Day Walk – Whiteways Lodge
Sunday 7th June 2026
Thankfully the weather improved for our walk around the villages of Bury and Bignor. We set off from Whiteways car park and followed Monarchs Way to Houghton stopping briefly (outside!) the George and Dragon to remember Charles II's escape from Oliver Cromwell's army. The future King stopped at the pub on Tuesday 21st October 1651 for a much needed ale! We then walked along the River Arun to Bury stopping at the old wharf for a tea break. A ferry linked Bury with Amberley for many years.
After walking through the historic church grounds we headed across country towards the village of Bignor. Our lunch stop was at the Bignor Roman Villa (making use of their picnic tables and toilets!). After lunch we walked around historic Bignor gazing at the beautiful thatched cottages. After a nice flat walk we then tackled the climb up to the top of the Downs joining the South Downs Way for glorious views over the Downs and the wind rippling over the young shoots of wheat (or was it barley!). We finished just before 3 o'clock back at the car park having walked about 10.2 miles with an elevation of 832 feet'. A lovely walk enjoyed by all.
James
Day Walk - The Dover and Angmering Estate
15th February 2026
With the forecast showing 100% rain for most of the day, the walk was reduced slightly and the start delayed. However, 7 hardy souls (and Poppy the dog) headed off from Dover Lane Car on the Angmering Estate and were rewarded with better weather than expected! We welcomed a new Member along (Neil).
As the rain came down we walked through the woods and headed for the village of Wepham (adjacent to Burpham). We decided to have an early refuge (and lunch break) at the wonderfully named Splash Farm (next to a very deep Ford). The mini farm shop is a delight with milkshakes, fresh milk and locally sourced meat in a freezer as well as coffees, hot chocolate and cakes. Well worth a stop and we were pleasantly surprised to see the rain had eased off considerably once we ventured out again.
A gradual climb up to the top of the Downs was not too muddy and once on the chalk dry conditions under foot. The rain stopped at this point and we were walking in mist and above the clouds hanging in the valleys. Poppy kept rounding us up if anyone started to lag behind and we were able to see a number of kites hanging in the thermals above our heads. We then headed back into the rather eerie dark pine forest and through a few boggy sections to complete our circular walk back to the car park. Despite the forecast we completed about 13k and had a very enjoyable walk.
James
Day Walk - Washington and Sullington
24 January 2026
Despite a week of rain 10 intrepid walkers set off from Washington village and we're blessed with a day of sun. From the village we walked to Windlesham School and then up to the South Downs Way. A quick lunch sheltering in a hay barn was a relief from the cold wind.
We then meandered down into Sullington gazing at the Saxon Church and the veteran 1,300 year old yew tree!
A very enjoyable walk ended with a tipple in the Frankland Arms in front of a log fire.
James
Corsica 2025
On 7th September this year 4 of us met at Gatwick for our flight to Figari in Corsica for a 10 day trek following the Mare e Monti sud and the Mare e Mare Sud. Both routes were well defined, offered plenty of views but also, luckily, plenty of shade as it was very hot, usually at least 30 degrees.
We took a taxi to Bisinao, the start point of our trek, from where we followed a gentle route along the coast as far as Olmetto. We then joined the Mare e Mare Sud and headed East into the higher ground, passing remote, ancient villages that clung to the mountain sides. We enjoyed a range of interesting overnight stays, experienced a variety of picnic lunches and ate a lot of ‘sanglier’. Our trek ended in Porto Vecchio where we spent a day testing the local transport and exploring the town before our return flight to Gatwick.
Jacqui