Join a healthy walk in the Chichester district

Friday, October 16 – 10.30am – Lodsworth

Leader: Richard M

Duration: 2 hours Distance: 4.5 miles

A gradual ascent from the village takes us through woodland onto an elevated pathway with fine views. On reaching Easebourne, we return over Cowdray Park golf course and open countryside. This walk is over gently undulating terrain, with nothing too steep, and no stiles. No dogs please. Any problems on the day call Richard 07831 550137.

Meet: On the green outside 'The Hollist Arms'. By Car: Turn North off the A272 between Petworth and Midhurst about 200m metres West of the 'Halfway House' pub signposted to Lodsworth, which is approximately ½ mile from the junction.

Friday, October 16 – 10.30am – Petworth Park, Deer & “The Rut”

Leaders: Gerald Duration: 1.5 hours Distance: 3 miles

We should see the famous 'Rut' (mating period) in Petworth Park. The deer rut is one of nature's greatest scenes. See and hear the bucks defend their harem. Cameras and binoculars will be useful. No dogs on this occasion.

Meet: The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington, GU28 9AF. SU963 220.

By Car: 1 mile west from Petworth on A272, then, in the middle of Tillington, turn north following brown tourist sign to The Horse Guards. Parking in road. ///lifted.using.earlobes

Bus No.1 Midhurst or Worthing to Tillington. Contact Gerald if uncertain on 07748 568 or [email protected] for further details.

Friday, October 16 – 10am – Octagon Way Part 1, All The Mardens *NEW*

Leaders: Jane W

Duration: 4.5 hrs Distance: 10 miles

This is the first half of the Octagon way which takes in all 8 Octagon parishes. A longer more strenuous walk, starting in West Marden and visiting the lovely downland villages of North Marden, Up Marden and East Marden. We will take time to visit the old churches in these villages, which are 12th or 13th century. They are usually open. It is a hilly walk with some stiles, lovely downland views and scenery. No Dogs.

Meet: We will meet outside the Victoria Inn in West Marden village, there is street parking, either in the main street near the Victoria Inn or in Noredown Way, which is past the Victoria Inn and on the left. There is sometimes parking also available on the main Compton road. By Car: Take the B2178 from Chichester to Funtington. Immediately after the Fox and Hounds, turn right up Hares Lane. At the next junction turn right on to the B2146 and follow this into West Marden. Turn right into the village. As this is a longer walk with taking time for stops, please bring a picnic and a drink.

Monday, October 19 – 10.30am - *Suitable for Beginners* Chichester Canal

Leader: Sarah

Duration: 30mins Distance: 1 mile.

A flat walk at a gentle pace, suitable for beginners.

Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT. By car: From Chichester city centre go south along Basin Road to Canal Wharf. Limited parking but plenty of public car parks available in the city. By bus: 5-minute walk from Chichester Bus Station.

Monday, October 19 - 10.30am – Emsworth, 2 Boatyards *NEW*

Leaders: Jane W

Duration: 2 hrs Distance: 4 miles.

This is an easy flat walk taking in Slipper mill. Emsworth and Thornham marina. There will be an opportunity for a coffee stop at Thornham marina cafe. No Dogs

Meet: Palmer Road pay and display car park Emsworth, PO10 7DB. From the Emsworth town roundabout turn up North Street and the car park is behind Tesco on the right-hand side.

Tuesday, October 20 - 10am – Duncton to Seaford College

Leaders: Richard and Sue Duration: 3 hours. Distance: 7.5 miles.

Ascent 80m. – This walk has some undulations. Our walks are geared for walkers who enjoy a brisk but comfortable pace. Walking boots are advised due to varying terrain. Dogs are welcome but need to adhere to Heartsmart guidelines. Please note there could be livestock enroute. We will walk from Duncton to Graffham via the woods. We then walk onto Lavington Park and into Seaford College’s spectacular grounds, before returning to Graffham via Lavington Stud.

Meet: Catholic church car park, GU28 0JY. You can park at Duncton Village Hall or the Catholic church off the A285 towards Petworth. What3words: puffed.awesome.gobblers

By bus: No 99 from Chichester to Petworth. Please join us for some refreshments at the Badgers pub after the walk.

Wednesday, October 21 – 10.30am – Cocking

Leader: Alison & Peter

Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins Distance: 6.5 miles. A lovely ramble along the paths of West Dean woods. A moderately strenuous longer walk with some steep gradients. Will be muddy if it has rained recently. Suitable for people who enjoy a faster paced walk.

Meet: Cocking Hill car park (nearest postcode GU29 0HT)

By car: A286 Chichester - Midhurst road

By bus: No 60 from Chichester every 30 mins.

Wednesday, October 21 – 10.30am – Chichester Canal Basin to Poyntz Bridge Hunston *New Walk*

Leader: Caroline

Duration: 1 hr 30 mins Distance: 3 miles.

A gently paced walk along the canal and back with the opportunity for coffee at the café on the canal basin on return. Suitable for beginners and those getting back into walking. This path can be a little muddy if wet. No dogs. Meet: The Canal Basin, Basin Road, Chichester. In front of the café , this is just south of both the railway and bus station. There is not easy parking nearby but there are car parks within walking distance.

Thursday, October 22 – 10.30am – West Wittering Beach & East Head Circular

Leader: Jane B

Duration: 2.5 hrs. Distance: 5 miles.

Lovely beach, shoreline, and field walk. During the walk you will experience the beauty of West Wittering Beach at a quiet time of the year. Also, the unique landscape of East Head and the entry to Chichester Harbour. Once we leave the shoreline we will circle back through West Wittering, returning past the ancient church. Flat with some soft sand and uneven surfaces.

Meet: West Wittering Beach café, 200 yards from the entry to the beach car park. Parking about £3.00 for an off-season pre-booked ticket (however there are parking machines available in the car park). Refreshments and toilets available in the cafe. Social refreshments after the walk in the cafe at the end of the walk. Dogs are welcome on this walk. By car: Travelling south out of Chichester, take the A286 signposted to the Wittering’s. At the first roundabout take the second exit onto the B2179, signposted to the Wittering’s. Follow the road, after a couple of miles you will see a row of shops on your right. Shortly after you will see a signpost on your right directing you to West Wittering Beach Car Park. By bus: No. 52 & 53 every 15 minutes from Chichester Railway station. You can catch the bus to West Wittering village, and it is a short, safe walk to the beach car park. What3words: suppose.conveged.amphibian.