Sutton, Bignor, Barlavington

Sutton Bignor Barlavington

Sutton Bignor Barlavington. We walk hundreds of walks throughout the year but the one we always come back to is this one. It has every thing, steep strenuous hills that really stretch you, fabulous wide open views and chocolate box views as well. There are waterfalls, quaint cottages, there is even one stage where you have to walk up a shallow stream. If we were to describe a walk as perfect, this is it.

Stand at the cross roads with the White Horse behind you look to your right and you will see a path going steeply up a short hill, go up that path and on to a small footbridge. Carry on across the field a to a gate with a stile alongside. (POINT 1) Usually you can just walk through the gate but if not climb the stile and go down the hill. Go over the footbridge and the path dictates the direction to follow. Eventually you will go through a gate and meet a road, turn right here and go down the hill to a finger post (POINT 2) turn right here. There is a footbridge but it’s safer to walk up the stream if its not too deep. Follow the stream till you reach a path from your left and turn left (POINT 3). Again the path dictates the direction that you should follow at (POINT 4) you will find a seat, a good chance to take a rest before the real climb starts. As you enter the forest your path is dog leg straight on. This path get progressively steeper and narrower as it reaches the top but eventually you will reach a small road turn right here.(POINT 5) Carry on up the hill and you will enter a clearing with a seat at the entrance. (POINT 6) Just after a large way post bear right (POINT 7) and carry on up the hill. At one stage the path appears to go to the left ignor this and carry on until you reach a gate (POINT 8) and go through it. This leads into an open field with glorious views. In the distance you will see a gate aim for that and go through it. (POINT 9) Here is where we become all granny like, because if you are not used to walking on chalk please don’t take it for granted. It can be very slippery especially in damp or cold conditions. The path you will be going down is all chalk. At the bottom of the hill trun right and you will be faced with several paths and finger posts. (POINT 10) the rule here is to keep the field to your left and follow the path to the left. This will lead you to a gate go through it and up the hill. (POINT 11) after a little puffing and panting you reach a gate and again go through.(POINT 12) carry on down the hill. There are the most fabulous views to greet you. At the bottom of the field (POINT 13) go straight on again keeping the field to your left follow the path.to (POINT 14) By now your legs are tired and just for the joy of it there is another seriously challenging hill, but this one is not very long and when you reach the top (POINT 15) there is a long downhill stretch to follow but here, there is the chalk path problem again so beware. Follow the path without taking any of the paths that join to it just keep going down hill. At the bottom you will come to a road go over that road and over the stile into the field and turn right (POINT 16) walk through the field and at the end you will come to a steep slippery narrow path leading to the road (POINT 17) go over the road and cross the small footbridge.there is a short climb up and eventually this leads you to Barlavington church go around the front of the church, and through the gate into the farmyard. (POINT 18) Please take care not to turn right on the first finger post instead carry on through the farmyard and oppsite the barns you will see the path clearly marked. Walk down the hill and through the gate on your right. (POINT 19) then the cruel bit you now have another hill but its the last one. At the top you will come to a field go straght across and into what appears to be a private garden. It is a public foot path, and it goes round to the back of the house. Go through the gate and down the short path to the pub. You’ve earned a pint, spoil yourself.