Jonathan Howard is Walking
From Dorset to East Sussex
Jonathan Howard is walking from Dorset to East Sussex to raise money for charity and one of the charities that he is supporting is The King’s Royal Hussars Regimental Trust (Welfare Fund). Jonathan lives in Kington Magna, Dorset, and served in the Royal Hussars and King's Royal Hussars from 1975 - 2010.
Over the past year the Regimental Welfare Fund has distributed in excess of £35,000 to over 50 serving and former members of the Regiment, or family members, who were in need.
Over the past year the Regimental Welfare Fund has distributed in excess of £35,000 to over 50 serving and former members of the Regiment, or family members, who were in need.
Scroll down to follow Jonathan on his walk and read his blog.......
Jonathan and Bella in training and confirming the ethos of the walk
During May Bella and I have decided to walk from our home in Dorset to where I grew up in East Sussex. Now before you get any contrary ideas Bella is the Cavachon dog that I inherited from my mother, not my mistress, as I am still happily married to Louise!
The distance is just under 200 miles if I don’t get lost and should take me about 16 days so you will realise that I have no intention of breaking any records but just getting to the end in one piece and in a fit state to watch plenty of cricket thereafter! The route takes me from Kington Magna along the Ox drove to Salisbury, following the Clarendon Way to Winchester, the South Downs Way to Eastbourne, the 1066 Way to Battle and then cross country to Staplecross. I am aiming to do about 12 miles a day if the body holds up and staying with family, friends and B&Bs along the way. I am also researching the local hostelries en route. The master plan is below. Of course a plan never survives first contact but training has gone well particularly for Bella and so I may have to put a saddle on Bella if all goes wrong!
The distance is just under 200 miles if I don’t get lost and should take me about 16 days so you will realise that I have no intention of breaking any records but just getting to the end in one piece and in a fit state to watch plenty of cricket thereafter! The route takes me from Kington Magna along the Ox drove to Salisbury, following the Clarendon Way to Winchester, the South Downs Way to Eastbourne, the 1066 Way to Battle and then cross country to Staplecross. I am aiming to do about 12 miles a day if the body holds up and staying with family, friends and B&Bs along the way. I am also researching the local hostelries en route. The master plan is below. Of course a plan never survives first contact but training has gone well particularly for Bella and so I may have to put a saddle on Bella if all goes wrong!
I do have a few friends and family joining me for parts of walk including an Aussie friend who injudiciously decided to visit us during May and so he is now bringing his boots! If you want a little exercise do feel free to join Bella and me for a few miles. I would love to hear of any local yarns. Since I think that I have only done one sponsored event in my life which was at University, I felt I should do my second and final one by raising a little for 2 worthy causes. First of all St Michael’s Hospice in Bexhill that looked after my mother so wonderfully well for the final few days of her life 2 years ago. I also wanted to raise something for my Regiment’s Welfare fund not least as I will pass through Winchester and our Home Headquarters en route.
If you would like to contribute then follow the link to donate to the KRH Welfare Fund.
If you would like to contribute then follow the link to donate to the KRH Welfare Fund.
Jonathan's Blog - Read about it here....
Jonathan is starting his walk on Thursday 16th May. He has been through an intensive training regime -
D-1 and there is a plan to get Bella and myself from Dorset to East Sussex and Bella has even been to the hairdresser (girls like this!). Whether it goes to plan is yet to be seen! A walk with Louise and Lilliana Sykes along the Ox Drove and one from Stoke Tristar home via David Roe, who furnished much appreciated refreshment, has been useful in identifying hotspots on the feet!!
D-1 and there is a plan to get Bella and myself from Dorset to East Sussex and Bella has even been to the hairdresser (girls like this!). Whether it goes to plan is yet to be seen! A walk with Louise and Lilliana Sykes along the Ox Drove and one from Stoke Tristar home via David Roe, who furnished much appreciated refreshment, has been useful in identifying hotspots on the feet!!
Days 1 - 3
At end of Day 3 (35.7 miles) and Dorset and Wiltshire now almost through. Still Hampshire and Sussex to go!
