walking Archives - Rosebud Holiday Cottage in Steyning, Sussex

Easy walk along Mouse Lane

steyning Brighton and Sussex 23rd July 201730th August 2018steyning, walking

Easy walks

If you would like a short easy walk head along Mouse Lane…. this runs from Steyning High Street to Wiston House. It is just around the corner from Rosebud Cottage and can be seen in my photo.

There are several footpaths going off Mouse Lane which you can explore. You’ll find a more challenging one on the left that leads up to Chanctonbury Ring

Do watch out for traffic as cars drive along the lane.

The Downs Link Path

If you are would like a longer walk on mainly level paths The Downs Link path could be just right for you. It goes between St Martha’s (near Guildford in Surrey) and Botolphs (near Bramber and Steyning) following old railway routes for most of the way. Where the route ends at Botolphs it joins the South Downs way and The Coastal Link path to Shoreham by Sea.

The route passes through a variety of countryside areas well worth seeing and at Loxwood it is very near the Wey and Arun Canal.

The route is approximately 36 miles long and is suitable for walking, cycling and horses riders.

Have you tried a “Horseshoe” walk from Steyning?

steyning Brighton and Sussex 10th May 20178th December 2017hiking, southdowns, steyning, walking

view horseshoe walk near Steyning Sussex

Horseshoe walks from Steyning

There are two excellent local trails: The Lower Horseshoe and the more challenging Upper Horseshoe. This climbs high into the South Downs and then follows the horseshoe shaped ridge before descending back into the town. Whilst it is a short walk, the climb is fairly strenuous so it is ideal for people who may be short of time but still want a challenge.

The path follows chalk and clay paths which may be muddy after wet weather. There is a long and reasonably steep climb to reach the ridge and some sections of the descent are also a little steep. There are no stiles and just a few gates and kissing gates. Approximate time 1.5 hours.

Start by walking up Sir George’s Place in Steyning – just off the High Street. Turn right up a footpath when you see the tennis courts. Turn left just as you reach an open field for the Lower Horseshoe walk. Keep heading for the trees on the skyline for the Upper Horseshoe walk. Once you approach the trees you will be able to enjoy magnificent views down to Steyning and across the Downs to the east …

Bear left as you walk through the trees. When you leave the trees head along the footpath back down into the town. You will come into Newham Lane and later the High Street.

If you would like a longer demanding walk I suggest walking to Chanctonbury (3 miles) or further to Cissbury (5 or 6 miles).

5000+ years of history at Cissbury Ring!

Jenny Brighton and Sussex 9th August 201610th April 2019cissbury, hillfort, historic, southdowns, walking 0 Comment

Cissbury Ring

Just north of the coastal town of Worthing, Cissbury Ring is one of the jewels in the crown of the South Downs National Park. It’s the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years.

Set high up on a chalk promontory, its ditch and ramparts enclose about sixty-five acres. It dates from around 400 BC and was used for defence for about 300 years.

From the top on a clear day you can see forever: Enjoy views across to the chalk cliffs beyond Brighton and as far as the Isle of Wight.

Flint Mines

Long before the hill fort was constructed, Cissbury had extensive Neolithic flint mines. Miners used antler picks to dig shafts up to fifty feet deep, with several galleries opening out at the bottom. Flint was the common material for making stone axes to fell timber and work with wood during the Neolithic period.

Steyning museum has an interesting explanation about these mines http://steyningmuseum.org.uk/mine.htm

New Forest Ponies at Cissbury Ring

Habitat

Centuries of continuous grazing have produced a marvellous habitat for butterflies and flowers. Rare plants such as the round headed rampion, known as the ‘Pride of Sussex’, thrive here.

During spring and autumn you can see a wide variety of migratory birds as Cissbury is one of the first coastal landing points after their long flight across the channel.

Getting There

You can walk to Cissbury from Rosebud Cottage, but friends and I recently drove to Findon then followed a 7 mile circular route. You can find details in the Cicerone walks books at the cottage.

Alternatively drive to Findon then leave your car in the small car park at the top of Nepcote Lane and near the base of the Ring.

For more ideas of places to visit, take a look at our Sussex Guide