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.

Walking the Line to East Grinstead

The decision to allow a 'newbie' into the ranks of us humble hikers was not taken lightly as the request for 6 miles on relatively level terrain was an added request. It was a postponed journey from earlier in the year when it was raining. So it quickly came to mind that a walk from Forest Row to East Grinstead via the old railway line would fit the requirements.
We firstly congregated in a local car park and accompanied by a new canine recruit to the posse we drove to the car park in Forest Row and prepared ourselves for the walk along the Forest Way.
Whilst some were ready to take to the track, others were more attracted by the idea of exercise on a static 'nordic walker'. Alongside a new skateboard park, it seemed the Forest Row had won a lottery donation had it not been for noticing a plaque which described some alternative stream of funding.

We soon got into our stride and the steady walk through to the Forest Way allowed 'Blake' to have a taste of freedom from his leash. The A22 was our next and only major road to encounter and with the aid of a pelican crossing the 4 of us (and Blake) made easy passage to the other side, where the track provided simple direction for the walk to East Grinstead.

There was a steady flow of other walkers and cyclists traveling in the opposite direction. We noted the variety of willingness to engage in the pleasantries of interaction, however these observations were soon cancelled by a cheery 'good morning' given by a cyclist heading off to Forest Row. He certainly looked like a local on a local mission.
There was a steady incline to the old line to East Grinstead. The ghosts of steam trains that chuffed up the very same gradient was a distance echo today. Firstly through Minepit Wood and then Luxfords Wood, we were making good pace with the intention of reaching the High Street in East Grinstead in a little under 90 minutes.

There was an increase of dog walkers who seemed attracted to Blake, but was not reflected in him as he was much more keen to explore the undergrowth in search of rabbits and blackberries.
We emerged onto the main A22 road next to the road which opposite was aptly named 'Beeching Way' as this was where the famous Baron Beeching finally resided from the 1960's and died in the town's Queen Victoria Hospital on 23rd March 1985. So even more appropriate to have been walking one of the lines which was made obsolete when the British Rail network was reduced from 18,771 miles in 1960 to 13,261 miles by 1969.

But we'd arrived in the High Street, very much on schedule to explore for a while the variety of shops which comprised mainly of fishing tackle, guns and an experienced cobbler in a shop named 'The Menders'.

We didn't tax the economy too excessively as we between us a banana and dressed crab was purchased and we then took short rest outside Sackville College next to a statue of Archibold McIndoe, a plastic surgeon who moved to Queen Victoria Hospital shortly after it was built and founded a Centre for Plastic and Jaw Surgery. 

Clouds were gathering and concerns that rainfall was imminent, we gathered up our backpacks and headed back on the same route that we arrived. The added advantage that it was a downhill trek with no need to refer to the OS map which had remained in the bag for the entire walk. The dog trail was soon re-established as other dogs were engaged in momentary exchanges (if any) with Blake. He was seeking refuge in the valleys either side of the high embankment that we were now walking along. An engineering feat in itself, we considered, as we assumed that the gradient for the rail line must have been man made.

The trees in the woods were starting to show early signs of colour change and the farmer was busily ploughing his field in readiness for the next crop to sow. 
The final mile and heading back into Forest Row, we saw signs for an Biodynamic and Organic Farm shop and cafe which attracted our attention for further investigation. Once over the Pelican crossing we headed into Tablehurst Farm. Before reaching the farm shop, there were a couple of Sun Bee Hives positioned outside one of the houses. 

The Farm shop was busy with regular shoppers and others enjoying a coffee and lunch.
Our final stretch back into the car park took only 5 minutes and whilst the dog took up his position lying in the back of the car, the others of us took up our places and strapped ourselves in for the return drive.
Data recorded for the walk: Distance 7.36 miles, Hike Time - 3hr 12m, Average Pace 26:07/mile, ascent 2797ft descent 2845ft. Calories - 552

The Barcombe Rain Race Walk

The mission today was to complete a 6 mile circuit from Barcombe Mills and dodge the threatening black clouds that were already looming in the distance as we drove out toward Ringmer.  The 4 intrepid hikers disembarked from the car to undergo the usual boot inspection and we set a new phone app that would track our progress around the extended footpath from the route that had been printed in the Argus last November.

