Inner State
A grey uniform of a day gave me some sense of calm after I struggled relacing my shoes in the morning. This came after an investigation as to why my feet have been getting so wet. Seems a year of solid testing has resulted in some unusual wear of the the tongue/shoe interface, rendering the high tech fabrics useless in the face of dewy grass. In the anticyclonic gloom, I missed my intended train and this set me back a little as I find myself, still, coming to terms with shortening daylight. What set me back further, was a loss of mobile data I couldn't seem to replace and I quickly walked off the paper map I did have.
Despite the hindrance, there was food for thought. The walk did not leave me trembling with awe but I learnt a little about William Penn and the Quakers, which was a surprise. I pondered the American Constitution, places of refuge and freedom, the hopeful journeys to unknown lands... I had wished to make it to Henfield but I bailed at Washington after a series of parks. I shall return.
You can take a train via Three Bridges to Billinghurst and the 100 bus will take you home.
Leave the station on the Lower Station Road and take the footpath opposite Natts Lane that runs on the northern edge of Rosier Wood. This is the Sussex Diamond Way. I left it almost immediately on a whim and turned south to reach Marringdean Road. Go west and then take the path that runs along the back of the houses to rejoin it. Continue south and take the footpath east. The way winds through some boxy farms of grass to Balls Green. Go north on West Chiltington Lane and walk on the path beside the drive of Coneyhurst Farm. You will pass the old Quaker graveyard before reaching Old House Lane. You are now on the West Sussex Literary Trail.
Southwards and on the left is the Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House. The hovel barn was having some work done but you can wander round the garden where you too can learn of the history. I did. Further south reveals Old House Lane to be an excellent solid walk through the deciduousness of the trees. Go straight over Harbolets Road and continue in the same direction. In Cannon Copse, I hovered trying to sort my phone out and taking a call. Time was wasted. I left the Literary Trail and turned left and then right on the footpath. This is a long straight route into West Chiltington that passes through vineyards. On reaching East Street, go west. I took the opportunity to visit the church. There are the old village stocks and the church itself has some great wall paintings. I found this to be a very warm and cosy place, an excellent place to go and rest amongst the kneelers.
Leave the church via the footpath through the graveyard, turn right and rejoin The Hollow. Go a little further east and then north on the bridleway around Kings and Princes Farm. Go immediately west to cross Gay Street. You are now at Nutbourne Vineyard, where the shop is housed in the old windmill. Met with a lively black lab pup. Got a bit perplexed at the route of the Literary Trail, due to a lack of concentration. You can join the Nutbourne high street via the drive. The Rising Sun pub sports an excellent Wicker-Man-esque sign. Southwards, continue from the Nutbourne Road onto the footpath that is Nutbourne Common. Go left a little way on the West Chiltington Road before taking the trail of the River Chilt which takes you to Hurston Warren. I was disappointed to find it a golf course. Follow the signs through the heather and green to the Golf Club Lane and on to Hurston Lane. Take the Lane over the River Store until you find the footpath on the left.
The route goes along the edge of Parham Airfield and the sewage works. Little puffs of flies clustered in the dips. You reach Coolham and the Pulborough Road. Hungry. Head into Storrington. Take the bridleway that is The Plantation, Fern Road and School Lane, where you find the museum. Take Church Street back to the Pulborough Road.
The Vintage Rose cafe was a most welcome stop. before continuing until the path takes you to Heather Way. This takes you between the houses up to Sullington Warren. The path on the house's drive seems a bit unlikely but have confidence. This is and was worth more exploration and is the site of the burned White windmill. Sadly, I swiftly met with Water Lane, all too soon. I would have liked to have taken a more thorough route but I lacked detail in the area. A little way north, you see the sign for Sandgate Country Park. Enter and work your way east to cut through to Badgers Holt. Misty views of The Downs were available to the south. Continue over Hampers Lane into Millford Grange Country Park, another surprise area to access. Take the path on the northern edge to exit onto Georges Lane. You can now enter the National Trust Warren Hill on Washington Common which is quite extensive. Another strolling opportunity missed as what little light began to fade.
At the far corner of the area, leave via the footpath and you find that a subway will take under the A24. Follow Sandhill Lane and cross The Pike to join the London Road which joins Washington Bostall, next to Washington Recreation Ground. Here I grabbed the bus which continues on to Steyning, Bramber and Henfield. It takes you some time but you'll be back in Burgess Hill.
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