Last year when I was walking along Stane street I came across the windmill at
Halnaker, and later found an article about The Windmill trail around Boxgrove.
I kept it on the back burner for a suitable time. Chris was over from New
Zealand so it made for a good short walk. We (Bertie, Sue, Chris and I) piled
into the new van and headed towards Goodwood down the A285. I parked in the
lay-by at the end of Mill lane rather than the usual place next to Boxgrove
village hall, however this turned out to be very fortunate as we found out
later - the village hall car park has a 2m barrier.
We left the van and walked up Mill Lane, passing the well reported archway of
trees. At some point the path separated and went up the bank of the track, then
came back at a gate. This is the track of the old Stane street roman road.
The track continued up the hill away from Stane street
through the corn fields, with the windmill poking out over the hedge.
Up at the top of the hill there is a grass area around the windmill, with
several brick structures as well as the mill. these other structures were from
WWII listening towers.
We walked around the circumference looking at the misty clouds piled up all
around.
Then it was back down the same track to the lay-by on the road.
Across the road and into barley fields, around the edge and into a second one
heading for a copse beyond.
Through teh copse and along the fence at teh bottom of the folly, to reach
Tinwood lane. Along this lane past the winery and into the woods beyond. Where
the track turned away we went the opposite side and into the vineyard walking
along the edge of the vine rows.
Continuing on the vineyard roads until we could see the Boxgrove church peaking
over the hedges. Continuing and we could see the remains of the Boxgrove
priory.
Walking around the hedge behind the church grounds and down the side to reach
Church Lane. Through the Lynch gate into the church yard.
Behind the church are the remains of the priory.
Down the church driveway and onto the back road coming out beside an old
alms-house next to the village hall. We also noticed the car park had a barrier.
A little up the road we crossed over into fields. This path led up the fourth
side of the priory grounds.
We now turned away from the outbound path and headed towards the village of Halnaker in an avenue of trees between fields. Then turning up beside vines parallel to the A285, which brought us back to Tinwood lane
Then it was just back through the Barley fields to teh lay-by and the van. The rest of the day was taken up with other visits.
