The summer weather continues ... sun and cloud. Luckily it was not a heatwave. I chose a route starting at Black Down and dropping over to Kingsley Green, then over to Linchmere. Around the back of the village to pick up the Serpents trail following it back to Marley Wood. Down Fernden lane before crossing onto Black Down, climbing to the temple of the Winds. Finally back to the car, along the top.
I parked in the lower Black Down car park, and set off up to the large track along the ridge top.
Crossing over the saddle and taking a path into the heather on the West side.
The start of the path was not obvious and I followed a secondary path that ended up on the main one lower down. Following this to Cotchet Farm.
past the farm and down to Fernden lane. from here it was a short zigzag to pick up the continuation path.
Into the woods and following the path to a junction, staying in the woods along the top of this ridge.
Down to a stream and up the far side, around Upper Sopers, back to the stream.
Still working in zigzags heading vaguely north, around Shalford Copse.
Down beside hatch Copse to the A286. over and down the back road opposite.
Along the backroad to the junction into Marley Heights - an exclusive estate. Following the lane through the estate as it climbed up.
At a view point, I left the road and followed a steep path going down to Crab copse.
Traversing across Greenwood Hill with views across to Woolbeding Hill.
Continuing along the traverse, through the woods.
Finally emerging onto the back road beside the old Shulbrede Priory. This road led into Linchmere village.
Just before the village I turned onto a path that went aroudn the boundary. (passing a lone deer on the way)
Through Ash copse and into Stanley Common.
In the field beside the wood was a stumpery (or that was what it looked like at a distance).
Around Danley farm and up a path beside the driveway.
Now touchign the Serpents way, into Linchmere common on a shortcut between coils.
Back on the Serpents trail and into the Ridge plantations.
The trail winds through the plantation.
Onto a lane along the edge of Marley Common. This crossed a back road and into the common itself.
Across Marley Common passing the car park I have used in the pasty.
Still on the Serpents trail and turning towards Haslemere.
A steep descent down to the A286 (Bell Road). Over the road and into Gosdens copse. Leaving the Serpents way here to make an alternative route to Black Down.
Climbing again and beside horse paddocks, then a slight navigation error led to a double back to reach Fernden Lane.
Along the lane down to Lye Wood past Wadesmarsh Farmhouse.
A steep climb up a snaking track climbing to Ridden Corner.
Following the wide track along the base of Black Down - this descends slightly to Gotchet Farm. Across my outward track and around some scrub.
Up the clearing and valley climbing up the slope. The track disintegrated into sandstone rubble.
Up on the top of Black Down and merging again with the Serpents trail. Following it to the Temple of the Winds.
A pause at the temple of the Winds for some water and a snack.
Back along the Serpents trail to the car park.
