03 Nov 2013: Kingley Vale to Stoughton
| Walk descriptor | Test walk | |||
| Day | 04 | Start to end time | 03h 03m | |
| Date | Sun 03 Nov 2013 | Cu miles | 6.43 | |
| Start point | Kingley Vale | End point | Stoughton | |
| Miles today | 6.43 | Miles left | 9999 | |
| Ft ascent | 1074 |
| Today’s weather | Bright sunny with occasional showers. Light wind. Still quite mild for time of year |
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Today’s location (the red circle and cross shows where I am at the moment) |
GPX based track of today’s walk (click here to access downloadable file) |
Commentary
An Autumn walk in the South Downs National Park with friends. Beautiful bright and breezy day, and a really interesting day out in the UK’s newest National Park. Ancient yew trees were said to have been planted in Kingley Vale by the residents of Chichester after seeing off a Viking attack in the 10th century. Some of the trees are thought to be even older. From the top of the Downs, at the Devil’s Humps (old Bronze Age fortifications), the views in all directions were spectacular. To the South, stunning views of flat lands near Portsmouth and as far as Brighton, with the needle of Chichester cathedral clearly standing out. To the North, excellent views into the main body of the South Downs. Stopped for a pint and crisps at the Hare and Hounds pub in Stoughton, then headed back over the hill to get to the car just as the heavens opened and normal Autumn weather resumed.
Today’s photos (click to enlarge)
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At the entrance to the Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve |
On way up Stoke Down |
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Ancient yew tree in nature reserve |
Looking West from Bow Hill |
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With Pollaidh at the Devil’s Humps |
Team photo under boughs of 700 year old yew tree |
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The previous day’s blog follows below the blue line
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