A late start today, as I had to hang around at home for a heating oil delivery
- luckily it was here just after 9am. As rain was predicted for this afternoon
I chose a local walk - down to Kirdford then back via Crouchlands.
We set off down the usual route past Ormond house and across to Fox Cottage,
before following the parish boundary path down to Walthurst farm. We met some
flooding and plenty of mud as a forewarning for the rest of the day. On the
continuation path down to the reservoirs the path was increasingly muddy then
with huge flooded patches.
On the easier path to Chandler's Barn before cutting back through Barkfold rough
still on the better paths. We crossed to Normandie stud on the horse paths, and
then around the new path diversion that avoids the stable yard. Through the
village to the village shop where we stopped off for elevenses. the rain had
come earlier than expected and we sat outside in drizzle.
On from the shop and aroudn the back of the new housing estate and into the
football pitch. Now it was raining harder as we cut over the fields to
Belchamber's farm then in the same direction to the edge of Steer's common ( a
small NT area).
After the gravel track ran out beside Accold's farm we resorted to a byway that
was just mud and more mud. This was allied with a hail storm that past over. By
the time we met the gravel track of Crouchlands It was clear the rain was not
going to clear up so we followed the track through the farm and out to Rickman's
lane.
Along Foxbridge lane to the Woodland trust area that cut the corner off to
Plaistow road.
The traffic on this (supposedly limited to 30 mph) was uncaring and oppressive,
such that we were grateful to reach the shop and the safety of the drive.
Home for dry clothes and a rubdown for Bertie.
