Our group offers walks which are accessible by public transport and take place throughout the South East of England plus a summer holiday and a New Year break
In the Footsteps of Hilaire Belloc Stage 3. A moderate- to fast-paced linear walk to Cowfold over undulating terrain led by David C (Mobile: 07747 187036) via St Leonards Forest and Shelley Plain, Lower Beeding, Leonardslee, Crabtree (drop out after 9½ miles by bus #17 to Horsham Station) and Woldringfold. Lunch stop at ‘The Plough’, Lower Beeding, RH13 6LT (Tel: 01403891277) after 6 miles or picnic nearby. Option to accompany the walk leader on 12½ mile extension into Steyning via Mockford, Partridge Green, Brighthams Farm, Henfield, Ashurst and Horsebridge Common (#100 bus from Steyning Clock Tower to Burgess Hill Station or, if running late, #2 bus from Steying Clock Tower to Shoreham-by-Sea Station). Joint walk with HFW and KCW Groups. Map: E134/122, L198.
Check trains the day before. Buy return ticket to Horsham. (If walking on to Steyning buy return to Burgess Hill and, if take bus to Shoreham-by-Sea, a single from Shoreham to Burgess Hill).
NOTE: This is the 3rd stage (of 5) of a walk from Robertsbridge to South Harting, inspired by Hilaire Belloc's walk undertaken in 1902, and detailed in his book The Four Men: A Farrago. Sections of the route taken in 1902 were along "cart tracks" which are now roads. Consequently the route we will take will vary slightly from the 1902 route, but importantly we will pass by sights and villages and pubs detailed in the book. The full third section is from Pease Pottage to Steyning, although there is a convenient drop out point at Cowfold.
Belloc took four days to complete the walk from Robertsbridge to South Harting, so we are already behind.
Friday 30th October 1902: Belloc having off early for Ardingly stopped at ‘The (black) Swan Inn’ Pease Pottage for some ale. Then onto St. Leonards Forest and Shelley Plain, Leonards Lee, Crabtree Inn, Crabtree arriving just after 3pm at Little Cowfold. South towards Henfield to stop at an inn for a meal. After which Ashurst Road to spend the night in a barn [Sent out to ‘Fountain Inn’, Ashurst for bread, cheese and Steyning ale]
Horley Station at 10:02 (train from London Bridge at 09:21, calling at East Croydon at 09:36). Catch #20 bus at 10:11 from the stop outside main station entrance to Pease Pottage, Woodgate £3.10.
Cowfold (bus #17 from opposite village hall to Horsham Station)
