Walk Report

Circular from Horsham, Saturday 8th October 2011
14 walkers, 22 miles - leader Jerome Ripp
A very lively party of 14 took part in this lovely walk on a fine autumn day through parkland, woods and the Downs link disused rail track. A re-inauguration for one member, a pre wedding celebration for another and the humour of DW to keep our spirits high. There were some lovely buildings to be seen en route; the church at West Grinstead being prepared for the harvest festival with free lamb roast (dash, we got the wrong day for our walk); the manor house at West Grinstead, Little Stammerham Farm which was definitely not little and dated back in part to 1250 and the impressive grandeur of Christ's Hospital school. A short stretch of the A24 was a good way to waken any sleepy people, especially one who had arrived late and blamed it on the trains! In the late afternoon we made an ascent of the south face of Sharpenhurst Hill and admired the view from the 86 metre-high summit. The return into Horsham was quite an adventure as the path went straight through the leisure centre complex (are we doing a Triathlon, said one) but all was sorted and as often happens with this leader the final mileage was 22, an extra 10% on what had been promised.

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