Circular walk taking in Duncton Hill perfect for exercise in lockdown
ockdown number three is presenting more issues over the TV remote control. Instead of being a football widow I am finding that more TV time is spent watching the sport that no longer seems to only occupy Saturday afternoons!
Last Saturday was such a day when Crawley Town played against Leeds United and what a win. A Premier League team being beaten by Crawley Town FC was magical, even for a nonfootball fan!
Duncton Hill, just outside of Petworth, offers some of the most far-reaching views over Petworth, Duncton village, Fittleworth and Midhurst.
You can see for miles on a clear day across to Leith Hill in Surrey,
There is a 4.2km loop trail located near East Dean that offers scenic views and is good for all walking levels.
The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips and, in normal terms, good to take in a few local country public
Lhouses as well. A circular walk from the top of Duncton Hill heads east taking a clockwise route crossing the A258 halfway round and looping to the west before returning to the starting point.
With a north wind you might see gliders flying out of nearby Parham airfield in Storrington (not sure they are allowed during lockdown).
Apparently, this is an ideal area for ridge soaring and they likely to come over just above treetop height.
There are expansive views throughout the walk which is mainly across open downland. The walk is up and down as you would expect on the South Downs, but not too challenging.
Duncton is a village in the district of Chichester close covering 1,977 acres.
It has Roman remains hidden under some of the most picturesque lands with an Anglican and Roman Catholic church as well as a public house named after past residents who played cricket for Sussex in the 19th century.
Florence de Fonblanque died in Duncton in 1949 and is buried in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Anglican church with a headstone inscribed: Originator and leader of the women’s suffrage march from Edinburgh to London 1921.
She was born in London to a family of cracker makers and confectionery, was part educated in Brighton and became an actress.
I had the pleasure of playing croquet on an occasion in Duncton on the two well-kept pitches in the parish.
With water running at a similar temperature throughout the year, Duncton Mill trout fishery must be a must for anglers with beautiful lakes surrounded by tranquillity, wildlife and greenery.
New owners apparently have improved the facilities and fishing opportunities.
The listed mill also offers a venue for weddings and events with a timber events barn, and a beautiful lakeside setting for bespoke outdoor dining, so one to remember post lockdown.