At end of Day 3 (35.7 miles) and Dorset and Wiltshire now almost through. Still Hampshire and Sussex to go!
Started from Kington Magna on time and even attempted a selfie of Mark Weller, my Australian friend, me and Bella but probably need a bit more practice. (Photo 1). Route took us through Kington Magna church where we doffed our hats to my mother in law who was buried there last Saturday. About a mile into walk Bella decided she needed some “cow perfume”. Not something I had anticipated but fortunately we came across a trough where she was thoroughly washed but a green sheen to her rear end lingers on!! Andrew and Coco, their Norfolk terrier joined us at Coppleridge Inn for a welcome lunch. An enjoyable walk then took us to the Donheads, mainly through fields with one steep climb to Shaftesbury through Woodland Trust woods, abundant in wild garlic. Remarkably we arrived on time at our overnight stop. We all had distance measuring devices and all gave different readings, ranging from the dispiriting 18 km to 14 miles which is probably more accurate. Our host Madeleine (Photo 2) in her 14th century home made sure that we were fully revived for the next day and also showed us around the farm including her newly purchased Angus bull, Arne, as Eric her previous one was not up to the job! She also showed us the remarkable electric mower, Humphrey, who keeps her lawn in wonderful condition, going up and down the garden 12 hrs a day. Her dining room is also half in Donhead St Mary and half in Donhead St Andrew as in the past the Lord of the Manor was then able to dispense justice to both parishes from one room!
We set off on Day 2 a little late as we had to sample her very tasty home eggs. This had a knock on effect as we needed to do the day in 2 parts to allow me to return to Kington Magna for a great friend’s funeral. Nevertheless the planned walk was completed mainly along the Ox drove which follows the high ground to the South of the A30. It was a slightly bitter, dank day and we were glad to have completed the 12 miles and move to John and Annie, cousins, in Ebbesbourne Wake. (Photo 3). Once again we were entertained royally. They farm but also run an excellent clay pigeon shoot over their land - well worth a day’s outing.
Julian Moir (Photo 4) joined us for Day 3 from Wilton to Pitton. Initially walking along Salisbury Race Course before dropping abruptly down to the River Wyle but at many points allowing magnificent views of Salisbury Cathedral. Just before crossing the old bridge into the city centre we lunched at the Rose and Crown, surrounded by a birthday party for an 105 year old which made us feel very young! We then joined the Clarendon Way, named after an old ruined palace (Photo 5) just to the West of Salisbury used by Kings of England from Henry 1 to Henry VI who began to show signs of insanity there! From here there are lovely beech woods including one that Julian, by hugging the tree, estimated was over 600 years. Pitton is a tranquil village set in a valley and where the Silver Plough offers a welcome beverage. Accommodation was at Old Sarum with great friends from Hong Kong days and again affording a wonderful welcome.
We set off on Day 2 a little late as we had to sample her very tasty home eggs. This had a knock on effect as we needed to do the day in 2 parts to allow me to return to Kington Magna for a great friend’s funeral. Nevertheless the planned walk was completed mainly along the Ox drove which follows the high ground to the South of the A30. It was a slightly bitter, dank day and we were glad to have completed the 12 miles and move to John and Annie, cousins, in Ebbesbourne Wake. (Photo 3). Once again we were entertained royally. They farm but also run an excellent clay pigeon shoot over their land - well worth a day’s outing.
Julian Moir (Photo 4) joined us for Day 3 from Wilton to Pitton. Initially walking along Salisbury Race Course before dropping abruptly down to the River Wyle but at many points allowing magnificent views of Salisbury Cathedral. Just before crossing the old bridge into the city centre we lunched at the Rose and Crown, surrounded by a birthday party for an 105 year old which made us feel very young! We then joined the Clarendon Way, named after an old ruined palace (Photo 5) just to the West of Salisbury used by Kings of England from Henry 1 to Henry VI who began to show signs of insanity there! From here there are lovely beech woods including one that Julian, by hugging the tree, estimated was over 600 years. Pitton is a tranquil village set in a valley and where the Silver Plough offers a welcome beverage. Accommodation was at Old Sarum with great friends from Hong Kong days and again affording a wonderful welcome.
