So back to one of my favourite areas to walk in and an afternoon exploring the area around Hindhead Common. Quite a few cars parked in the car park which proved tricky to pay for as I couldn’t get the app to work. Resolved by a warden with a card reader and an opportune use of the loos in the cafe meant I could then set off. I had decided to head off across one of the main paths above the ‘Punchbowl’ and create a circuit round. I was trying not to repeat too much that I had done before although I knew there might be short stretches of overlap.
I forgot to record the map to begin with in my eagerness to get walking but having started in the car park by the information sign, I went straight across. Still not sure if I can work out what this sculpture is representing but decided I had to continue on my way !
Almost immediately I am able to look across and see magnificent views over the Devil’s Punchbowl. I still haven’t walked down the bottom- perhaps next time.
I am at this point following one of the many waymarked trails and I find myself next to the ‘Sailor’s Stone’. From this point the route of the old A3 is very clear.
The Sailor’s Stone
In 1786 a sailor was brutally murdered by three men whilst walking between London and Portsmouth. The stone was erected to mark the spot where this poor sailor met his death.
I purposely decided to divert away from Gibbet Hill as I had visited on the last two occasions and although my route took me down around a spur of the hill and back up again that is part of the charm of this area. That and walking in woodland but then having good views. I was tempted to go to the Temple of the four winds but decided to leave that for another occasion.
I had to do a bit of negotiation with a workman in this area. He wasn’t too keen on me passing his JCB and going down a really rough gully – which in fairness they were trying to repair/ make safer. I genuinely didn’t see the sign which suggested no access to walkers. After suggesting I really didn’t want to double back and promising to be very careful , he let me through!
A slightly strange feeling to think I am giving over the top of the A3 and then I’m quite close to it; walking along an embankment above the road but hidden from view. A little further along here I see a mile stone- not just London but Hyde Park Corner! This track eventually leads to another small car park just off of a minor road running side by side with this major route way. Although not too noisy I’m glad to be turning away from the hum of cars to the song of birds.
Having turned almost a right angle there were still portions of tarmac , suggesting an old road. So having gone up and over and round a spur the path turned again and I was heading down a track towards an area with several farms. Little Cowdray Farm stood out to me, reminding me of my days at school in Midhurst, just a few miles away and our sports field by Cowdray ruins. There is something special about seeing fields that have been cut and bailed.
Another reminder of times working on a farm and stacking the smaller cuboid bales. I do remember that hay was much heavier than straw.
Next a reminder of home with Ridgeway Farm! Then for perhaps the best bit of the walk. Definitely turning back towards the car park and a wonderful woodland trail. Part of me was tempted to cut down to the bottom of the bowl but I was enjoying the path too much for that. I do like the way that trees help to form important land dividers or boundary markers.
All too soon I’m back at the car park – just over 9 kilometres but very pleasant and great to be back walking in this area.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 