Shoreham Circular

By Eddie Start

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The circular walk takes in a stretch along the River Adur past the brooding Lancing College

This longer walk begins nearly at sea level, beside the River Adur in Shoreham.

It climbs to the top of Steep Down, traverses the hills and descends to Botolphs for a meandering return along the river.

There are extensive views and well-drained paths across the hilltops. The riverside return passes through country which has seen the ebb and flow of industry and habitation.

1. With the church of St Nicolas behind you, cross the A283 and enter the bridleway opening on its western side. Cross over the remaining sections of railway line - evidence of the track which ran through the town as part of the Shoreham-to-Horsham line - and cross the Toll Bridge.

In times past, this was one of the two road bridges which spanned the wide Adur estuary in Shoreham. The crossing keepers lived in adjacent cottages which were known for their well-tended gardens.

Walk across the bridge, now a Grade II-listed structure scheduled for restoration. At the western end of the bridge, continue along the minor road, with the Ricardo engineering site on the right and Shoreham Airport on the left.

Cross the busy A27 at the traffic lights and immediately turn left on the pavement, walking towards The Sussex Pad.

The path turns right, across the car park, at the side of the pub, towards cottages which are on its north side.

In 50 yards, just after Honeyman's Cottage, take the left bridleway, entering the drive of Lancing College. The college chapel, which dominates the landscape here, is away to the right.

The drive continues, passing cottages on the left and, after the last dwelling, the signed bridleway leaves the drive on the left and begins a gentle woodland climb. In a few yards, take the right branch and climb to open country, passing over the top of the fields to Hoe Court Farm.

Take the onward track, going west, as it climbs beneath trees and comes to the Lancing Ring Nature Reserve.

Keep to the main onward path as it swings to the right and begins a steeper climb to arrive at two gates. Take the gate on the right and continue the climb with the nature reserve on the left and open downland right.

On leaving the reserve, the path follows open hilltop track for nearly half a mile to an unmarked path junction.

2. Take a left turn back about 50 yards, then right, up the rising bridleway to the trig point on top of 489ft Steep Down.

Cross north over the hill, then drop to a bridle gate, before steeply descending to a path junction beside a pylon. The path turns left and, in 50 yards, at a second junction, go ahead up the slope near a model aircraft flying site.

The path begins a slow climb to a gate to a minor road. Go to the right of the gate and, keeping to the left fence-line, walk to the next gate in 75 yards.

3. Don't pass through the gate but turn right, on to the South Downs Way, keeping to the left fence line. The path passes across a slight rise then descends across a meadow for about a mile before swinging south-east and steepening as a chalk track to Tinpots Cottage. In front of the cottage's drive, turn left beneath trees and walk down towards a minor road. Turn right there and, keeping to the right bank, walk downhill, passing Annington Old Farmhouse on the left. Stay on the road, passing cottages and the sign for Botolphs.

Just after the entrance to Annington Farm on the left, cross the road and go right, along the enclosed bridleway, parallel with the road. At a parking area in 200 yards, go left between bushes, to join the Downs Link path and walk ahead 100 yards to the riverbank.

4. Turn right and follow the path towards the prominent footbridge. Don't cross the bridge but, with a metal gate ahead, drop to the right, cross a stile and continue on the riverside footpath.

This remains level for about the three miles back to the start.

The River Adur was once a navigable waterway with goods taken inland to the Weald, especially in the winter when roads became impassable.

The hamlet of Botolphs was once a thriving community with a much larger church than now, part of it having been demolished. There were ponds on the river flood plain for the production of salt.

The meandering, southward path passes the looming bulk of redundant buildings of Beeding cement works, on the left riverbank.

5. In two and a half miles, the path arrives at the Ladywell Stream outlet.

Turn right on the path through a kissing gate in 150 yards. Go left across a small car park and then left again, through a second gate to rejoin the path. It leads towards the A27 flyover. Pass beneath this and keep to the footpath beside the industrial site. On arriving back at the bridge, turn left and cross to the opposite side of the church or either of the two pubs - whichever your spirits are more in need of.