The English county of Sussex holds a unique historical term that can raise eyebrows: the "Rapes." Unlike modern definitions, the term in Sussex refers to a historical administrative division. The origin of the term "Rape" for these regions is shrouded in mystery. Theories range from a possible link to the Old English word "raep," meaning "harvest," to a connection with the Danish word "rape," signifying "district."

The Historic County of Sussex has six Rapes: Arundel, Bramber, Chichester, Hastings, Lewes, and Pevensey. Established sometime before the Norman Conquest of 1066, these Rapes likely predate the current county borders. Each Rape contained smaller subdivisions called "Hundreds," forming the backbone of local administration for centuries. Some historians believe the Rapes might have originated as defensive units, with each Rape centered around a strategically placed castle. This theory aligns with the arrival of the Normans, who are known to have built fortifications across England.

The Rapes continued to be used for administrative purposes for centuries, but their importance gradually declined. By the 19th century, their role had largely been superseded by more modern administrative structures. Today, the Rapes of Sussex remain a fascinating relic of the county's past. Though no longer serving an administrative function, they hold cultural significance and continue to spark curiosity.

Rape of Chichester

Rapal Town: Chichester
Norman Castle: Chichester Castle
Highest Point: Black Down, 280 metres, is also the Historic County Top of Sussex, the Present-Day County Top of West Sussex and the highest point in the South Downs National Park.
OS Trig Pillar: TP1443 - Blackdown
Links: Blog Post, Wikipedia, Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Rape of Arundel

Rapal Town: Arundel
Norman Castle: Arundel Castle
Highest Point: Glatting Beacon, 245 metres
OS Trig Pillar: TP1358 - Bignor Beacon
Links: Blog Post, Wikipedia, Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Rape of Bramber

Rapal Town: Bramber
Norman Castle: Bramber Castle
Highest Point: Chanctonbury Hill, 242 metres
OS Trig Pillar: TP2110 - Chanctonbury Ring
Links: Blog Post, Wikipedia, Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Rape of Lewes

Rapal Town: Lewes
Norman Castle: Lewes Castle
Highest Point: Ditchling Beacon, 248 metres, is the Present-Day County Top of East Sussex.
OS Trig Pillar: TP0760 - Ditchling
Links: Blog Post, Wikipedia, Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Rape of Pevensey

Rapal Town: Pevensey
Norman Castle: Pevensey Castle
Highest Point: Crowborough Beacon, 242 metres, is also the high point of the High Weald National Landscape.
OS Trig Pillar: TP2630 - Crowborough
Links: Blog Post, Wikipedia, Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Rape of Hastings

Rapal Town: Hastings
Norman Castle: Hastings Castle
Highest Point: Brightling Down, 197 metres
OS Trig Pillar: N/A. Closest is TP4140 - Jurys Gut
Links: Blog Post, Wikipedia, Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Sources

Back to English County Tops Index

Richard gower21 July 2024Trek, UK County Tops, Trig Pillar, South Downs, Sussex, EnglandComment

Glatting Beacon: Rape of Arundel High Point

View to Glatting Beacon from the South Downs Way

Also known as: Bignor Hill
Significance: Highest point in the Rape of Arundel
Parent Peak: Butser Hill
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Littleton Down
Present Day County: West Sussex (of which Black Down is the County Top)
Elevation: 245m
Date climbed: July 20th 2024
Coordinates: 50° 55' N, 0° 38' W

Route Start / End: South Downs Way Parking, Chichester, RH20 1PH
Route Distance: 2.8 km (1.7 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 37m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): South Downs Way
OS Trig Pillar: TP1358 - Bignor Beacon
Map: Arundel & Pulborough Map | Worthing & Bognor Regis | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL10
Links: Wikipedia (Rape of Arundel, Bignor Hill), National Trust Slindon Estate, Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Like Chanctonbury Hill which we visited earlier in the day, I could have bagged this one on an earlier trip along the South Downs Way. It’s easily accessible as a small diversion from the National Trail and hard to miss (look for the big transmitter in the trees).

We bagged it on a short circular walk from the Bignor Hill South Downs Way Car Park. From the parking, follow the South Downs Way in a westerly direction for ~280m then take a right hand path ascending towards the big transmitter. Near the top, take the service track to the transmitter where you’ll find the Trig Pillar lurking in the undergrowth.

Either return the way you came or return to the main path that you were on, take 2 lefts and you’re back on the South Downs Way. Take another left to follow the Trail back to the car park.

