We have had a report from a walker that has just completed section 14. She had to take a detour to avoid the public footpath that goes left from the concrete drive from Pinnerwood House and farm. (See paragraph 1 on page 9 on our walk guidance). This path is is flooded to a depth that means that walkers need wellington boots (see below). In boots it is just about possible to walk carefully along the right hand side holding on to the fence.
At the end of this short length of path there is a stile which is badly broken so that there are no steps (see image to the right). It is possible to climb the fence but this requires some agility. Then there is more mud in the next field.
This walker chose not to attempt this length of path but to complete the section by carrying on along the end of the drive and then turning left along the road, Albury Drive, as shown by our map on page 6.
She points out that it is also super muddy in the field above the farm even for a walker wearing wellington boots. It is slippery and quite dangerous. This suggests that the alternative route described on page 8 should be considered.
Update - end February 2025
We have had another message about this part of section 14. This walker writes: "The whole walk was extremely waterlogged, with deep, very wet mud. The stretch through the fields either side of Pinnerwood House was especially treacherous, with shin-deep mud in some places. I would not have been able to complete the walk without my wellie boots and hiking poles: anyone attempting it in trainers or ordinary walking boots would find their shoes would quickly get ruined.
Immediately after Pinnerwood House, the short path leading to the stile into the field (which is also completely broken, but fortunately still climbable) is completely flooded and was like wading through a stream. Additionally, in the next field, the sign pointing the direction of the footpath has fallen off the pole.
Update early March
Following a spell of dry weather, a walker reports that she decided to chance it and found that the section in the field with the horses leading towards the Pinnerwood House remains boggy. Passable but walking boots required!
