18/3/07 - Thirteen of us met at Rookley Village Green, 10 members, and 3 potential new members, unaware of the baptism of fire they were about to receive, and 3 dogs also allowed out to play.

Leaving Rookley via Bunkers Lane, we headed along a lane, footpaths and a ploughed field towards Chillerton, where we did a right turn towards Gatcombe church, from here we headed to Snowdrop Lane and Garstons, no snowdrops, but several large clumps of primroses. >From Garstons we headed towards Chillerton town, now totally exposed to the strong northwesterly wind. Some found the climb up Chillerton down slightly arduous. Lunch was at a disused pit, to gain shelter from the wind, but as we were about to set off the heavens opened and threw rain, sleet and hail at us.

Making our way along the ridge of the downs towards the now defunct TV transmitter (the group seems to have an affinity this this relic of the past, a monument to the days of only two TV channels, in black and white, and a loud whistle from the back of the TV).

Coming down off Chillerton Down, we were now the other end of Chillerton village, we headed along the Shepherd's Trail, towards Roslin, and Lower Rill, through Rookley Farm and back into Rookley.

Leader - Cherry

Total Distance - 9 Miles