It was just improving from rain overnight - not the torrential downpour of the end of November, but it had made the already muddy paths much wetter. I chose to stay close to home and repeat the Sussex Border path route going east this time. However to add some Kms I would divert through Sydney wood on the way. I would walk down to the canal then follow it up to Sydney wood, then across to Alfold and reconnect with the SBP. Follow the SBP to the Downs link, then turning south, but diverting to Bucks Green. Through the village and continuing south to Gibbons Mill, then turning parallel to the canal. Joining the canal at Brewhurst, and following it into Loxwood, and a short diversion into the village via the surgery and the butchers then home via Devil's Hole.
The start of the walk was a well trod route down to the canal next to Loxwoodhills Pond. Then along the canal up to Gennets Wood lock where I crossed the SBP. Continuing up the canal rather than along the SBP to reach Sydney Wood.
Entering the wood and leaving the canal at the first bridleway. The path curved around and into Velhurst Copse and crossing Sachelhill Lane.
Into the fields of Springbok-Radcliff Estate, following the main track of the path as it curved down to Rosemary Lane. Then along the lane into the village of Alfold.
Over B2133 and along the path opposite the post office. This went through the residential area and into the fields behind. The fields were really boggy and I had to zigzag around the edges to stay clear of the big pools.
The path led to Hook Street lane, which I followed to the point where it met the SBP, completing the extension loop. Now following the SBP through the trees and down past the Rikkio school. Over the A281 and onto Hillhouse Lane.
Up beside the deer park (looking very empty), and into the fields above it. Climbing up the fields to the masts on the hill. Joining the Downs link in the woods at the top of the hill.
Looking south towards the Downs, hidden in the clouds. Following the Downs link as it approached Rudgwick. I left the Downs link at the industrial estate and over Lynwick Street.
Through the fields dropping down to reach the A281 in Bucks Green. Then along Haven road until it had crossed the river Arun. Here I took a path through the scrub behind some buildings..
This soon opened into some grass fields passing Chephurst Farm. More fields followed up to a track coming from a sewage works. Here I zigzagged into a field with Lamas in.
I had avoided this field last time with Bertie as it had curious miniature horses in who wanted to round him up. then behind Howick farm and over a stream
Now in a series of fields working around Garlands and down to Gibbons Mill Farm.
Around the cattle farm on farm tracks and across a final field before meeting the drive to Gibbons Mill.
Over the Arun again at the Mill, and now on very familiar territory I followed the muddy track up to Newhouse farm then along its driveway until the path left to cross fields to Drungewick Hill Farm. Across the lane an along to Baldwin's Knob, then down to the canal at Brewhurst lock and Bridge. Next along the canal to the B2133 at the Onslow Arms. Here I had to turn into the village and follow the footpath to the surgery where I had a prescription to collect. I followed the Loxwood road back to the B2133 (stopping at the butchers for some lunchtime treats) then down the path to Devil's hole lock and hance back into Ifold via the route I had started out on in the morning.
