Ashington Explorer, West Chiltington

The forecast was for showers, however as we awoke this morning the sky was clear and bright, although it had rained overnight. I therefore worked out a route around Ashington, starting in West Chiltington, just going around paths I had never been on. Starting in the common car park and going straight across to the north of Ashington then crossing over the A24 after going down through it. Down to Washington before crossing back over to go through Washington Common. Then up to the outskirts of Ashigton adn back to West Chiltington.

The car park I started from was Monkmead woods (height barrier) but has some all weather tracks. I started down one then diverted into the woods themselves on a side path so I could get ot the corner beside a lake (hidden behind fences and hedges).

Down a narrow path beside a stream enclosed on both sides by high fences, then across onto a private lane - fir tree lane (that also was a footpath). this ended up at roundabout lane

Along the back road to a path into Highbar Copse, which opened out beside a grass field.

The path merged onto a driveway beside some nurseries, and past some industrial units.
Across the B2139 and beside a [laying field in front of a new housing estate

A zigzag around the field to a new path around the housing. I had to work out when to leave this to get around to Takeham place farm as the path was not fully marked on the map.

Around a field (back on marked paths) and past Thakham place farm.

Onto a farm lane that passed several fields on the way to Warminghurst.

A lane beside the church led down to a driveway to a hidden house. 

Just before the house the path left the drive to follow around a field.

This part was a bit boggy, before joining another farm lane that went through a ford. I was glad that I had chosen to wear wellies today!.

The lane ended at West Wolves farm, and a locked gate. which I climbed over, and on to the drive way beyond - then with relief I found the footpath sign that led off the lane into the field beside it.

Around two sides of the field and this was the outskirts of Ashington.

Through the housing estates and past the recreation ground

and more urbanised paths past a church that led back to the main street. This led under the A24 before following a drive way alongside it.

The path left the driveway and curved around to a flooded path - again the Wellies came out as a good choice.

Beside some fences (hiding goats) the path paralleled a driveway down an overgrown bank to Hole street. (it would have been much easier to walk down the driveway!).

Across the road and into fields alongside Birch Copse.

A series of Knight's moves through the fields and Birch copse.

Then climbing up to Upper Chancton Farm. Around here the first shower for the day caused a brief stop to get the umbrella deployed.
Following the farm tracks to Rock common.

Another path diversion led around the base of a hill in the woods, before coming out onto the Hollow (lane).
Over the lane and continuing south-west.

The path jags around a large sand extraction pit

Before eventually crossing the stream, and climbing beside several houses that seem to be mechanical workshops.
Through the drives and into the subway under the A24.

Out the east side and climbing up through Warren Hill, and into Washington Common.

Along the top of the hills here to the main car park, before taking an NT track that crossed into the northern extension (not on the map)

About here the second deluge occurred - I was really glad of the umbrella!
The path left the common area beside a house and down its drive (lighter rain by now).

Across rock road and down between houses and gardens to the industrial estate beside the A24.
Along the service road past all the industrial units.

A path goes around the last unit, and into the fields behind.

A series of Knight's moves around the fields and farm tracks led to Muttons lane.
down the lane passing Jinkes farm

Another flood below a couple of cottages , before a path climbed into the grass fields 

Some steps led out of the fields to a lower path, and on passing Greenhurst farm.

Down teh farm drive way to cross the B2139, and Greenhurst lane.
Here a path led back up the slope.

Climbing up to the top of the slope and then several zigzags above an industrial unit, before dropping down a path on the far side.

Across a lane to East Wantley farm and along the farm tracks to the west version of the farm.

Across Fryern road and down a farm driveway, before diverting into a ahorse field and negotiating the electric fences.

Two side of the next field (I could have gone aroudn the other two, but this was a new way to me), and back up to the top of this little ridge.

This opened up a great panorama of the south downs and the local ridges.

Along the track beside a horse training field to pass Hurston Street farm.
Before turning north to drop down a lane 

The lane ended at a large open patch next to Monkmead woods.

I followed the boundary until I could get on a path into the woods themselves.
This path serpentined its way through the woods in the right general direct back tot eh car park.

The last section along a bridleway back to the car park, and lunch.