Back to Sussex Rapes Index

Richard gower20 July 2024Trek, UK County Tops, Trig Pillar, Sussex, National Trust, England, South DownsComment

Chanctonbury Hill: Rape of Bramber High Point

View to Chanctonbury Ring from the Trig Pillar

Also known as: Chanctonbury Ring
Significance: Highest point in the Rape of Bramber
Member of: Marilyns
Parent Peak: Ditchling Beacon
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Ditchling Beacon
Present Day County: West Sussex (of which Black Down is the County Top)
Elevation: 242m
Date climbed: July 20th 2024
Coordinates: 50° 53' 48'' N, 0° 22' 54'' W

Route Start / End: Chanctonbury Ring Car Park, Chanctonbury Ring Road, Steyning, BN44 3DR
Route Distance: 4.3 km (2.7 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 154m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched: South Downs Way,
OS Trig Pillar: TP2110 - Chanctonbury Ring
Map: Arundel & Pulborough Map | Worthing & Bognor Regis | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL10
Links: Wikipedia (Rape of Bramber, Chanctonbury Hill, Chanctonbury Ring), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

I very nearly bagged Chanctonbury Ring a few years back while cycling the South Downs Way. We stopped to visit the nearby Trig Pillar but I didn’t realise that the Rape of Bramber High Point was so close. So, on a day of bagging my remaining Sussex high points, Mark and I revisited for a short, steep circular walk to visit both the high point and the Trig Pillar.

To follow the same route start at Chanctonbury Ring Car Park and follow Chanctonbury Ring Road in a southerly direction. Continue south as the road becomes a path that leads up to the South Downs Way. We took a short cut up a less-used, steeper path through the woods. It actually didn’t save much time as a guy that we saw taking the longer route arrived at the top at more or less the same time as we did.

Whichever route you take, turn right onto the South Downs Way and head towards the clump of trees that’s the site of the Iron Age hillfort. The South Downs Way goes round the trees on their southern side so you’ll need to leave the trail to follow a smaller path through the trees. The high point isn’t marked but easy to find. From the high point continue west out of the trees to briefly rejoin the South Downs Way before cutting off again to the Trig Pillar.

To return follow the fence to the north of the Trig Pillar back towards Chanctonbury Ring to find a gate and a path that leads back down the hill in a north-westerly direction. At the bottom of the hill take a right on another path that leads back to Chantonbury Ring Road near to the Car Park.

Back to Sussex Rapes Index

Richard gower20 July 2024Trek, UK County Tops, Trig Pillar, Sussex, England, South DownsComment

Crowborough Beacon: Rape of Pevensey High Point

View to the south-west from Crowborough Beacon Golf Club

Significance: Highest point in the Rape of Pevensey, High Point of High Weald National Landscape
Member of: Marilyns
Parent Peak: Ditchling Beacon
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Ditchling Beacon
Present Day County: East Sussex (of which Ditchling Beacon is the County Top)
Elevation: 242m
Date climbed: July 20th 2024
Coordinates: 51° 3' 17'' N, 0° 9' 15'' E

Route Start / End: Croft Road Car Park, Pine Grove, Crowborough, TN6 1AR
Route Distance: 3.9 km (2.4 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 47m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched: None
OS Trig Pillar: TP2630 - Crowborough
Map: Ashdown Forest Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath & Crowborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 135
Links: Wikipedia (Rape of Pevensey, Crowborough, High Weald), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

I had high hopes for Crowborough as it has “Beacon” in it’s name as is the high point of both the Rape of Pevensey and The High Weald. It turns out that there’s not much to see. The high point is an unmarked spot outside a house called Deep Dene on Warren Road. It can easily be bagged as a drive-by but we chose to park in Crowborough village centre and bag it as a part of a short circular walk.

To follow the same route leave Croft Road Car Park and head north to join the A26 Beacon Road. Take a left onto the A26 and walk in a south-westerly direction for ~700m to the water reservoir opposite Beacon Road West. Here you’ll find the OS Trig Pillar next to a small brick building. Continue south for ~25m to reach the high point at Warren Road.

Continue further south along the A26 to a footpath at the edge of the woods at 2 km into the walk. This is a point marked in Peakbagger as Crowborough South Slope, the High Point of the High Weald. Although Crowborough is completely within The High Weald, the town isn’t part of the National Landscape, so this is technically the highest point rather than the spot at Deep Dene.

