Duncton Ramble, 9th December 2017

50 walkers (is this a record?) set off at 10.00 on a brisk and sunny morning from the Cricketers Pub in Duncton. After a gentle ascent up Dyehouse Lane we passed Duncton Mill and the trout fishery before turning towards Barlavington. The views over downland towards Petworth were excellent in clear air – we were lucky after several days of rain and the frost helped to harden the muddy parts. We walked through the churchyard at Barlavington and thence cross country to skirt Sutton village and used the road back to a wooded track where we had coffee. There were a couple of minor falls on the frozen road surface but luckily no injuries.

After the break we headed back via the now completed dam with Chingford pond on our left. Then through Burton Park where this photograph was taken beside an ancient Sweet Chestnut tree (probably 400 years old) and back to the pub (5 miles in all). 46 of us who stayed to eat had drinks and the food orders were efficiently served to all in the old skittle alley, now an excellent restaurant venue, by 12.45.

The weather the following day proved our good fortune as not only was there a downpour and gale force winds but Duncton Hill was closed to all traffic!

There are 23 more photos, uploaded by John Gosnell, in the Yogile album on the website. We thoroughly enjoyed the walk, the company and our thanks go to all participants.

– by David and Stella Ingram