We examined the water levels as we crossed the bridges at Barcombe Mills and noted that following recent rain, the levels had risen, but not to a significantly worrying level. We were pleased that the old 'toll' notice on the wall did not include pedestrians, so we continued with loose change on our pocket and made our way to the road.

The old railway line and Barcombe station were still evident and reminded us of what must have been a busy time before the work of Dr Beeching.
We finally mounted our first stile and started our walk across the first path with sight of the next stile already in view.
A steady trek around the edge of the next field, then dropped down into a lower level field and then across a short bridge into a small orchard and then another harvested field. The buzz of a strimmer in the distance became louder as we reached the edge of the field where we were heading between the gardens of 2 substantial looking houses.

Straight across the farm driveway into the next field which had also been harvested, we examined the views of Malling Down on the outskirts of Lewes. The sun kept momentarily glimpsing from behind clouds of differing shades of grey as at the end of the next field we doubled back on ourselves and walked toward the parish church of St Mary the Virgin.

We walked toward the road passing a round thatched construction outside a barn opposite a very substantial looking farmhouse and small pond large enough to have a small boat to cross from the church side to the house.

We discovered the next footpath which was marked as the Greenwich Meridian Trail, a relatively new trail that starts in Peacehaven and finished some 273 miles later northwards on the coast of Sand Le Mere in Yorkshire. As we entered the next field we found a pile of wood chippings conveniently covered with mushrooms. None of us were confident in our identification of them to consider them for picking. We neither trusted our ability to identify the next junction of footpaths and for the first time took the OS map to hand and examined the direction we needed to walk.

Confirmed and confident we now headed toward "Croft Ham", another grand looking abode where it was likely that some country gentry were waited on by Butlers and the like.
After crossing the drive and entering the next field we found ourselves walking alongside a well stocked 'market garden' type plot with a lady (plus dog) was tending to the rows of produce.
At the end of the field was the Jubilee Christian Centre.

Across the next road and into the next field (harvested sweetcorn) in a direct straight line and through the hedge into the lane.
We were well into our stride and nearing completion of our third mile and still no sign of rain, even though there were still darkening skies directly in front of us as we crossed the next field of burnt-black broad beans, the merits of which we thought were connected to the fact that "broad bean crops feed priceless enriching nitrogen to the soil while they grow to their ripest form".
Having since discovered this, it didn't help matters that we'd collected a reasonable amount of the the soil to our boots and were keen to unburden ourselves from the extra weight as soon as we walked the road for a short distance and entered the next footpath.

We were now heading around Barcombe Cross and ascended a relatively small hill to find people engaged in tennis combat, having noted the very well equipped sports field with 3 tennis courts, a football field and cricket field (with the Sid Farenden Memorial Scoreboard) not to mention the well groomed Bowls Club.
We walked into Barcombe Cross High Street via Grange Road and turned left and followed the road around to the right until we reached the Village Hall. A new addition to the village, it looked well equipped for all the activities a small village of some 1,600 occupants might require.
The directions gave permission to cross the car park, then onto the next footpath that descended a short way to a junction of footpaths. A quick check on the map clarified our directional needs and still there was no sign of rainfall. The occasional dog walker would be exchanging the delights of the day and after cutting through a field of wheat which in need of harvesting we arrived in a lane where the footpath signs were showing us the way again, through a plantation or coppice of well grown Beech trees.
Our challenge was to get into Anchor Lane near to the appealingly named 'Scufflings' and then walk along the lane to the Anchor Inn. The wind was gathering strength and there was a spit of rain in the air as we reached the lane. Our pace hastened slightly as we dodged oncoming traffic that were delivering provisions to the pub. An aptly named watering hole where the hiring of boats were available after drinking some good local ale. However that wasn't our intention as we arrived and unstrapped our backpacks and took a short 15 minute rest as the wind continued to whip across the bridge next to where we sat.

The final mile beckoned and was a simple trail alongside the River Ouse. The directions were supported by even more explicit directions for where pedestrians should be going when it came to gateways.

