Hawker Hunter at Ford
We do like to be beside the seaside
Street entertainers at Chichester
Guarding the Centurion Way
Gurkha bridgeHaving given A group a few minutes to set off from Henfold, Pete M led Irene, Pam, Brian G, Dave J, Ed, Ian, Ray D and Terry to Newdigate thence via Rusper, Horsham outskirts (ominously named Doomsday Lane?), Mannings Heath and Monks Gate to a leisurely pub lunch at Nuthurst. The north-easterly had helped us so far, but a little sunshine would have been welcome. We continued south eventually arriving at Steyning where Dave was disappointed to find the cycle shop shut (half-day Wednesday ?) - there were some vintage-ish bikes in the window ! Shortly we had a good view of the long closed cement works, the sun started to break through and the A group appeared on their homeward leg. Keeping west of the Adur we soon arrived at Shoreham Airport for a welcome tea and cake break and view of the intrepid aviators. Then a ride along the coast to Ferring where we were obliged to head inland a little, eventually rejoining the coast road at Rustington, about three miles from our destination, Littlehampton Youth Hostel. This is a self-catering hostel, so we dined at Wetherspoons, a short stroll away.
Thursday morning a full English breakfast was taken at a nearby cafe, and at about 0945 we departed, having been joined by my daughter's partner, Paul. The land is pretty flat south of the South Downs (spot heights on the OS are all single figures) so we had a fairly undemanding ride along the lanes past the Hawker Hunter on a pole (RNAS Ford gate guardian) to Chichester where we had 11s alfresco. In the pedestrian area we saw and heard a three piece band - Dave declined a suggestion he should do a solo. Soon we joined the Centurion Way - yet another ex railway track, now a pleasant cyclist/pedestrian route (named by a local schoolboy) with various interesting sculptures and a Roman amphitheatre to see. The track ends at West Dean where there is a conveniently located pub. So far, so good, but after heading east at Singleton and riding through quiet villages alongside a crystal clear stream, we faced TODAY'S HILL just beyond East Dean. Climbing this certainly warranted a rest, we eventually set off, some ups, some downs, crossed the A29 and A27 and after Brian had topped up his slow case of deflation, we arrived for 3s at Belinda's tearooms in Arundel. These tearooms have existed since the 16th century, the experience accrued was evident in the cream teas. Most chose to have the evening meal at the hostel, a few went to a pub in town, enjoying a nice riverside walk back in the dark.
The north-east wind was still blowing Friday morning but the sun was shining as Pete led us up and down the track to North Stoke. The views from the top were really wonderful. We walked to see the quite new Gurkha bridge - apparently they cleared the site and erected it in a weekend. Back on the bikes we continued along the lanes to Amberley and West Chiltington to Barns Green for a slightly early pub lunch (no 11s possible). Shortly we passed through Christ's Hospital, over Littlehaven level crossing to 3s at Tanhouse farm where there were several numbered lambs and mums to watch. The usual route then led to Leatherhead where we split up to make our own ways.
Terry
Thursday morning a full English breakfast was taken at a nearby cafe, and at about 0945 we departed, having been joined by my daughter's partner, Paul. The land is pretty flat south of the South Downs (spot heights on the OS are all single figures) so we had a fairly undemanding ride along the lanes past the Hawker Hunter on a pole (RNAS Ford gate guardian) to Chichester where we had 11s alfresco. In the pedestrian area we saw and heard a three piece band - Dave declined a suggestion he should do a solo. Soon we joined the Centurion Way - yet another ex railway track, now a pleasant cyclist/pedestrian route (named by a local schoolboy) with various interesting sculptures and a Roman amphitheatre to see. The track ends at West Dean where there is a conveniently located pub. So far, so good, but after heading east at Singleton and riding through quiet villages alongside a crystal clear stream, we faced TODAY'S HILL just beyond East Dean. Climbing this certainly warranted a rest, we eventually set off, some ups, some downs, crossed the A29 and A27 and after Brian had topped up his slow case of deflation, we arrived for 3s at Belinda's tearooms in Arundel. These tearooms have existed since the 16th century, the experience accrued was evident in the cream teas. Most chose to have the evening meal at the hostel, a few went to a pub in town, enjoying a nice riverside walk back in the dark.
The north-east wind was still blowing Friday morning but the sun was shining as Pete led us up and down the track to North Stoke. The views from the top were really wonderful. We walked to see the quite new Gurkha bridge - apparently they cleared the site and erected it in a weekend. Back on the bikes we continued along the lanes to Amberley and West Chiltington to Barns Green for a slightly early pub lunch (no 11s possible). Shortly we passed through Christ's Hospital, over Littlehaven level crossing to 3s at Tanhouse farm where there were several numbered lambs and mums to watch. The usual route then led to Leatherhead where we split up to make our own ways.
Terry
