Six emerged from the early train (which was about 10 minutes delayed) and quickly dispensed with formalities to promptly set off knowing they had a long way to go before lunch. The route begins in familiar territory but soon branches further afield towards Stoughton and Kingly Vale -- through stunning rolling countryside -- looking really fab -- a solid show of bluebells, several oilseed rape fields in blossom, trees just leaving out -- a riot of spring color! At the Devil's Humps we spent some time enjoying the fine views far and wide before we traveling on to Hooksway for lunch, arriving as planned about 1.45pm and at exactly the same time as two others from the later train, making for 8 in total. After an enjoyable lunch, the two from the later train continued on the route 68 main walk and the remaining 5 pub lunchers plus 1 picknicker continued on the Grande Circular route. The afternoon route was also very enjoyable with fine views and woods awash in wild garlic, some of which was just starting to flower. The 5 lunchers stopped at the Red Lion for some much-needed rehydration (some with puddings) before the final push back to Rowlands Castle -- arriving about 8pm -- time to gather some provisions and a quick drink in the pub before catching the slightly delayed 8:28pm! A fine grande day out in great company and mostly sunny conditions .

I should have realised you were the SWC group, sorry. I was in the red jacket on the same train home when one of you spoke to me. Inspired by this SWC walk for the day, I did 15 miles starting at 12.30. fantastic day, but I had few words at the end.

hi anonymous, glad you enjoyed the walk, hope you can join us on a future walk.

Going. Thanks for scheduling.

Hi. Why so early a start? It's a long walk, but a long day. New to grouo and hoping for a good turnout. Cheers.

Hi Dirk thanks for posting this very long walk. Love to attend but could only do the 16 miles. Last bus from South Harting to Petersfield is 16.34 and not sure if I can catch it. Failing that is another 4 miles to Petersfield station or a share taxi if other members are dropping out at 16 miles. Anyone interested in the 16 miles? Monica.

Plan to do the 16m or so Rowlands Cross Circular, not the Grand Circ. Getting 9am train.

Dirk thank you for posting.

What time will we (average walkers) get to the White horse pub for lunch?

Have you booked a table?

Is it possible to get to Uppark House by 4.30 pm when the bus leaves, if stopping for pub lunch?

Thanks

The lunch monitor

Hi Dirk,

Please respond to TLM's question. Thanks.

I will come if I manage to catch the 6:49 train...

Rich

Re below questions: It is about 16km to the White Horse, we start walking at about 9:30 and should be at the pub at about 13:00, which requires an average walking pace of about 4.5km/h, doable, but no dillydallying possible. From the pub it is about 8km to the bus stop near Uppark House. Assuming that the pub serves speedily we could be off by 14:00, which gives you about 2.5 hours to catch the bus at 16:34 which requires an average pace of 3.2km/h. However, there are several steep climbs between lunch and Uppark House. So, it is possible to catch the bus, but you need to walk at a brisk pace.

Alternatively, if there are several walkers who would like to finish the walk early you could walk down to South Harting (less than 1km) and get a taxi from there to Petersfield.

I have not reserved a table. Depending on numbers and weather (they have a patio) I will do so at the station.

The White Horse is closed tomorrow for a wedding.

The Lunch Monitor

Then it will be the Royal Oak. They are open.

n = 7

w = sunshine and cloud, with one shower

Seven (one new to the movement) started the walk at 9.25 and kept up a fast pace, reaching the friendly Royal Oak by around 1.30, all doing the Grand Circular route up to this point. The Christmas pudding - available all year round - was a hit with one walker, while two others enjoyed the apple crumble. Another reported that the venison pie was satisfactory but doubted whether the meat had ever formed part of a deer. Four then continued with the Grand Circular route (24m), while three took the shorter Circular (16m or so). I'm told the quartet found the second half of the walk even better than the first and that they stopped at two other pubs, getting the 7.47 train (I think) back. The trio had an interesting and largely food-oriented chat curated by the genial ex-chef in our number. A great day for all concerned in great company with plenty of new and old memories shared. Thanks to Dirk for scheduling it.

Plus copious orchids on the walk including a greater butterfly orchid alongside the path before the Royal Oak (making six orchid species in all) plus a magnificent beech then yew lined avenue and last but not least, a wooded glade of Solomon's seals. A kestrel also inspected the walkers. Three of the walkers on the longer walk felt the need for further refreshment at the Red Lion and caught the 19:45 train leaving the other to catch the 18:45 with plenty of time to spare.

Anyone for the circular walk catching the 0900hr train?

5 regulars and 1 neophyte emerged on the platform in Rowlands Castle immediately setting off under bright blue clear skies . A brisk pace was set over fears of not reaching the lunch pub (10 miles away) in time -- though time was taken to admire some stunning views from the tops of some hills not previously explored by the SWC. We arrived at the lunch pub in ample time and enjoyed our lunches in shade in the garden. Towards the end of lunch, we were joined by 2 from the later train who decided to reverse walk the new morning route. After lunch, we bumped into yet another off an even earlier train who had paid a visit to Uppark -- making a total of 9 on this new long walk. Towards the end of the walk, we stopped in the lovely Red Lion in Charlton for early evening bevies before completing the final stretch over and along the downs in beautiful evening light -- a super ending for a grand day out! Most caught the 19:46 and 2 the 20:46 (after a meal at the Castle Inn). This new route is interesting and varied with grand views and nice Woodlands with loads of wild garlic.