The wind continued to blow and whilst the field of geese (which may have been pygmy ostrich, puffin or Albatross) looked uninterested in our passing, the clouds however above were more intent in depositing a shower as we paraded over the remaining bridges and back toward Barcombe Mills. The car was in sight and we re-grouped for the final stretch to the car park with minimal soaking but pleased that we didn't delay our walk any longer.
The information on the phone app provided us with all the necessary information to make it a worthwhile test.
Hike Time (including stop) 2:53:32, Distance - 6.32 miles, average pace - 27:28/mile, ascent 1137 feet, descent 1134 feet, Calories used - 472 (each!?)

Fishing for Footpaths around Crowhurst & Catsfield

We should have known something wasn't going to go to plan as our arranged rendezvous point in Crowhurst was delayed by part of the group failing to find the recreation car park at the proposed time.
We'd already seen several female walkers with Hi-Viz vests, looking rather efficient in their purposeful stride, which we concluded were preparatory agents checking the footpaths in the area in readiness for the 1066 Walking Festival.
We eventually set off across the first section of the field with good intent to find our way across fields, pastures and woods toward Battle. The 5 of us arrived after the first half mile through a gate, onto the paved road for a short distance, then into a driveway and passing ruins of an old Manor house.
The path led us toward powdermill stream and after considering options of some footpaths maintained our stance on the same side of the stream which directed us into the corner of the next field, over a stile and across a footbridge.

We were well into our stride and making good progress as we retraced our steps that 3 of us had taken last September. We found our way to the corner of another field, as directions suggested and then found the small pond and walked to the right of it.

But at this point our attention was focused on the enclosure of pheasants which were being primed for the forthcoming hunting season. We thought we were following the only natural looking footpath uphill and through a thicket/wood however upon reaching the opposite side of the wood where a field awaited, we found it necessary to consult both the OS map and the Sat Nav positioning on a mobile phone. Each of these were inconclusive as to exactly which way we should then head. "Millers Farm" was our next land-mark and it seemed that for the following 10 minutes worth of walking, we ended up reaching a point further from it than we were previously. With much scratching of heads and compass pointing we could see that Battle was off limits and an alternative route needed to be planned.

Traffic could be heard along the lane which we'd driven earlier and was our only chance to gain any chance of making a new circuit pathway. We almost reached the summit of the hill and could see many landscapes to all directions. We even saw Millers Farm in the distance, but we were destined to get to Glebe Farm instead and disturb a flock of sheep that were being carefully separated by the farmer who watched us carefully open and close gates as we finally reached the lane.
Two of us had Hi-Viz vests and took up positions and the front and rear of the group. We were heading into Catsfield, but before the school a familiar footpath lured us back onto grassland and toward Powdermill wood, via Powdermill lane.

We considered further options to ensure that both stamina and time were not compromised. The nearby fishing lakes and camp site was our preferred option and turned back into a very underused path and eventually down the drive towards the lakes.
There was an air of quiet tranquility as fisherman sat in their tented shelters around the lakes, not daring to speak as their mobiles gave contact with another world.

Good advice notices were everywhere and it was evident that the good fishing code of conduct was being observed throughout the site for some very reasonable fees.

But we were soon to take the bait and settled down for our own break from the toil of navigating around a few fields and enjoy some beverages and tasty snacks in order to sustain our energy levels for the next hour.
Afterwards we detected the footpath through a small coppice and entered, through a metal gate, another harvested field of corn stubble and traversed our way towards Fore Wood. Not only our navigational skills were returning, but also our memory of the same walk some of us encountered last year. We even spotted the illusive Millers Farm at the top of the hill as we followed the same line of pylons that had been our additional source of direction earlier.

Millers Farm

But the final stretch of the 1066 country walk through the wood soon saw us coming out into the same field we had walked a few hours earlier. Crowhurst Church was now in our sight as we walked out onto the field after some careful petting of a couple of Shetland Ponies attracted our attention whilst being kept to a rigid diet of dust in their small paddock.

The Church's main entrance was having a new wooden porch made by carpenters. We paid our respects to both nearby graves and the extremely old (1000-3000 years) Yew tree that was fenced off next to the path that led us down to the road again.

The final trek across the same field we had initially walked seemed to comprise of lame sheep that seemed to hobble across in front of us as if to seek our sympathy.
The car park came into view and whilst not making it to Battle, we all agreed that the adventure had been enjoyable and entertaining as always.

