Route 5 Picketty Cottages To The White Lion PH

1.1 miles with a gentle climb of 40 metres over the distance. Unmade up footpaths and metalled track only suited to pedestrians. Short section on B2139.

The walk starts at the junction of the Coolham Road (B2139) and West Chiltington Road. Here is Thakeham’s first commercial vineyard started with planting in 2018 and harvesting due in a year or two. About 10 hectares have been planted and the provision of a purpose built shop and cafe is expected early in 2021. There is already a mobile cafe and a car park in place accessed from the West Chiltington Road. The owners, Kinsbrook, who already produce wine at their vineyard at Barns Green, have improved the sight lines for traffic at the junction but care here and for the first hundred yards of the walk is needed. Opposite the junction are Picketty Cottages, relatively old but they do not appear on a 1875 map. Follow the B2139 to the south and after a dangerous corner take the footpath to the left with a small brook and rear gardens then on the right.

Follow the brook alongside two small fields and then pass through a metal pedestrian gate and cross the brook on a pair of planks. The path now leads due south with a gentle upward incline and rather scrubby woodland to the right. This is a favourite site for nightingales, which can be seen and heard but particularly at dawn or in the early evening, and wild orchids. Keep straight ahead to a more mature wood where the footpath kinks to the left and then immediately right. The public right of way is limited to the main path but the landowner, in recognition of the remarkable display of bluebells in the wood to the left, allows restricted access. Notices are posted in April/May.

After 300 yards on the main path through the wood a large field is reached with the path crossing the middle of it. Away to the left are distant views of the South Downs. At the corner of the field pass through a swing gate and take the grass track for 200 yards to the Bramblefield junction. Continue south along a metalled track which, after 300 yards, swings to the left. At this point take the footpath straight ahead which leads onto the Glebe Field. This small area within the Thakeham Conservation Area is owned by the Diocese but leased by the Parish Council in order to allow it to be developed as a more bio-diverse site and enjoyed by residents and visitors. Take the steps in the near corner of the field down to the Street and turn left. The White Lion is forward on the right.

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