Walk Report

The Ockley Stagger, Saturday 29th August 2020
6 walkers, 22.6 miles - leader Jerome Ripp
A delightful footpath starts at Ockley station and through woods and fields to the village of Ockley and Jaynes Park from where there is a full-frontal view of the Leith Hill Tower. Coming from the south gives a good climb finishing with the steps from Windy Gap and enjoying a good view and refreshments at the top. A short stretch on the Greensand Way and then south through quieter fields and woodland tracks via Forest Green and Ewhurst Green to the vast estate of Baynards Park where we partook of lunch in a field. Near Rudgwick we joined the Sussex Border Path which was followed east for the next 2 hours with some splendid views north to Leith Hill and south to the Downs. At Paynes Green the Stagger became a Gallop as we sprinted to just reach the station in time for the hourly service at 5.24. A rather grey cold day with a real mix of weather and the recent rain had brought a suggestion that our "old friend" might soon be with us again. Yes, you guessed it - MUD!

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