Since returning home and examining the walking route, it was clear that the pheasants had been a major distraction in achieving our goal of Battle High Street. We should not have walked alongside the enclosure and turned up the hill much sooner. 
Having calculated the distance walked, it appears that we completed 6.5 miles.

Mayfield Walkabout

There was a freshening breeze blowing across the only 54 space car park in Mayfield as the 4 of us stood out from the car and pervading the surroundings. The forecast gave indication of a shower, but mainly sunny intervals. We were about to make our way around the north west area from Mayfield and after walking through part of the High Street and exchange some pleasantries with local shoppers and dog walkers, we took stride toward a well equipped children's playground, complete with a Basketball court, skateboard ramps and a football pitch.

The directions we were taking came from a small book a 20 Sussex walks and described in some detail the path to take. The quality of country residences were noticeably higher than the average, yet no envious expressions were heard from any of us (much).

The directions were directing to walk beside a stream next to the sight of Mayfield Furnace. The Brook level was low despite of the rain fall. Owl box was seen attached to a nearby tree. The instructions gave us categorical information about what bridges NOT to cross, despite them looking very meaningful in their construction.

we didn't get to cross this one

We pondered the collection of signposts to assist with the next section of the walk and headed northwards and navigated our way across several fields then headed down into another wood where there apparently was a site of a disused swimming pool had once been where boys from the local private school were forced into outdoor swimming activities. However our concentration on ensuring we were on the correct route meant we saw nothing of it, however just inside the wood was a tree festooned with coloured ribbons with reading material about the 'Wishing Tree'.

The recent rainfall had turned areas of the wood into tricky muddy areas, but with careful footholds we all found safe passage to yet more signposts after crossing a substantial bridge. Our orientation to heading out of the field were momentarily tested after some considered interpretations from the guide notes in the book.
With birdsong in our ears and the glimmer of sunshine through the final part of the wood, we emerged into a field with randomly planted trees with a faded pathway to a gap in the hedge onto a lane.

We crossed the lane and walked between 2 white pillars next to the Lodge for Harewood House. We entered the gravel driveway for a short distance then on to a trackway which then, after carefully climbing over a very worn stile turned into an avenue of tall poplars, maples, spindle trees, oaks and hornbeam.

At the end of this section we were to be spied upon by a wood carved owl, politely winking at us, as if to share some discreet knowledge about the remainder of the journey. Little were we to know.

We walked a little further to see what was described as "an Oast House-cum-gothic-fantasy with wyverns on the roof ends". It was Tidebrook House which was, as described, a little quirky in its design and maybe moreso on the inside. We walked out onto the road and took directions down another track for Chittinghurst Barn.

We were about half way through the walk and furthest section from where we left the car at Mayfield. We continued down the lane which gradually turned into a track which hadn't seen many walkers for some time. We finally reached the end of the track and entered a field with yellow walk markers, although felt (after examining the OS map) as if we'd walked too far. With nowhere else to go, we continued to find another junction of footpaths and decided to turn right and head toward the nearby stream. We eventually found ourselves walking through "a plantation of white willows" just like the instructions said. We were on the right track after all.

The next section was the most testing. For the next half mile there was a relentless climb through Combe Wood. At the top of the wood, we saw daylight and again as expected, a private golf fairway with a selection of flags posted in a variety of greens.

We stopped to catch our breath and take on some refreshments for a short while. There was a slight drizzle in the air which threatened to worsen as we collected up our bags, but we didn't think waterproofs were necessary. Our attention was drawn by the sight of an Oak and Beech tree fused together next to a stile which directed us in a south westerly direction.

More fields with sheep and then a walk through an abandoned selection of farm buildings, through which was a track made up of concrete railway sleepers.

A few more hills and we entered Hole Wood. Once again the shamble of signposts disorientated us and we had to retrace our steps for a short distance in order to come out into the correct field which would eventually lead us to houses on the outskirts of Mayfield.

It was a steady walk past the pub and observing one of the more eccentric garden displays in the area and toward the car park completing 6.5 miles. The boots were released from our feet at 12.20pm with pleasure.