WALKS IN SUSSEX at COCKING (SOUTH DOWNS WAY)

This is another video in my series “Walks in Sussex” accompanied by my Whippet (Logan). In this episode I undertake a 4 mile circular route from the pretty village of Cocking (just a few miles South of the town of Midhurst, West Sussex) - that takes me up on to part of the South Downs Way.
I start by looking at the village Church, Mill pond, war memorial and a cottage that is “special” to me before climbing to the top of the South Downs (passing the site of a disused limeworks along the way).
Reaching the top of the Downs, where there are some spectacular views, I head West along the South downs way, coming across a strange “chalk ball” sculpture! My route then takes me North, back off the downs towards Cocking village - exploring the tunnel entrance of a disused railway & a pretty sunken pond.
I finish back at the village where I take a look at the impressive bronze “Cocking History Column”.
UPDATE: I have been advised that the latest proposal for the Centurion Way is not to use the Cocking tunnel (due to the Bat colony there). I believe that the plans are that it will follow the old railway line from Chichester to Singleton but then it will diverge and follow a track close to the main road. Eventually it will drop into Midhurst by the fire station, then down to The Wharf and along the river bank to Cowdray Ruins and up to the A272 by the Cowdray Farm Shop.
This was the 50th “video walk” that Logan & I have done together (41 in the New Forest) and it was a really enjoyable one - especially with such stunning views.
Map courtesy of Google Maps.
For further videos in the series, please go to: kzbin.info/door/P-PdocpLbbVj_2E4VxeU_w or my website at daveford5966.wixsite.com/website
Facebook: DAVESCOUNTRYSIDEWALKS
I use a GOPRO HERO 7 Black Action Camera (and a Gimbal) together with a Canon SX 400IS.

[@melissaphillips3088]

I have yet to watch all your videos Dave but I will. Thanks for all you do. ☀️

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Melissa.

[@oranges37]

I lived in cocking from 1971 to 1988....then joined the army....video brings back great memories....super video!...😁

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video. :)

[@davidyates4181]

Grew up near Chichester and used to cycle around these villages. Great memories. Lovely video. Thanks Dave

[@DaveFord]

Thanks David. I hope to be doing some more "walk" videos in West Sussex very soon. Thanks for watching.

[@susantaylor927]

Have just seen this video Dave! So interesting and love those old maps! Fascinating. Lovely seeing your old home! Beautiful house!😊 All those chalk paths.... And those Chalk Balls by Andy G. Wonderful walk! Thank you Dave and Logan!

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Susan. It was great going "back to my roots"!

[@cornwall_in_Squares]

Nice reminder of the paths I have walk so many times I'm originally from near Amberley. Another enjoyable video

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Martin. I was married at Amberley Castle! Thanks for watching.

[@thesolitarycyclist9005]

Lovely walk Dave. I believe the Cocking millennium column was designed by local sculptor, Philip Jackson. I understand the panels represent episodes of rural life over the centuries. Definitely something I shall look out for next time I'm passing through!

[@DaveFord]

Thanks John. Yes, you are correct about the column. It is a fascinating object to look at.

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

That was a journey back home for you Dave. Even the house you were born in and the church where you were Baptized. It’s no good saying you can’t remember much about the event. You weren’t paying attention to the vicar. Mind you. I can’t remember mine either. Those water stations are a good idea. I guess on a long walk, one does need a regular supply of water. The house with the yellow paint around the eaves and windows, remind me of the Leckford estate, where all the estate cottages are painted in John Lewis green.

[@DaveFord]

It was a shame that the church wasn't open as I would have loved to have taken a photo of the font!

[@MikeKeel]

Thanks for this video, Dave. I lived in Cocking briefly in 1989. I drank and occasionally worked in the Potter & Vine pub, now renamed back to the Blue Bell. There was also another pub back then called the Richard Cobden, not far from the Potter & Vine. Anyway, thanks for the informative walk. I never knew about the rifle range. Very interesting 👍 Liked and Subscribed.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Mike and indeed thank you for watching. I hope to be making some more video walks in West Sussex soon.

[@epicexpresents4602]

Nice video again Dave👍

[@DaveFord]

Cheers. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@bobbybigboyyes]

Yet another extremely interesting walk Dave! ( I am catching up on your back catalogue ) It must be nice to go back to your birthplace, where you were baptised and where you first lived. I can't do that in my case as my parents were in the RAF in the 50's and I was born in a B.M.H. in Bad Eilsen near Hanover where they were stationed in Germany after WWII. 😊

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. I would have liked to have filmed inside the church there - maybe another time. We are hoping to do a few more walks in West Sussex this Summer.

[@bobbybigboyyes]

@@DaveFord Thanks Dave. You do walks everywhere I love, here in Dorset where I live, in Sussex where I often go on holiday, as I do in Hampshire where I have lots of family spread all over. I've loved Winchelsea and the old Abbey ruins, Old Hastings, Peasmarsh where Paul McCartney lives, Rye is wonderful, and Eastbourne, Ringwood, Verwood, Brockenhurst, Burley, and anywhere around the New Forest. I love Cornwall and Devon too that I've visited for 60 years, but only the quiet places. There are too many tourists in Devon and Cornwall, so I go there in March, and October when I've always had good weather, and the accommodation is cheaper. We are lucky to have so many beautiful places in the UK. We could ( and already have ) spent a lifetime going everywhere, and still not see everything! 😊🌲🌳🌴🍀🦋🐕🐴🦌🦫🦔🐰🐓🐦🦅🦆🦢🦉🐝

[@annjakeman9571]

Wow what a great 50th video walk to also include the church you were baptised in and the first house you lived in...so much interesting, and personal, history 😊

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Ann. It was great going back there....I don't remember too much from my early days in the village!

[@ramibu239]

Very lovely walk Dave & Logan! Really special to share w/ you a sentimental visit back to your first home & the church that you were baptized in!!! I've enjoyed these these 1st 50 walks w/ you! Look forward to the next 50!!!😉👍

[@ramibu239]

Btw...I think Logan was keen on some of that Elder Flower Cordial!😄🐶❤🌸

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. It was a shame that the church wasn't open as I would love to have seen the font. Will have to go back some time.

[@YoungWarthog]

Hi Dave, great vid. Have you ever seen the abandoned covered reservoir around these fields? between Bepton and Cocking

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. No, I don't remember seeing any covered reservoir around there. Must take a look next time. Thanks for watching.

[@ianluke3326]

Happy 50th Dave and Logan!

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Ian. Great that pubs are back open now...always a great way to end a walk!