The remnants of another Caribbean hurricane were passing over the country,
however there was forecast a clear period this morning for a couple of hours.
Since it had rained over night I looked for a walk that had a minimum of
foliage, and well made paths. In addition it needed to fit in the projected
clear period.
To this end I determined to return to Knepp and do the
outer circuit (Red, Yellow and Blue circuits).
I parked in the layby near the Windmill in Shipley, and set off along the red
route following it Clockwise. This started off through the fields beside the top
of the village, before entering the horse paddock after it. Over the back road
and into the parkland of the estate.
Up the driveway to the castle, then over to the gatehouse, and down the second
driveway to reach the Kneppmill pond. Continuing down the drive to the boundary
then onto the heathland.
Over to the old castle (hunting lodge) remains, and continuing over the
heathland
Approaching the visitor centre collection of buildings, I noticed a new path
along a boundary fence. This saved a section on the internal roadways - a good
change.
I avoided the centre and connected to the Yellow circuit crossing the road adn
into the heathland on the opposite side. Over to the farm driveway (and
camping), before continuing around Dial Post.
Across the southern end of the estate, crossing to buildings and around the
Stork field on a track. Continuing to Benthams Place farm, before curving aroudn
the end of the Stork field.
A stork was on the edge of a large nest platform. Then around the woods looking
for pigs - not seen today.
Arriving at the bridle way going up through the estate. I missed the first group
of deer, but caught a second one
At Lower barn, I changed onto the blue route, crossing pen bridge and along a
less well built but straight track. There were some puddles on this one.
Close to Haslebrook farm the path turned sharply north and wound up to a back
road beside Smoke House farm.
Along the road past the Countryman inn, and then onto the footpath continuing
north.
A sharp turn aroudn the edge of the school and out onto the back road leading
back to Shipley village and the layby. A shorter route then normal, but enough
to avoid the next rain shower.
