Cowbeech Fruit Walk 2

We had to quickly re-schedule this walk due to the availability of a couple of walkers. Two others currently away, had we not changed the day, we would hardly have constituted a quorum of hikers (or whatever a collective noun is for us gentle folk).

We had already focused our efforts on re-examining the status of Greenway Fruit Farm just a few fields away from Cowbeech, so as we assembled in the car park of the Merrie Harriers, safe in the knowledge that we'd at least be able to rehydrate ourselves upon return, we laced our boots and made a hasty stroll (if there is such a term?) across the road and down the first quiet lane. The road to Cowbeech was in fact closed to the usual flow of "busy" rush hour traffic. There was evidence of road closures beyond the pub, but we didn't find out exactly what was being repaired further along the road.

After a few turns and dodging Postman Pat in his van (both ways) we arrived at the farm gate to observe the Alpacas that were being kept as either a tasty christmas treat or some conversation piece for passing hikers. The weather was being kind to us with the blue sky and sun and the occasional cloud formations passing shade on us from time to time.

We descended into Cattle Wood, for a short shaded period and came out and were confronted by row upon row of pear trees. They looked ripe and ready to pick, and were soon proven right when we saw a group of pickers on hands and knees picking at the trees. There were massive crates of pears ready to be moved out of the field and off to market.

We steadily walked through the large field of fruit, passing apples of all varieties and raspberries in abundance.
We came out of the farm and onto the road where a couple of roadside stands attracted our attention, one selling a variety of apples and plums and the other just selling plums, all bagged up for sale for £1. Unable to resist the temptation, a purchase was made, but not after checking the quality control inspection before depositing a pound coin into the rusty money box which was probably securely screwed to the stand.

Onwards into the next field, we took in the views across the Weald toward Burwash Common and beyond. We then crossed into the main Cowbeech Road, then into a field of maze standing 7 feet tall  towering over all of us and obscuring the usual views towards the South Downs. The footpath was thankfully dry and clear for us the walk along.

It was nearing that time where a light snack and liquid refueling was necessary and after walking through Great Gensing wood, we unstrapped our back packs and sat down amongst a variety of cut logs.
The final stretch required us to walk along a long drive that led to Blackford Farm. The owner was busily cutting grass at the gate to the farm and gave us all a cheery wave. The attraction of at least 40 or more pheasants in the nearby field had distracted us briefly before we acknowledged his greetings.
The shooting season would soon be upon us and the sound of gun fire would soon be ringing through the very same woods that we'd just walked.

We continued through the heart of the farm buildings and out onto the lane beyond and observed the Cowbeech Waterworks which stood neglected. We were uncertain whether it was still functioning as a water treatment plant (more affectionately known as a sewage plant) as the windows were boarded up and there was little sign of regular activity.

We headed back into the village but not before doing a final forage for blackberries that were peppered within the hedgerows on both sides of the road. With a plastic bag in hand we arrived back at the pub with at a tidy bag full sufficient to make its impression in an apple and blackberry crumble. With recipes exchanged we threw our boots back into the car and consumed a small amount of liquid served at the pub. A 2 hour walk pleasantly spent completing the 4.5 miles.