This simple stroll takes in the beautiful West Sussex downland village of Slindon

Our simple trail meanders through Slindon's atmospheric streets. Back in 1871, village labourers gathered flints from surrounding fields to

build the Old School House. Look near the apex of the gable for a tankard among the tiles, set there as a reminder of the parching summer of 1884 when villagers added the infants' classroom.

Venture out on easy paths to gain a taste of Slindon Estate: downland fields, wooded tracks, and views to the folly on Nore Hill, built by the Earl and Countess of Newburgh during the first half of the 19th century. The flint underfoot at Butt Lane gives routeways a historic feel and the area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. The catholic and protestant churches bear witness to a sometimes tumultuous religious history. St Mary's Church houses a wooden effigy of a man in late War of the Roses armour, thought to be Sir Anthony St. Leger. The sculpture inspired the young Hilaire Belloc to write a poem.

Information

- Location: Slindon, South Downs National Park

- Distance: 3.3 miles - a leisurely wander will take you about an hour and a half.

- Terrain: the steepest hill is on hard surfaces in the village. No stiles.

- Where to park: roadside on Reynolds Lane

- Sat nav: BN18 0QT

- Map: O.S.Explorer 121 Arundel and Pulborough

- Dog-friendly: yes but on leads near livestock.

Where to refuel

Slindon Forge (Hope Cottage, Reynolds Lane, Arundel, BN18 0QT). This village shop and community café is a delightful place to browse Sussex produce, sit a while, enjoy cake, freshly made lunches, hot drinks or smoothies.

The walk

1 Turn left out of the Forge and walk towards the village. Nip into Slindon Community Orchard to see what fruit varieties are being grown then continue up School Hill passing several roads. Towards the top of the hill, see Gaston Farm Barn on your right. Pass the Old School and follow the road round to the left along Top Road.

2 Turn right along Mill Lane. Leave the tarmac and continue straight ahead up the bridleway passing the National Trust Slindon Estate sign and gate. As you climb this gentle gradient, glimpse the Isle of Wight and, later, Nore Folly to your left. The path descends through a copse. Keep right where the path forks and emerge onto a track with views to fields ahead.

3 At the signpost, go through the gate and walk straight ahead along the bridleway beside grazing fields.

4 Go through a walker's gate into a grazing field and turn left past a signpost. After a few steps, go through another gate and turn left past another waymarker. Walk along the footpath. Pass a signpost and continue straight ahead along a bridleway. Take the right fork where the path broadens by a signpost and at a second signpost keep right again to continue back to Slindon along a bridleway, Butt Lane. Pass Downes Barn and see Nore Folly to your distant right. Pass beside a gate.

5 Turn left along the road passing Slindon College and St Richard's Catholic Church.

6 At Church Hill, divert along Top Road to visit Slindon Pumpkins (on every October) and, further along, Slindon Pottery and Bleak House. Otherwise turn right to return a different way. Explore St Mary's Church and, later, notice a thatched railway carriage in a garden. Continue past Dyers Lane and the village pond. When you reach Reynolds Lane, turn right to return to the Forge Café.

More…

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