It was dry and there had been no rain for a few days so I hoped the ground was getting drier
The van was due at the cosmetic surgeons to fix a blemish on its face caused by a hidden log, and so I determined to walk home via a circular route, curving south to reach the Mens reserve then picking up the Serpents way to the slopes above Petworth. From there following the lanes north to an industrialised farm, then over the fields to Kirdford. From there following the well used tracks back home.
Leaving the van at the MSC garage, and handed over the keys then down the lane to Paplands farm, and the fields beyond to reach the canal.
At the canal I crossed the loch and picked up the Wey South path and followed it along the canal to New Bridge where it crossed the A272. On the far side the canal became less distinct and crossed the flood plains (luckily now drier from the recent floods).
After the flood plain the canal bent to take a shorter distance over the field leading to Lording's Lock.
Over the lock and river before picking up the next section of canal following it down past the tidal gates.
Leaving the canal at Haybarn crossing the new footbridge, climbing up to Shipbourne farm. aroudn the farm yard and down the driveway to Fittleworth Road.
A zigzag up the road and down the drive to Redland farm, then back through the fields before turning into the Mens over a footbridge.
Through the woods of The Mens over the undulations.
Up the drive to Hawkhurst Court
Through the trees of Hammonds Wood to Bedham. then along the driveway.
Over the shoulder of Bedham copse to Wakestone lane to meet the Serpents Way. Into Flexham Park on the forestry track.
Looking south to the Downs then on to Kingspit Lane
Over the lane and into Brinkshole Heath. After Montpelier farm leaving he Serpent's Way and continuing around the edge of the open access area. The final part before dropping down to the A272 was a minor track through the woods.
Over the major road and down Blackhouse Lane. To the west black down stood out in soem sunshine.
Continuing along the lane through a part called No Man's Land.
Past some ponds and under the power lines, then climbing up the slope passing Medhone farm.
The track curved around Crawfold farm (more industrial estate than farm). Over the fish ponds and climbing the fallow field beyond towards Sladelands. Over the ridge and across a ploughed field - it was a good job I knew where the path went! Then over grass lane and through a sheep field.
Takign the path that skirted the edge of Kirdford, through trass adn around a fallow field. this came out into the garden of the pub.
Now in Kirdford starting down the drive to Boxalland farm, and onto the usual track that I follow between Kirdford and Home. Up to Wephurst Park then Orchard Cottage and into Ifold.
