BOC Walk, Knepp estate & Coolham airfield

I had offered to lead another BOC Retirees walk. For this one I had selected to go around the Knepp rewilding estate, with an extension around the Coolham airfields - so that the milage count was increased!

We would follow my usual route up to the old castle then follow the red route around to Shipley. before leaving for the airfield. Lunch at the Countryman, and onto the Blue connection back to the red route. After the storks taking the yellow route back to the start.

I had arranged to meet at the wilding café/ restaurant, and arrived early, so settled to wait in the sun. We were to be 12, having been up to 18 at one point!

Starting off out the back of the seating area and across the fields, aiming for the old castle.
Here a group of archaeologists were digging, but not finding much.

Leaving the old castle and up to the eastern drive before following it to the mill pond.

Around to the New castle, then down the western drive, until the cut across to Shipley village passing the windmill and Beloc house.

Along the back road to the footpath leading to the airfield, then around the phallic shaped path that went around the field that used to be the main landing strip.
Leaving the airfield and cutting across to the back road leading to the Countryman pub.
We were early for lunch and had an hour to wait in the busy pub before the food came, but everyone enjoyed their food.

From the pub we followed the route to get back to the main bridleway, and around this to the Stork field.
One nest this year with a bird sitting.

Unfortunately no pigs in sight, however we did see a few deer on the way back to the café. Then it was time for the goodbyes and separate for our ways home.