CYC Ramblers: Drovers Return, 28 March

Published 10:54 on 4 Apr 2026

Our first stop on this five-mile circular walk from The Partridge pub in the pretty village of Singleton was the recently-restored Singleton station, opened in 1881 on the branch line from Midhurst to Chichester.

Hugely grand and fashionable in its time, hundreds of race goers each year took the train from London, alighting at Singleton, to reach Goodwood racecourse, including the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, on his Royal Train. However, he completed the journey from Singleton to the course by carriage while the others had to walk all the way up the hill which is why Chichester station became a popular alternative and passenger services ended in 1935.

Ah yes, hills! Now theres a challenge, for the brain if not the legs, although it was also that for some.

 Surely, we pondered, a walk on the South Downs must even out, mathematically, to include as many downs as there are ups?

 Much talk and many theories about this puzzle as we rambled in the sun to breezy Hat Hill, through Wellhanger copse of ancient beech trees, the National Trust Drovers estate and Levin Down, enjoying the early bluebells and primroses on the way. 

Debate on the brain teaser continued until the downhill stretch back to the Partridge for a good lunch, served punctually by the pubs efficient restaurant team.

(Walk tally: five uphills and two downhills. How can that be?)

 David and Amanda Pearce

Singleton station staff c1900 and CYC in March 2026