Heathfield Down, Cornwood.
It was still hot with minimal breeze as we set off up the road to West Rook Gate. We used to drive up here and park just before the gate, no chance of that now! Out onto the open moor with a short steep climb followed by a long slow drag up to Penn Beacon and a stop for a drink. Charlie thought this was as high as we were going, but no a bit further up to Shell Top. A bit of a breeze here gave some relief from the heat. Down past the settlement enclosure to try and connect with the track around the clay works. There was some difficulty finding a way through the gorse and deep gullies but we got there in the end. Following the white road as it reflected the sun in our faces there appeared a small path off to our right between some large ponds and a line of crags. So off we set contouring nicely just above the ponds but suddenly after the point of no return it became obscured by rhododendron, gorse and brambles. After a battle it turned into a small stream before emerging onto a major track next to a gate which had notices fixed to the other side saying NO ADMITTANCE and warning of numerous hazards in the quarry area - no mention of overgrown paths! Over the gate and down the road a bit to stop in the shade of a lovely oak wood for lunch. It was just left to walk down towards the road and turn left through Newpark wood and Sheraleers wood to the cars.
Mike.