9/9/07 - Despite the walk clashing with the Bestival, 14 members turned out for the day's walk.
Leaving Firestone Copse for Havenstreet, passing the pub and the church heading into Pondcast Lane, then across the fields to Rowlands Lane. Whilst walking through Kemphill Moor copse, we heard the 'toot' of the steam loco whistle, but mistimed our arrival at the rail crossing to see the steam train.
Much to the relief of certain members, the fields were cow-free, after the experiences of the previous attempt at this route. Once again we crossed Rowlands Lane, then headed toward Little Duxmore, and Duxmore Farm, with views of the Bestival in the distance.
At Duxmore Farm, a very helpful resident told us that the footpath to Combley Farm (our intended route) was closed due to the Bestival, and suggested we use the private track to Hoglease Copse and Deadman's Brook to join our planned route close to Guildford Farm.
After a lunch break near Deadman's Brook, we set off towards Guildford Farm, some very nervous members climbing the stile into a field with horses close to the stile, but Christine was on hand to calm the nervous.
From Guildford Farm we headed toward Great Briddlesford Farm, and another crossing of the steam railway, as we were about to head off, another 'toot' of the steam whistle, so we waited by the track, but no loco. Heading off towards Wootton, five minutes later we heard the train pass by where we'd been standing.
As we reached Hurst Copse, we inspected a Victorian ice house, then Martin took us on a slight detour, on the permissive paths through the copse, after which we carried on towards Wootton Bridge, turning into Firestone Copse Rd, towards Firestone Copse.

Leader - Alf

Total Distance - 8.7 Miles

Average speed - 2.6 mph