
lane. Then down to re-cross the A283 - this was not a good place to cross with
many fast vehicles to avoid.
On the other side we dropped down the driveway to Rowdell, with views up to teh
ridge beyond. After the buildings the path angled west and upwards to the ridge
back in trees.
Still climbing we came out of the trees looking up the slope across grasslands.
Then into the edge of another wood lead ever upward.
Finally out onto the ridge tops and the rolling slopes going south.
Around from the continuation of the SDW east to the sea at the south.
A slight dip on the way back to Chantry Post, and over the tops to drop back to
the car park.
Back at the car park ... now filled with walkers cars, some just enjoying the sun a few yards from their cars. Time for lunch and then back through Pulborough to see what all the fuss is about.
