Lewes Footpaths Group walk report
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When we set off from Danehill on Sunday November 8th, the early fog had lifted and we were treated to autumn sunshine for most of the morning.
Most of the walk was through the Birch Grove Estate, much of it in woodland with the trees in lovely autumn colours and several different types of fungus on the ground.
Pheasants could be seen and heard everywhere.
The Estate dates from 1926 and was the home of Harold MacMillan, who died there in 1986. He was visited there by presidents and prime ministers from many countries.
The first part of the walk followed the Greenwich Meridian Trail, which was staked out and waymarked by our former members, Graham and Hilda Heap, in 2009. The path in parts followed drives named after various luminaries who either own or lived on the estate.
Dr Hay’s Drive is named after the current owner, who made his fortune on racehorses and bought the estate in 2011.
The path passed several attractive small lakes. Towards the northern end of the estate, we started our return, through more woods to the hamlet of Birch Grove.
After another descent down a field and ascent through more woods, we passed across a golf course, descended into more woods and followed an attractive wooded valley, finally returning to Danehill.
The walk was led by Alan.