Lavant to Chalk Pit Lane

Lavant to Chalk Pit Lane

Lavant to Chalk Pit Lane. This is a surprising walk that starts in a most innocuous way. To begin with the walk goes through an attractive village. Then there’s a long climb but that’s where the walk really begins. From there onward it’s view after view after view, and glorious views at that. At one stage you can see the Isle of wight so clearly that it looks no distance at all.

Driving directions Leave the Fox and Hounds Pub and drive towards Chichester. After a straight stretch of road you will see a sign to National Nature Reserve on your left. Turn left here and as the road turns sharp right follow the road to the junction some 1 ½ miles along then turn right but be ready to turn left shortly after after turning left on the narrow road, find a parking spot on the left and the walk begins from there., a distance of 4 ¼ miles

On leaving your car go straight on and follow the foot path on your left. You will pass the Royal Oak on your left and a little later Parker’s cottages, like wise on the left. After about 10 minutes walking you will come to Chalk pit lane which is on you left. This lane looks tame enough in fact its a made up lane and you wonder why it has the name chalk pit. Walk for another ¼ of an hour and you will see all too well. At this point the path becomes rough underfoot and is of chalk in construction. It starts innocently enough but by the time you reach the top you will be glad of the seat on your left. A few yards on from the seat there is a path on your left, turn down this path. You are now on the West Sussex Literary trail which is a long distance path from Chichester to Horsham (about 55 miles long). There is not room to write of all the personnel who have left there mark on this trail. You can find more info on the web.

From here the views are very, very good and the air seems to be just that bit purer. We have a saying in this part of Sussex “If you can see the IOW its going to rain, if you can’t, it is raining!” but then again it could be something to do with the air. After about 20 yards take the left hand path that goes straight on. As the path goes down hill you will come to a gate go through this gate and on to the bottom of the hill. Don’t go through the gate at the bottom instead turn left and from here its a case of just follow the path for the next mile which is flat and eventually it will lead you to your car. This path goes through a gate or two but generally its very undemanding. If you can start your walk at mid day you will arrive back just in time for a cricket match on the village green at two o clock. Then back to the Fox and Hounds for evening meal. It’s impossible to improve on a day like that.