A clear day after last weeks rain... I had some boxes for the container storage so I planned a walk around Stedham so I could do both at the same time. The idea was to park near the container then walk along to Woolbedding, before turning up the back road until it ended. Then turning across to and up Oakham common to Titty hill, a zigzag to Robins farm and down Moorhouse lane to Chithurst. Over into Trotton Common, then weaving through it, Iping Common and back via Stedham common.
Leaving the van in a layby (actually a section of old road before it was straightened.). Crossing over to pick up the path on the other side.
Part of the way along I followed a path into an area called the severals, which angled away from the road before curving back once again.
Back to the A272 opposite the road to Woolbedding. Down this and over the river Rother.
Along the lane past Woolbedding house with its "original" glass house.
Past the house (hidden behind locked gates) and still along the lane
Continuing in the same direction up Eastshaw lane with views up to Woolbedding common. The lane was very straight and climbed gradually.
Up past Eastshaw farm, I turned across the slope in the woods. The path followed the edge of the woods as it curved down again.
the path continued into some heathland and then grass fields, crossing under power lines.
Over woolbedding lane and across fields (these were beans) to reach Tote lane at Woodgte farm.
over the lane and int he same direction until it reached a series of complex path junctions in a steep valley.
Over the valley and up the west side. The path crossed a mown area beside a collection of houses.
Around the houses and through grass fields up to Bowley farm.
Up the farm track leading north from the farm, and through a harvested woodland reaching the village of Titty Hill. Here I re-joined the Serpents way as it followed the boundary of Queen's corner.
Around the house and climbing up the slope behind. This opened up at the top with views down to the South Downs.
Down the fields, before crossing over a vague path to meet a track at a gate.
Through the gate adn along the track as it gradually became more defined. It came out to Milland road at Robin's farm.
Over the lane and onto Moorhouse lane (a byway) that dropped down to new bridge via some diversions to avoid the mud.
Up the others side and joining with a back road, then continuing to drop down across fields.
A zigzag along Brier lane (another byway) before continuing through the fields.
Picking up a lane through Chithurst manor where a number of "alternative" dwellings were hiding in the trees. Then onto the back road and over the river rother once again.
Along the lane past the houses climbing to the A272. Over it and into Trotton Common.
Through the common and along the far edge.
Meeting up with the Serpents way again to drop down the far side to reach Bridgelands farm.
Over the back road and into Fitzhall plantation, crossing over to the big house of the same name.
Along the big house drive with its avenue of trees. This driveway ended at the back road I had crossed earlier. Over it and into Stedham common.
Along the tracks through the common working north and east in a number of zigzags.
Through the common, crossing the Serpents way to continue to the A272.
Crossing opposite the layby, and back tot he van for lunch.
