Chichester Yacht Club Magazine December 2019 | Page 13

West Marden walk
Saturday 9th November
By Jane and John Gosnell
The second walk of the season was a circular walk from West
Marden, the starting point being the popular Victoria Inn.
We gathered at 9.30 to don our walking gear and pre-order
our lunch. At this point it was still dry but the rather dismal
forecast indicated heavy rain before the morning was out.
Some opted for full waterproofs at this point and it was soon
time to get going and make the most of the dry spell while it
lasted.
Full of stoic optimism, the 34 walkers struck out towards the
first challenge, the climb up Locksash Lane, it certainly got the
collective blood flowing! Catching our collective breath we
regrouped at the top before continuing on past the farm, then
down through a wooded section before turning north up and
over open land. Despite the cloud we enjoyed some far
reaching views onwards to the South Downs ridge ahead and
back towards the coast. We stopped for an early coffee break
at the high point of the outward walk and with the dark skies
of rain in sight and getting ever closer, it was time for the rest
of the group to break out the rain jackets.
We crossed Long Lane and continued heading north for a
further half mile before our route turned back for West
Marden. By this time the rain had set in, and a range of
umbrellas broke out, fortunately it was not windy. And yes,
Chris Dickenson’s hair remained as immaculate as ever!
The final ascent was up over the ridge of Telegraph Hill, with super views to the valley below us before a gentle de-
scent back to the crackling log fire and warm welcome of the Victoria Inn. Donna and Toby are great hosts, and soon
everyone was seated with drinks and a well deserved lunch was served.
Thanks to all those who came and braved the weather, the rain may have dampened them but it did not dampen their
copious chat or good humour. What a resilient group of people the CYC ramblers are.
The following day the sun shone in a clear blue sky, so fitting for the many Remembrance Parades.
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