ad collibes
Most of us have got things to do, or at least, we have things on our mind, this time of year. It was then, with some discipline, that I returned home from my walk in time for lunch. I'd made an early start and a familiar route is easier when walking in near darkness.
This is a near classic walk from home, down towards the coast. It is less than classic around Hassocks but mops up a couple of alternate routes in the area. Once on the South Downs Way, we do a slightly unconventional descent into a glacial bottom via the access land. I could have extended my walk into Brighton if I hadn't developed blisters and saw fit to call it a day. A sharp shower and a closed cafe forced my hand and feet at around 12 miles.
You can walk from the station or the London Road bus stop. From here, take the route south, to the east of the railtrack or east across Nightingale Meadows to Batchelors Farm and the water tower. At the railway bridge, you know what to do. Return can be made with a bus and/or rail combo via Brighton.
From a train-waving hiatus, head east and up the hill to Ockley Lane, going south. Take care if it is still dark. Soon you'll join the bridleway on the left side that will take you to Oldland Windmill. On cue, a pony leant over a gate, waiting for its human. Pony's friend, donkey, brayed in anticipation from the pitch. Somewhere to the north an owl concluded its hunting, as a flamey sun edged closer to the horizon. The trail will bend to the south, with views to The Downs. A little further south, is a remnant of the route of the Roman Road that passed Lodge Hill and dissected Stonepound Crossroads. This was the Greensand Way. At the mill, take the road down to Ockley Lane. There are a few options up to the ridge and you might be wondering at the circuitousness of this direction. I was mindful to avoid the mud of memory via the direct route to Jack and Jill from Hassocks station and the other on the Sussex Border Path, going up Burnhouse Bostall. Also, it was curiosity on my part; wanting to know the latest on the Hassock house-building and gathering some insight on paths less walked.
Go right at the bottom of Mill Lane and continue through the new Ockley Park housing estate on the left side. Follow the footpath as it veers south. At Woodsland Road, cross the stream and continue on the footpath going east then southeast. A delightful kingfisher was a surprise, skimming this unassuming waterway. Cross Grand Avenue and then Ad Astra Park. The exit is visible on the east side. Go a little south on Fir Tree Way and follow the path east until you emerge back on to Ockley Lane.
Continue south and join Lodge Lane to carry on. On the west side, another footpath takes you out onto some wet fields behind the school, just after Dale Avenue. Some permissive paths go around edges but you can continue on the southwest diagonal to Halfway. You are almost half way. Cross New Road to join the bridleway. Wolstonbury Hill is conspicuous but is actually separate from the Clayton Windmills ridge that lies to the east of the A273. The route south is clear as you join the road to once again join a path that ascends quickly.
You can walk the path or cross the car park to get a better view of Jill and join the South Downs Way. Go east all the way to Ditchling Beacon. Don't miss the trig on the right hand side before you meet the car park. As you cross Ditchling Road and spot your third dew pond you'll see a footpath sign on the right. No right of way is shown on the map but this is access land so walk free. As I descended into the hilariously-named Big Bottom, I was aware the field is frequented by cows and it was not clear where there might be gates. I needn't have worried. I worked my way southeast to a gate and went south. I took the opportunity to cross the fence at White Thorn and join the bridleway. Once in the beech woods, beloved by the mountain-bikers, go up the hill and join the northwest track to Highpark Wood. On the edge of the wood, join the path south. through more trees. This will take you through Flint Heap and east into Stanmer. I could almost feel the excitement of the skipping cows, as the mud thickened in this direction. Vaulting over the gate to avoid the puddle of unknown depth, continue on the bridleway which becomes Lower Lodge.
I followed the signs to One Garden but found the restaurant closed. I enjoyed a coffee with a persistent robin but my hands were chilly. My shoes had not made my feet throb, on this occasion, but I could feel blisters. The sudden rain made me reconsider my Brighton onward journey. The short walk onward to the University of Sussex through Stanmer Park, to Falmer Station did brighten but the prospect of being home for lunch with my holidaying children trumped another change of heart.
Comments
Post a Comment