Sunday 9th August was another very hot day. We started at the north end of Bolney village. This walk is frequently very muddy, so it was a pleasure to have it completely dry underfoot for a change.
Six of us set off on the bridleway leading from the end of The Street onto an adulating path that was pleasingly shaded. We passed through the grounds of Wykehurst Park, a Victorian mansion often used for film sets. New barbed wire fences had been erected - presumably to prevent rogue hikers or film fans from straying from the path. Nearby, we noticed this interesting bracket fungus known as chicken-of-the-woods at the base of an oak tree. It is named for its chicken-like texture and taste.
After a short walk along Jeremy’s Lane and Colwood Lane, we turned onto a path leading past a small lake and across fields, where we stopped for a short coffee break in a patch of shade. Turning southward, we walked through Rout Farm and along the fenced-in path to rejoin the road briefly before turning into some welcome woodland shade. Awe noticed  field on our left contained some rather charming alpacas. Our route continued through Mallards Wood, with a glimpse of the Bolney Vineyard to our right. Finally, we emerged onto Lodge Lane and returned to our parked cars. The walk was led by Anne.