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Day 4.
After being looked after very well by Tim and Rosie the Clarendon Way took us from Pitton to King’s Somborne and a much more undulating and varied route than previous. Joined by Louise, we then passed through the village of Broughton who were hosting their annual fete. That said I highly rate the cheese soufflé at the Taly Ho pub! Close to King’s Somborne at Houghton we crossed the beautiful clear water of the Test. |
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Day 5
Mark and I finished off the Clarendon Way. Beginning the walk at King’s Somborne and passing the hamlet of Ashley with its 12th century castle. Before descending into Winchester we passed the very undulating Royal Winchester Golf Course. One of the conditions put on Mark was that he should visit our Museum which Steve Penkethman kindly opened especially for us. It turned out that Princess Alice, Duchesse of Gloucester had not only been Colonel in Chief to the Royal Hussars but also Mark’s Corps in Australia. We ended the day having completed 2 miles of the South Downs Way! |
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Day 6
After being wonderfully hosted by Louise’s cousins, Rachel and Mike, at Kilmeston I bade farewell to Mark who was prepositioning the support car further East and then flying back to Oz. Just Bella and me on a glorious day from Chilcomb to Exton. The route zig zags across the A272 before going over Beacon Hill from where Winchester Hill (Photo) can be seen and next days major exercise. From there the Solent and Isle of Wight were clearly visible. |
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Day 7
Another glorious day with stunning views too difficult to capture on a mobile. 1st Photo is looking back towards the Meon valley villages of Meonstoke and Exton. Then following a gradual climb we came to the ancient Iron Age Hill Fort on Winchester Hill. (Photo 3) From here the Solent and Isle of Wight were clearly visible (Photo 2) and far to the East where the South Downs Way will take me. By the end of the day, almost half way, and 82 miles completed, Bella is a little tired but will get 14 hours sleep and I have one blister! |
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Day 8
After a very comfortable stay at Hampshire Hog which even provided food for Bella I was joined by Chris for the day. He does much more challenging feats and thus a day out on SDW was a doddle! First photo is the beautiful village of South Harting with its distinctive turquoise spire. Weather was still incredible and plenty of views of what lay ahead and many miles North and South and out of reach of my map. Next stop was an old burial site and then near the end of the day a chalk sculpture below Cocking Hill. Not sure about the sculpture, more likely blown out of the side of the hill by some dynamite! A shepherds hut was the night’s abode. Comfortable enough but no hot water andso a cold shower in a horse trailer was only option and very refreshing. My recent trip to Ethiopia when we didn’t have any hot water or electricity for a week was good preparation! |
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Day 9
Bella had been savaged by the farm owners dog the night before and was very delicate andso I started early and went slowly. A few easy climbs but nothing too massive. Weather still holding well and many more burial mounds especially at Graffham Down. Down into the lovely Arun valley and the night with cousins, Nigel and EA for a most hospitable evening. |
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Day 10
My cousin dropped us off on SDW where I had finished the day before near Amberley. Soon had the normal wonderful views including looking back (Photo) at where we had walked which is always confidence building. Once on the ridge it is fairly level until the lure of the Frankland Arms in Washington where we lunched with Rob, a great friend from cricketing days in Hongkong. (Photo). My son Henry and his girlfriend joined us for the next part which once up Truleigh Hill is level with spectacular views, the first sight of Brighton and the domineering chapel of Lancing College and a music festival near Steyning, (Photo) my night’s abode. As Bella had been in the wars I decided that she needed a day’s rest with cousins and rejoin me on Sunday evening. |
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Day 11
