Victoria inn to Bevis Thumb

Stats  Distance 4.16 miles      Meters climbed 169 meters     time 120 minutes

West Marden Bevis Thumb. This is a walk of glorious views over the downs. At one point there are views towards Up Marden Church and across the Compton valley. There is a good chance that you will see Deer, Buzzards, Hares and Red Kites because the going is the kind of open terrain these creatures prefer.

Directions Start at West Marden Farm go down the hill, over the road and up Locksash Lane to (point 2) Point 2 Turn left. As you continue to climb the hill you should be able to enjoy views back down the valley to W. M. Go on to point 3 ignore the lane approaching from the left (If need be you could turn left here and go down the hill to Compton tea rooms.) and carry on to the top of the path (point 3)

Point 3 Turn left and walk to (point 4)

Point 4 (again if need be you could turn left to Compton tea rooms. We don’t recommend this route since the lower part of the hill is very steep, slippery and narrow) walk straight on until just before a made up road (point 5) and turn left. (At point 5 you will see an ancient barrow on your right. This is Bevis Thumb. Nobody knows who Bevis was or any thing about his barrow, but this point has been on maps since time began.

Point 5 From Bevis thumb walk towards the forest to your left. Enter the forest all the while following a well worn path towards Compton. When you reach a finger post turn right her. (point 6)

Point 6 Walk through a small farm yard and through a kissing gate then on to a second kissing gate to the road and turn right, down to the village square and the chance of a cup of tea. This is (point 7)

In Compton village there is a lovely old church just a few paces up the hill and well worth a visit.

Point 7 Walk down the hill for about 100 yards to old post office cottage. On the other side of the road opposite this cottage is a finger post This is (point 8).

Point 8 (The finger post is not very visible for this path please keep a good watch out for it). As you walk diagonally across the field you will go through a small forest and on up the hill to (point 9)

Point 9 Go through a kissing gate and up the hill to a second kissing gate (Point 10)

Point 10 Carry on up the hill crossing a path and go down a short hill to a kissing gate (point 11

Point 11 Turn immediately left on getting through this gate and follow the path until you reach the road, then turn left and back to your starting point.

View walk here