Walking the South Downs
13 August 2020
The South Downs are home to some of the most spectacular walking trails the United Kingdom has to offer. It is also home to the famous South Downs Way; the 100-mile walk attracts hikers from across the globe and stretches between England’s first capital, Winchester down to the iconic white cliffs at Seven Sisters and Beachy Head near Eastbourne. However, if the 100-mile walk is not for you, we’ve put together a collection of some of our favourite walks in the area, near our development in Rustington.
Amberley, Burpham and North Stoke walk
This 10-mile walk starts at Amberley Station and takes you past the Amberley Working Museum, before heading to Rackham Banks, providing great views over the unspoilt, local countryside. The route then heads south to historic Burpham, located on the site of a fort built by King Alfred the Great to protect England against the Danes.
Once out of Burpham, the route heads back north across the flood plains of the River Arun to North Stoke. At North Stoke walkers can visit St Mary’s Church, a secluded location that has not changed much since medieval times. The circuit is complete with a short downhill walk back to Amberley Station.
Alfriston and the River Cuckmere
A little further away is the Alfriston and the River Cuckmere walk, a six-and-a-half-mile circuit that takes you through the Friston Forest, through the charming village of Alfriston and meanders along the banks of the River Cuckmere.
The walk passes through the Litlington Tea Garden, an ideal place to stop for a light refreshment before continuing the walk north to Litlington Church – rumoured to be the smallest church in Sussex. The walk finishes at the Cuckmere Inn, an idyllic country pub on the banks of the river, perfect for enjoying a cold drink to relax after a good day’s walking!
Starting opposite Eastbourne Downland Golf Course is arguably one of the most picturesque walks the South Downs has to offer.
A quarter of the walk is across the top of the white chalk cliffs from Beachy Head along to Birling Gap, offering walkers fantastic but sometimes blustery views out across the turquoise sea.
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If you’re looking to make the move to an area of the country that has a myriad of walking options on its doorstep, then look no further than our Cavendish Collection development in Rustington. To find out more visit https://lifestory.group/renaissance/our-developments/rustington-west-sussex/ or call 01903 337 235.