Take a left onto South View Road to find the best and only panoramic view of the walk across Crowborough Golf Course. Continue along South view road, then onto Croft Road to return to the Car Park

Back to Sussex Rapes Index

Richard gower20 July 2024Trek, UK County Tops, Trig Pillar, Sussex, National Landscape, EnglandComment

Brightling Down: Rape of Hastings High Point

Significance: Highest point in the Rape of Hastings
Parent Peak: Crowborough Beacon
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Crowborough Beacon
Present Day County: East Sussex (of which Ditchling Beacon is the County Top)
Elevation: 197m
Date climbed: July 20th 2024
Coordinates: 50° 58' N, 0° 23' E

Route Start / End: Small parking spot at junction of Willingford Lane and Mill Lane
Route Distance: 0.6 km (0.4 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 3m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched: None
OS Trig Pillar: TP4140 - Jurys Gut (not at the high point, but ~1 km to the south)
Map: Hastings & Bexhill Map | Battle & Robertsbridge | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 124
Links: Wikipedia (Rape of Hastings, Brightling, Brightling Park), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The high point of the Rape of Hastings can be found on the edge of the private Brightling Park, currently home to a racehorse training company. The summit is hard to miss as it’s marked by a large obelisk called The Brightling Needle. If you don’t mind a bit of minor trespassing its a 600m out and back walk from a small parking space near the junction of Willingford Lane and Mill Lane.

If you’re no up for tresspassing then don’t hop over the gate into the small wooded area at the south eastern end of Willingford Lane. Don’t follow the track through the woods and hop over another fence into the field, then follow the track up to the Obelisk. Instead, you can see the Obelisk through the fence further down Willingford Lane. Alternatively you can ask permission from the landowner to access the land.

While you’re in the area it’s worth visiting Jury’s Gut, an OS Trig Pillar located 1km to the south on a path next to a kiln-shaped folly called The Sugarloaf.

Back to Sussex Rapes Index

Richard gower20 July 2024Trek, UK County Tops, Trig Pillar, Sussex, EnglandComment

Chichester Harbour National Landscape High Points

Significance: Chichester Harbour National Landscape High Points
Member of: N/A
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Bow Hill
Historic County: Hampshire (of which Pilot Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 9m
Date “climbed”: 1st June 2024
Coordinates (Alpudram Airfield): 50° 48' 49'' N, 0° 48' 37'' W
Coordinates (Bosham Boathouse): 50° 50' 17'' N, 0° 50' 10'' W
Map: Chichester Map | South Harting & Selsey | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL08
Links: Wikipedia (Chichester Harbour, RAF Appledram), Peakbagger (Apuldram, Bosham Boathouse)

Chichester Harbour is one of the smallest of the National Landscapes. It also has the lowest high point at 9m. The highest point isn’t obvious with at least 2 points showing a spot height of 9m. Here’s both….

Alpudram Airfield

This spot is on a small lane connecting Alpuldram and Chichester Marina. The coordinates take you to a layby with an information sign describing the old Apuldram Airfield.

Bosham Boathouse

This one is on the A259 Main Road between Fishbourne and Bosham at the junction with Chequer Lane. The most interesting point is the old wooden boat converted into a flower bed outside the Bosham Boathouse B&B.

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Richard gower1 June 2024Trek, UK County Tops, Coast, Sussex, EnglandComment

Brighton Marathon

When: April 2nd 2023
Where: Brighton and Hove
Course: Road route from Preston Park to Hove Lawns, along the sea-front and some residential areas.
Start: Preston Park, Preston Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 6SD
Finish: Hove beach, Adelaide Crescent, Brighton and Hove, BN3 2JJ
Distance: 42.2 km (26.2 miles)
Elevation change: +285m / -385m. Net: -20m
Other routes touched (walk): Monarch’s Way, Mid Sussex Link, Newhaven-Brighton Clifftop Path
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2, 20
Finish time: 4:59
Links: Brighton Marathon, Brighton, Hove, Preston Park

This was my first Marathon distance in 7 years and the first road Marathon since for 12 years. I much prefer trail Ultras now but I still felt that I hadn’t had my fill of the Marathon distance. I was also weirdly not happy with having done 4 Marathons and wanted a rounder number. When my friend Mark messaged me a month before to say that Brighton had released some extra tickets, I didn’t have to think too much about it.

The only thing that I had to think a bit more about was my predicted finish time when was I completing the entry form. My previous road Marathons were 4:41, 4:27 and 4:51, with the tougher trail Beachy Head Marathon at 5:36. Given that several years had passed and not having enough time to train and rest, I knew that I would be slower. I wanted to get in within 5 hours so I put down 4:59 on the entry form. Mark did the same and we were entered into the Pink Wave.

During the race the first third felt good. The chilly start was just right for me and I kept just ahead of my planned pace all the way. For the second third Mark went off ahead but not too far and I could see him whenever there was a turnaround on an out-and-back section. I was still just ahead of the 4:30 pacers and feeling good that I might finish at around 4:40, averaging my previous road Marathon times.

