Ditchling Ramble

Wednesday 28th May 2025

Luck was on our side with the weather, as on Tuesday it rained and today (Thursday) it is raining, but it was just cloudy and a little breezy as 17 members (and Freddie) donned their walking boots and set off on a three and a half mile ramble starting from The White Horse in West Street Ditchling. We met at 11am for coffee or tea before setting off.

We stopped for a group photograph in front of the building that used to hold the Ditching Sub Branch of Barclays Bank, needless to say, it closed in August 1999 and Graham recalled that the cashier used to wear a crash helmet at times to avoid the dropping from the death watch beetles that were ever present...what a nice thought. It is now a Grade II listed building under the auspices of Historic England and is detailed as:- Not now a bank. Restored C16 timber-framed building with plaster infilling in front, north wall faced with red brick on ground floor and tile hung above. Gable to each front. Tiled roof.

We continued up a gentle slope towards the Oldlands Windmill that has been in existence since 1703, although it was completely rebuilt in the 1990's. We moved on towards Hassocks, passed the Thatched Inn in Ockley Lane then made our way back the White Horse in Ditchling.

On the way some of us spotted a deer in the adjacent field.

On returning to the pub, most members enjoyed a lovely meal before making their way back home after an enjoyable walk.

Just a few photos of the day: