Pulborough - Coldwaltham to Greatham Bridge - Greatham Parish Church Loop

 May 27, 2024

Despite the saturnine weather this morning with showers on and off,  it turned out to be a great day.  As I disembarked at Pulborough Train Station with my bike, we were cordially welcomed with a light shower.  Major part of the day was to pay a visit to my Lord Uncle Navnit and Lady Aunt Ann at their country cottage 'Rookery Nook' in Coldwaltham.  The bike ride from station to Coldwaltham is just over two miles.  It was wonderful to see Uncle and Aunt after a long time.  We had pre lunch drinks at the Labouring Man which is next door to their cottage.  Uncle and Aunt had prepared excellent lunch with two main dishes and a salad.  The food was very tasty which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Lady Ann and Lord Navnit

Post lunch after some reminiscing, it was time to explore the glorious three tired gardens that they maintain along with two ponds.

View looking down from Patio

Indoor Barbecue House

Pond on the right

Pond on the left with Japanese Maples and other shrubs

The Second Tier with mature trees

Library House with Wisteria

View of Third Tier

Third Tier of the Garden with a Fig and Apple Trees

As I took the walk, it felt so peaceful with the pleasant sounds of birds chirping merrily along.  Uncle and Aunt spend quite a bit of their time working in their garden when they can.  After saying good byes, it was time for the ride along London Road.  We pass by quaint Parish Church of St Giles which dates back to 1200 AD.  

Parish Church of St Giles

View from Church Entrance

We take Brook Lane on left where the road narrows and pass by Waltham Brooks Nature Reserve.  The South Downs in the background complements the natural beauty in the foreground.

Waltham Brooks Nature Reserve

Further along the road, we go across River Arun on Greatham Bridge which offers a picturesque view of the natural beauty.

River Arun/Greatham Bridge

River Arun

Brook Lane merges on to London Road from where we head down to Pulborough.  A real piece of gem is the 17th century Old Fellows Arms pub which charms the passer by.  It is a travesty that right across the street from this charming old building we see a philistine structure which presumably houses a block of flats.

 

Alas, that was the end of the bike ride and with the distant Church Clock at ten to five, good heavens no Coffee Shops in plain sight!

Cheers!