AAC Walk, Greensand Way, Winkworth

The Next AAC Southern area day walk was scheduled to make a loop to Winkworth Arboretum starting and finishing at Witley station - actually in Wormley. Across to Hambledon then over Hydons ball to Winkworth. Around the back to the White horse in Hascombe then back along the Greensand way through Hurtwood to Hascombe and a repeat in reverse of the start.

We all met at the station, although several had dropped out - due to the train being replaced by buses amongst other things. Twelve started along the path to Hambledon common, where the view to the top down to the south downs was clear and bright.
A short section along the Hambledon back road - made worse by diverted traffic from a closed road - then escaping into the scrub, before the climb to the church.

The church access road was plastered with "reserved for wedding cars" signs, which would be removed before we returned.
Here we got our first view of Haydon's ball across the fields. The path climbs through the trees to the top.

The top of the Ball has an open area with views to the south downs - impacted by the clouds that had now filled the sky - and a pause for a drink before dropping 

Down the other side to the car park - it had started to rain slightly as we left the top, but the trees kept most of it off us.
Over the back road and into Busbridge woods, and climbing up to South Munstead farm.

Along the driveway to come out opposite the entrance to Winkworth arboretum.
This was packed and people fighting for car parking spaces, and we abandoned any effort to register our membership due to the long queues.
It was raining quite hard as we dropped down the path to the lake and over to the far side to look back at the autumn colours.

Around the back of the arboretum, and reaching the B2130 near David Shepherd's old house. Then along the road for a few hundred metres to reach the next path that went along the back of Hascombe village. To reach the church and village pond hence to the White Horse.
The pub was very full, however we all got served quickly and were out within an hour and a half.

Back over the road and across into The Hurtwood, where lots of chestnuts were gathered by various of the party.
Staying on the Greensand way, and not using the higher path so we could see out to the south downs.

The clouds parted to give us some blue sky to look to the south downs and across to Black Down, although a little hazy now.
Continuing over Vann hill and back towards Hambledon church where we had passed earlier.

As we approached the church there was a bird - initially I thought it was a kestrel, or maybe a cuckoo, however the consensus said it was  a nightjar lost on its migration south. It was sheltering in an oak tree against the strong wind that had blown up.

Finally a repeat of the outward leg back to the rail station, through Hambledown village and over the common.

back at the station just in time for the replacement bus, and the rest of us to drive home.