Downs Link - Horsham to Southwater

It had been a cloudy but dry day so far, cold with the snow still on the ground.  Needed to get out and do some walking , so decided that the Downs Link would be nice and not too muddy where the snow had started to thaw a little.
 
Walked up the Guildford Road to Broadbridge Heath, through the Village, the via the underpass under the A 281 into Wickhurst Lane.

Very upsetting all the building that is going on on GREEN fields - there is so much derelict land around, why build on green fields? - (sorry rant over).

The frozen Mill Pond is now only a few hundred yards from the building site :(










Crossed over the River Arun and continued to follow the path through the woods, which in a few months time will be covered in bluebells.

In a short while pass the old Itchingfield tip and join the road at Westons Hill - You are now on the Downs Link, although this part follows the road, as this section of the old railway line has not been converted to footpath / bridleway etc. At the next junction turn left on the Christs Hospital Road.

Follow the road over the railway bridge of the current railway, with the playing fields of Christs Hospital School in front of you.  Turn right and follow the Downs Link signs onto the footpath that runs along side the current railway line.
Shortly you will see a post saying Southwater 1  1/2 miles - its actually nearer to 2 miles !!

When the path divides, take the right hand path trough the woods, which is in fact part of the old railway cutting. There was still quite a lot
of snow here.

You come out of the woody area, and go under the road bridge with the Bax Castle pub on the left hand side.

No stopping here today, as its shut in the afternoon during the week in the winter, and also the light will be going soon.

Less than a mile now to Southwater, and there is now dampness in the air.  Crossing the last field before Southwater it was now sleety rain, and I was glad the end was in sight.

Arrived at the old Southwater Station and the weather was getting worse.  Was just about to phone Martin to come and get me, when he turned up in the car, so did not have to wait.

Apart from the last few hundred yards it was a very good 5 1/2 mile afternoon walk, and just great to get out for a couple of hours.