October 14th 24 - Frances and Richard Morris

 GFC Walk Monday 14 th October 2024

Hascombe, The Hurtwood, Vann and back via the Raswell led by Frances and Richard Morris

Ten intrepid walkers, with faith in weather forecasting, set off in light rain from the car park opposite the White Horse Pub in Hascombe. The initial stretch was up hill in 2 stages through the Autumnal woodland to the Hurtwood plantation where sweet chestnut leaves and fruits littered our path.

After following the wide path across the Hurtwood, we were presented with a challenge of very recently fallen tree trucks across the upper path decending to Markwick Lane. This was overcome by two gentlemen sitting on them so they could be stepped over more easily!

On the Greensand Way passing Burgate House we met the only significant mud of the walk but were soon rewarded by a convenient log for our coffee stop and could gaze towards the misty Weald and imagine the South Downs in the distance.

By now the rain had completely stopped and we continued along a quiet lane to Vann House and turned down a farm road to Burgate Farm, passing some significant tractor real estate by a huge shed. The track back towards Markwick Lane from here was in fact a long, gentle incline which proved a little challenging for some and one leader went on quickly to collect a walker and her companion by car.

The rest of us continued across a field and slight hill to a path round the edge of the Raswell with now clearer views towards the South Downs and then Hascombe Hill through the Autumnal bracken. We descended towards the B2130 over two low styles, crossing the road at the Saw Mill and into the Hascombe Estate with a level walk back towards our starting point. There was one final challenge though, down tree root formed steps to avoid the sunken lane and its seasonal mud.

The total walk was exactly 5 miles with a few challenges but very little mud considering the recent rain and was very peaceful and quiet with distant misty views. Five walkers lunched at the White Horse afterwards and, though the food was tasty, the service was rather slow.

Walkers: RM, FM, LF, MC, SS, AG, HR, JR, JE, SE