Burpham Revisited – 11 March

The final CYC walk of the season started from the George Inn, with, much against the odds, clear skies and gentle winds. With a considerable climb in the first part of the walk, hiking poles were out in force as we left Burpham (pronounced Burfham apparently) headed for Barpham Hill, with an “a”, 141 metres above us!

Spring was in the air as we went down to the ford at Wepham, then up to connect with the Monarch’s Way and so to Wepham Woods. An easy stroll through these beautiful Beech woods before heading gently upward to Upper Barpham Farm, also with an “a”, and also, as it happened, a large herd of sheep right on the path plus a group curious donkeys, then on to the Down. Coffee at the trig point, with glorious panoramic views across and up the Arun Valley, east along the line of the Downs and to the south the sea sparkling in the distance.

As we set off downward, a group of deer appeared to complete our animal spotting, along with skylarks skylarking and kites cruising. 

We avoided the chalk tracks which were treacherous underfoot following the weeks weather, and took a grassy track back to the village, finishing in the very pretty church graveyard, snowdrops and daffodils in abundance.

Into the George for refreshment and an excellent lunch rounded off our excellent walk.