Last week was dry, however it did not last beyond the weekend, so I took the opportunity today to get pout between front crossing the country. With the paths being muddy I chose to stay local, and walk to Petworth and back, taking the direct route. I would add a little loop through Petwroth park on the way back.
I walked the frequently used paths to Kirdford, via Wephurst and the football pitches. From Kirdford I followed the path down the drive to Parsonage farm, then across the sheep field (taking the direct route across the grass).
Through the winter wheat field beyond (the most muddy part of today's walk), and over the ridge to look down onto Weston's farm.
Now on the road/ track (Blackhouse lane) from the farm straight(ish) down to cross the A272 at Oldham hill.
Up the track on the far side that led into the open access area of Brinkshole Heath. Following a vague path around the house and across the flatter heath to join the Serpent Trail.
This path dropped down a small gully then climbed up the hill above the town.
This hill gives a great panorama from the south downs and around the town.
Down the hill to cross a small stream before climbing the steep slope on the far side.
The path led up a back lane to come out opposite the church.
Over the main road (a combination of A272 and A283) and down to the pedestrian entrance into the deer park.
I chose to stay on the east side of the park and follow the track around the car park.
The track curved around dropping to the kennels then following the stone wall boundary.
The path went around the end of the lower lake and up a slight slope to the walkers car park.
The first time I had been around this side of the lake.
Leaving the park and across the A283 down a farm drive, across a field with shooting posts to climb to a gap in the woods.
Through the gap and down beside a sweetcorn field (for the pheasants) dropping down to cross a small stream and a narrow path with aggressive brambles.
Up the far side to the back road at Keyfox farm.
Down a track beside Ratford farm, and around Rushout wood (with more shooting posts)
At the end of the field the track moved into the woods, following the eastern edge past a number of fish farm ponds.
Around the end of the ponds and a few bends on a farm track.
The farm track changed into a driveway after passing Blackbrook farm. This met the Blackhouse lane at No Man's land.
Turning north along the lane, and returning along the track of the outward journey.
Around Weston's farm and climbing up to the ridge behind.
Over the top of the ridge and onto the "muddy" field. Across this to the sheep field, and the driveway back to Kirdford.
I stopped at the shop for a pastie and roll before returning on the direct route past Wephurst back home.