Wow what a day! After 11 1/2 days I managed to pass 2 other walkers! I hope I haven’t peaked too early! From overnight accommodation at Steyning, in fine weather I ascended Truleigh Hill to get more far reaching views. A bit of social/industrial history in the first photo with Lancing College Chapel standing out in the background (building commenced in 1868), in the mid distance the chimney of Shoreham cement factory in Breeding chalk pit (built around 1870s) and in the foreground the electricity pylons of the mid 20th century. At Devil’s Dyke, met up with my son William and his young family (Photo 2) and by now there was a stiff and chilling wind. However all revived by lunch at the excellent Silver Plough at Pyecombe. A free lunch for William as he was bribed into dressing a blister on my toe. For the first time in over a week the weather closed in, misty but not wet. Soon after Ditchling Beacon (Photo 3) I descended to Plumpton with Mandi, a university friend of Louise, and reunited with Louise and Bella. |
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Day 12
Bella revived following her beating up and leading us with tail at full mast. (Photo) Initially a path meanders up through attractive beech woods to the ridge to rejoin the SDW again before heading across the A27 and over the downs to Southease. We met up with Mandi, Louise’s university friend (Photo) on top with spectacular views towards Lewes, Firle Beacon and the White cliffs at Seaford and Seven Sisters. With great excitement we also move into the Eastern Hemisphere (Photo). If I now head 3200 miles south I will reach Accra in Ghana where we had many happy days. (Perhaps another day!). |
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Day 13
Joined by Louise (Photo 1)and Mandi again along a very pleasant stretch commencing at Southease with easy walking on downland pastures via the pretty village of Alfriston famous for its cream teas! Newhaven and a huge wind farm way out to sea were clearly in view to the South. Glyndebourne (Photo 2) and Long Man of Wilmington to North (Photo 4 - very difficult to Photo from the top!) and even a few hazards on the path (Photo 3). Before descending into Jevington we got spectacular views along the coast to Hastings and Bexhill (Photo 5) where St Michael’s Hospice is located. Over 150 miles now so not far to go! |
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Day 14
Start of the 1066 link way from Jevington with Louise joining Bella and me. Initially over the last down, Combe Down, with views of sprawling and expanding Eastbourne and onwards towards some rather vulgar but prominent blocks of flats in Bexhill. Map reading now required to negotiate a slightly unpleasant area with many major road crossings and a large field of wheat without a path across that needed going around. But once onto Pevensey Marsh it is very pleasant, amongst many young lambs and mothers despite the first rain for 10 days. I stuck to fish on the evenings menu! |
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Day 15
After 4 very enjoyable nights at our quirky Plumpton B&B, we left Carol (Photo 1) and drove to the start at Herstmonceux church. We were joined by Hugh, my brother in law, and his 2 very energetic working cocker spaniels. (Photo 2) Back to the norm of glorious weather we passed Herstmonceux Castle (Photo 3) and the old Royal Observatory. After lunch on the top of Tent Hill, Nick Cattell and his charming Slovakian Pointer were waiting for us. (Photo 4) Nick was a corporal in my first troop in Berlin and now lives on the 1066 Way and he kindly replenished dogs and humans alike in his lovely house. He and Hugh, an expert on the Battle of Hastings, filled us in on the local history, showing us the port, now well inland, where William landed and Tent Hill where Harold spent a night before the Battle of Hastings. It was a lovely day with very informative and entertaining companions. One to go! |
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Day 16
The shortest day! It began by dropping my son, George, off at Pevensey Castle (Photo 1) from where he ran the 29 miles to the end whilst Bella, Louise and me plodded the last 9 miles. We started the day at Catsfield still on the 1066 Way and then on to Battle, mainly through woodland. Sadly no sight of the battlefield of Hastings as we were on a tight schedule for lunch! However time for a snap outside Battle Abbey. (Photo 2) Leaving the 1066 Way we took the Willing Way to Staplecross, probably best done in the stinging nettle off season! En route at our lunch pub stop, we picked up George, my sister, Jane and friends Malcolm and Liz for the final leisurely few miles ending at Bella and my childhood home - after 188.1 miles for me and 174 miles for Bella including a day’s rest after being beaten up at Cocking! It is nice when a plan comes together! Remarkably lucky with the weather but fantastically supported by family, friends and Hussars with food, shelter but above all company. Thanks also to all for generous donations to 2 very worthy causes. Bella and I are off today to tell my mother about it at the next door parish church where she is buried. |
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