The forecast was for it to be very hot and sunny all day, so we set off just
after getting up so that we could be home before the main heat hit from midday
onwards. The early departure also meant that we missed most of the morning rush
and especially down the narrow lanes across from Midhurst. We were the only
vehicle in the car park near Linch Old Rectory and although the GPS had a
problem getting a signal under all the trees we left on our way by 07:30.
We followed the path out of the end of the car park and through the lower common
to the edge where we followed it around.
Around the back of Wispers Copse we moved onto a dirt road, which we followed
into Oakham common where it mutated into a track.
In this second common we followed the track dropping down to a series of
driveways. Across and up the other bank crossing the New Lipchis way.
the sun was starting to make its way up and we caught the beams coming through
the trees as we rose into the fields beyond.
a zigzag along field edges across Tote lane and next to Woodgate farm. we turned
down past some Belted Galloway cows and into a semi-wild area (looked like it
was fenced for Deer or Lamas) above Stedham Lane.
In the woods above Stedham Mill we paralleled Stedham lane in the treeswith a
short section around Brambling farm where we had to use the road
Approaching Woolbeding hamlet itself was through an overgrown field. Keeping in
the same direction we came through the village and now on Holist Lane, and into
another set of fields parallel to the lane to reach Holist House.
Up a back road to Old Buddington, where the narrow lane adn steep sides caused
an altercation with the pompous driver of a Range Rover who believed we should
not be holding him up! Then across into crop fields (newly sown) to Biddington
farm (where we missed the gate onto the driveway and had to retreat from the
field end). Another section on a back road up to Witters farm where we turned
across a field and into woods dropping down onto the driveway leading to the
A286
Across the busy road and onto the driveway for several houses that led into the
woods of North Heath. We followed he main bridleway into the woods and under the
power lines
In the woods we followed the bridleway, although it was clear that a number of
people had also used the firebreak tracks, which would have been more direct
Eventually we copied them to cut a corner off and emerge on a back road before
quickly going down the driveway to Verdley farm (which is a huge livery
stable)
Around the farm and through a very overgrazed field to get into Verdley Wood, on
a path that followed the edge with the horse pasture fields.
Dropping down int the hamlet of Henley and past the pub (Duke of Cumberland
Arms) and picking up a path leading into Henley Copse.
Through Henley copse and into Henley Common where the path had a number of
"alterations" by the mountain biking crowd. This eventually came out at the A286
once again.
Across the busy road and down a back road until we could go down a driveway and
into the field beside the house.
Into the woods beyond the field (variously named copses). At a crossroads
of paths we turned left after tells a couple of walkers where they actually were
and how to get back to Fernhurst.
Leaving the woods via a bridge over a stream and alongside a maize field.
Leaving the maize and into Fernace wood (we had been here when the Sealed Knot
were doing their thing in the fields above.
A minor diversion to see the furnace pond and the furnace race and old building
remnants.
Back on track from the pond we followed a path out of the furnace wood and into
a grass field (newly mown)
Next we followed the farm track to Upper North Park Farm. A path behind the
first house and alongside a grass field.
We were back on the New Lipchis Way and the recent harvesting showed the view
over to Stanley Common. Turning across the edge of the harvesting and back into
the woods.
Leaving the New Lipchis Way and turning back towards Woolbeding Common.
The path started off next to new(ish) planting then moved into older woods and
followed the line of a stone parish boundary.
Around Older Hill, before climbing up Telegraph Hill - on a steep path that
needed some zigzagging.
Popping out onto the back road we had the first sight of a view over to Liphook
and Rake. Then up to the car park
Over to the viewpoint opposite we paused for a drink and snack before the
final section down to the van.
From the viewpoint we dropped down through the bracken and brambles of Woolbeding Common following the faint trace of a path.
The path crossed into a part of the common being grazed by belted Galloway cattle (and a lot less bracken). Meeting up with the Lipchis Way for a final time to return to the van waiting in the car park on Linch road.
