WACT Poddle, Loxwood

The Poddle had come around once again - this would the first time in the last 10 years that Bertie would not be with us (or just me this this year as Sue's knee is still in recovery form the replacement op). This year it was going to be a local walk starting and finishing at the North Hall in Loxwood. I decided that it would be simpler for me to leave the car at home and walk up to the hall. I would go through thevillage and down past the Loxwoodhills pond to the adder field, then up the path to Loxwood from Devil's hole lock. What I did not realise at the time was that this would be part of the final section of the walk.
I got to the hall around 9:15 - after the initial groups had left and in the midst of several large groups. After checking in I set off across to the Merry Hills lane and along paths I knew from my local walks.

The route followed the path up through the fields and over the Sussex Border Path. Across more grass fields to a junction near Bassets barn.

Around the edge of several fields that took us to Hook street green lane.
Here a short zigzag and through a kissing gate into a field with a mown track through it. In the past this has been a wading opportunity!

A second field beside a new house led up a short slope to a fence - in the past the path aroudn the next farm was thick bramble thickets and totally impassable. Now it have been mown an a path existed around to the final horse field before the A281 crossing.
On the other side a narrow track between high fences led to a large field

The bottom of the field led into woods with a track between the trees - this bordered the old Alfold golf course. The path led up to a wide grass path leading to Little Wildwood farm. There was a refreshment stop here, in the farm yard.

On down the farm drive and over Wildwood lane. The route then followed narrow paths into a rhododendron plantation, then along a farm track.

Around a series of farm dwellings - now residential - and down its drive to reach Knowle lane.
Along the lane until turning onto Lion's lane - a byway that we had to share with 10 or 12 off road bikes and the usual issue of who has priority and who should give way. Also they were very smelly leaving trails of oily exhaust smoke behind.

Onto Alfold road and around all the bends over Flash bridge to the junction with the A281. The route then followed the edge of Dunsfold Airfield - this is the remains of a towpath on the airfield land.

Along the side of the canal and through a field, with views up to one of the training aircraft.

Continuing along the canal past Farnhurst bridge

This section ended at the compasses bridge, and rose up to the Aerodrome access road.
Along the back road to Alfold Crossways, and lunch in the village hall. It was a little early for lunch but I did not want to miss out on the huge spread, so forced myself to eat something.

The it was back along the road to the Compasses bridge and the tow path beside the aerodrome. Every so often you could glimpse into the areas various companies had leased out.

Across the Slipway - I had always wondered where this was and did not realise it was accessed from the airfield side.
The path continued to the new works at Dunsfold road where a new bridge is in planning stages. Then over the road to meet where the canal disappears into Sydney woods. Another section I had not been on before as it usually ends at a "keep out" sign. Along the towpath then over a causeway to the private bit - only a very short section before access into Firtree copse. On the opposite back is a perfectly serviceable towpath, but this is also in private hands.

Back on very familiar territory, now along the canal as it wound through Sydney wood. Then into the forestry section to get around the old lock house and high bridge houses where the canal goes through private gardens. The second (and last) refreshment stop was on the other side and the entry into the Bonfire hanger section.

After a brief drink, the route continued along the Bonfire hanger section to Gennets wood. Continuing to the "missing" section at Hillcroft, and on to Southland lock.
Down to Devil's hole lock and a repeat of this morning's approach walk to get back to the North hall.
The poddle was now finished (and after collecting certificate and a cup of tea) I prepared to walk home.
I chose to go home via the alternative route - down to the Onslow then across the fields to Headfoldswood farm, finally along the road back to the village.