A Circular Walk from Buriton over Chalton Down
Quite a while since Clare and I had walk from Buriton, near Petersfield,
Hampshire, so it was good to visit the location again. It is quite a 'tree'
walk, which was pleasant seeing as the autumn colours are beginning to show.
Not as windy either as last weekend when we were in the Lake District.
From Buriton pond, where there is a small parking area, we headed up through
the woods, crossing the rail tunnel, to join the South Downs Way. (Soon
after starting the walk we were in tree-lined paths/ roads, a combination of
rich green and rust coloured leaves.) Turning right on the South Downs Way,
we made our way into Queen Elizabeth Country Park, following the track on
the eastern side of the Park to the open area south at Chalton Park. Next
stop was Chalton village and a visit to the small church opposite the
thatched village pub, The Red Lion. (Nice pub with fine food and ale ......
although we were good and continued on our walk.) We crossed over the
northern end of Chalton Down, heading east, then followed Hookswood Lane to
just before Cowdown Lane. (Both are actual tracks/footpaths) where we
turning left (north). We followed footpaths around fields to arrived at
Ladyholt, a rather isolated country dwelling, then dropped down into The
Harrows wood. Passing through the woods, we continue up to the top of
Downley Hangar to reach the entrance to Ditcham Park School. More woods
followed through Oakham Wood, then down through the narrow woodland area
close to Buriton, with the lovely name of The Milky Way. From the bottom of
the Milky Way, it was a short walk back through a couple of fields to
Buriton Pond.
Very pleasant outing, covering a distance of 9.4 miles. Take a look at a
selection of photos from along the route at the website address below.
--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
"Mountains or Mole Hills ..... reaching the
summit still brings the same excitement"