Everyone arrived and settled into their rooms at the Horse & Groom during the afternoon and we all met in the bar when it opened at 6pm. We talked about the walks for the weekend and got to know each other over dinner.

As predicted the weather did not look very welcoming, with strong gusty winds and showers during breakfast.

Undaunted we set out in our wet weather gear and headed down the lane towards West Stoke.

We soon turned off the road and walked through open country along a pleasant stoney track to Kingley Vale nature reserve where we spent a few minutes reading the information in the little field museum.

We then started walking through the yew forest, the largest surviving yew forest in the world with trees possibly as old as 2000 years old.

They were amazing to look at, with huge lower branches touching the ground.

Following the nature trail we came out into a large clearing of typical Sussex Downland and continued on a path that eventually climbed steeply up Bow Hill.

The views over Chichester and Hayling Island at the top were ample compensation for our efforts; we could even see the Isle of Wight.

After a short rest we walked past a group of bronze age burial mounds and along a muddy track along the ridge of Bow Hill.

We then made our way down to the village below. At one point we had hail stones, then rain and then the sun came out just as we made our way in to Stoughton and the village pub which does teas and coffees.

We were able to sit outside and enjoy our lunch in the sunshine.

That afternoon we had more rain, interspersed with sunny spells.

After passing through Walderton we walked steadily up through the forest and again had wonderful views of the coast across Walderton Down.

A further break was taken in brilliant sunshine, followed by light snow!

As we made our way downhill back towards West Stoke, one of our group slipped and turned her ankle.

First aid was administered and she was helped back along a lane to where a car was brought to her.

Later we met in the bar and then had delicious meals in the restaurant where we were staying.

This morning the weather seemed to have worsened! After a short drive to Bosham, we set off along the picturesque quayside in driving rain.

However it soon lightened and we followed a series of paths across fields, along pretty lanes and then walked beside the waters of Fishbourne Channel along the floodwall.

We made our way through the reeds at the end, along a series of boardwalks and bridges until we reached a pretty millpond at Fishbourne.

We were greeted by the many ducks and swans on the pond, and even spotted some ducks sitting on the thatched roof of a nearby cottage.

After a short break we set off towards Dell Quay, walking through a couple of fields and along the eastern shoreline of Fishbourne Channel until we reached the Crown and Anchor pub at Dell Quay.

With our very muddy boots and our packed lunches, the landlord happily agreed to our sitting outside and brought us hot refreshments.

Once again, the sun started to shine and a few mini easter eggs were also passed around!

By the time we left it was quite sunny and we visited the pretty little church in Apuldram.

We rejoined the waterside footpath back to Fishbourne, enjoying the improvement in the weather, and views towards Chichester and the cathedral.

We then took a different route along footpaths back to Bosham.

There we changed out of our muddy boots at our cars - walked back to a lovely tearoom overlooking the harbour and had gorgeous cream teas and cakes.

That evening we were not able to eat where we staying as it was a Sunday.

Instead we went to a pub a mile down the road and had a great meal there.

Our last day involved a half day's walk and a few of the group decided to visit Chichester instead.

After breakfast the rest of us drove a short distance to East Lavant and set off up a wide chalky track to the top of St Roches Hill.

Once again, we had lovely views.

We walked to the south of the top of the hill and then cut back on to the ancient hill fort at the top, with views over Goodwood race course.

After an early lunch stop, we walked in the chilly wind along Haye's Down.

Returning turned south along the valley, we eventually join the stream and arrived back at East Lavant.