Back on Harting Down in West Sussex yesterday (Saturday), walking a circular
route north and east. Started out from the car park above South Harting,
following the South Downs Way east to the top of Bramshott Bottom. Turned
north and dropped of The Downs, passing through East Harting and along a
track out to Woodhouse Farm. All going great until an herd of young cows
belonging to the Woodhouse farm, decided they didn't like us being in their
field! Gave us a bit of 'agrro', however the trekking poles came in very
handy keeping them at bay. Battle over, we continued on footpaths over to
Dumpford Manor Farm, then east to Mitchell's Common for lunch. Rain caught
us just as we neared the common, though it didn't last all that long. After
lunch, we headed south for Treyford village, soon to encountered our second
set of 'unfriendly' young cows - again the poles came in very useful. Must
be that time of year! Things got worse though, just before Treyford we had
three fields to cross with what looked like young cows but lacking of
udders! (Not sure what version of cows they were!) Anyway, a couple of these
beasties got rather agitated and started rising so yet again the poles were
swinging wildly ....... but more so this time. This was the most scariest
moment of our three encounters and glad it was the last 'cattle' field we
had to cross. Having survived our final encounter, we passed through
Treyford and rejoined the South Downs Way up from Old Buriton Farm. Heading
west, we crossed over Pen Hill followed by Beacon Hill, then back over
Harting Down to the car.
Brilliant 13 mile walk but didn't like those horrid cows..... oh! and not
the best route at this time of year in shorts ... plenty of overgrown
little-used paths with rather large nettles to pass through.
Selection of photos at web address below.
--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
'Mountains or Mole Hills, summiting
still brings the same excitement!'