Reasonable Excuses

BURGESS HILL TO DITCHLING LOOP VIA DITCHLING COMMON AND OLDLAND WINDMILL

This will probably be the last walk with C as she's gone and got herself a full-time job, working for the man. She's still a self-employed, community-giving mother and I've been very lucky to have had any of her precious time as a walking companion.

The classic Ditchling Loop is given an enhancement by the addition of the Common and the potentially muddy route by Mac's farm into Ditchling. This route is a reasonable length for a brunch treat then home, as if an excuse was needed. An alternative and probably equally muddy Sussex Border Path is available as is a third heading south. I never can quite decide which is worst.

From Burgess Hill Station or the London Road bus stop, head towards Batchelors Farm Nature Reserve and the train-waving bridge. If coming from the former, take the first footpath the heads away from the railway line east. If coming from London Road, you'll cross the bridge and head north before taking this. Cross Oak Hall Park and continue the Green Circle route to Keymer Road. Head towards the roundabout and take Birchwood Grove Lane. Continue at the end to One O'Clock Lane. Cross the railway at the level crossing and continue to Kings Way and over on the footpath. Continue north to the T junction and turn right.

Cross the B2112 and join the footpath marked for Spatham Lane going southeast. Very soon, you'll leave the trees and be on the open Common. Head anywhere you like south, until you reach the car park. Head east before you enter it and follow the path parallel with Folders Lane until you can cross it and continue south on the other side. Carry on until another railway bridge. Having already 'bagged' a depot whistle at the first bridge, I was most gratifed to encounter another train and get a second hoot. What a silly lady I am.

At the time of writing, we were diverted east, then south by the sheep. Carry on to the south. A series of little footbridges and stiles will take you onwards on what is the Sussex Border Path. We chose to divert westward at the first opportunity onto another footpath and leave the bridleway that continues south. It continued to be muddy. Admire the house and pond at the end of South View and carry on, back onto the Border Path, until just after you cross the road at Mac's Farm. Enter the field to the west and continue southwest. Pass the stables as you go west and join on to the road leading south to East Gardens. A wirey but fluffy grey cat demanded some attention.

Join Ditchling High Street and go to the roundabout. We stopped at the Green Welly for sausage butties and caffeine.

Go west on your homeward leg, take a detour round St Margaret's Churchyard and head down the steps towards Ditchling Museum. Go North at Lodge Hill Lane, all the way to Oldland Windmill and then join Oldlands Lane. Go past the craft workshops and meet Ockley Lane. Walk carefully north, alongside the traffic, until you can leave west at the Burgess Hill Town sign. You'll pass the Water Tower at Batchelors Farm again. Head west to the train-waving bridge. All waved out, I headed home as you should.