By 16 miles I was starting to feel the heat. There were a lot of water stations and I poured a lot of water over my head to cool me down but I was definitely feeling it. At 17 miles the route took a small loop around Brunswick Square with a slight incline and I “hit the wall”. I wasn’t able to run up the hill so did a fast walk. This broke my pace and I found it difficult to getting running again. The next 6 miles were tough as the route went through residential sections of Hove away from the coast. I tried some run/walk sections but got cramp whenever I tried to run, so I stayed at a determined fast walk. In the meantime, the 4:40 and 4:45 have both overtaken me by the time the route returned to the sea-front.

With 2km to go I could see the 5 hour pacer getting closer and closer over my shoulder. I found some new energy and motivation and was able to get back up to a run. I crossed the finish line at 4:59:23, just 37 seconds within the 5 hour mark. My friend Mark had an amazing 1st Marathon, finishing over half an hour head of me and beating my Marathon PB by 2 minutes.

I loved the day despite the tough last 9 miles. It did confirm, though, that I trail Ultras are more my thing. Maybe I’ll do another Marathon in the future but it will need to be an epic one.

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Richard gower2 April 2023Run, Marathon, Coast, Sussex, EnglandComment

Serpent Trail 50k Ultra Marathon

Crossing the River Rother 2.5km to the finishing line at Petersfield

When: July 2nd 2022
Start: A field in Riverhill Farm, Petworth
Finish: Petersfield Rugby Football Club, Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EP
Distance: 50 km (31 miles)
Elevation change: +611m / -685m (Net -74m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Sussex Diamond Way, New Lipchis Way, Sussex Border Path
Other routes touched (cycle): None
OS Trig Pillar: TP3749 - Hesworth (at 9.2km from the start)
Maps:
- Arundel & Pulborough Map | Worthing & Bognor Regis | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL10
- Haslemere & Petersfield Map | Midhurst & Selborne | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL33
Finish time: 7 hours 03 minutes
Links: Serpent Trail Guide, Serpent Trail Race, Fittleworth, Lavington Common National Trust, Midhurst, Petersfield

Following last summer’s brutal 100k on the Race To The Castle I was up for a shorter Ultra this year. It was also a good one to do with my friend Mark as his second Ultra after our Downs Link race in October.

The Serpent Trail is a 106k long distance path snaking through the greensand hills and heathland in the South Downs National Park. It’s north of the South Downs Way and connects Petersfield to Haslemere. The end point at Haslemere is also the start of the Greensand Way, a 174 km path across the North Downs to Kent. There was a 100k race option to cover the whole length of the Trail but 50k was definitely enough.

The 50k option started in a field near Petworth and joined the Serpent Trail after 2.5km. It was a dry day and there had been very little rain in the weeks leading up to it, so I managed to avoid the blisters and trench-foot of several of my previous Ultras. It was also hot too and I was feeling the effects of it from 12:00 to 14:00. I much prefer to run in the cold and by 14:00 the heat had taken my energy to go faster than a quick walk.

I thought that I was struggling due to the heat but ended up crossing the finish line at 7 hours and 3 minutes. That was 4 minutes slower than my previous 50k on the Chiltern Challenge in 2020. I decided to call it a tie though having wasted around 4 minutes getting off course on Ambersham Common having missed a very obvious signpost. Meanwhile Mark stormed it, finishing 14 minutes head of me with a time of 6 hours 49 minutes.

It was a great route with a bonus highlight of bagging a Trig Pillar that was right on the route at Hesworth Common. I still have the first half of the Trail to find a way to complete so I’m sure I’ll be back in the area soon.

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Richard gower2 July 2022Run, Ultramarathon, Trig Pillar, National Trust, South Downs, National Park, Sussex, England Comment

Walking The England Coast Path: Shoreham to Rottingdean

View from Brighton Marina to the undercliff path with Rottingdean Windmill in the distance.

Start: Shoreham-by-Sea Railway Station, BN43 5WX, Sussex
Finish: The Windmill Bus Stop, Marine Drive, Rottingdean, BN2 7GZ
Distance: 19.3 km (12 miles)
Elevation change: +132m /-117m. Net -15m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): England Coast Path, Monarch’s Way, Mid Sussex Link, Undercliff Walk, Newhaven Brighton Clifftop Path
Other routes touched (cycle): Downs Link, NCN 2, 223
Pubs / Cafes on route: Many along the route. Notable ones that we used are Port Kitchen at Shoreham Port (4.2k in), White Cloud Coffee Company (13k in), The White Horse Hotel Rottingdean (18k in)
Map: Brighton & Hove Map | Lewes & Burgess Hill | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL11
Links: Shoreham-by-Sea, Hove, Brighton, Brighton Marina, Rottingdean, Rottingdean Windmill

In our latest short section of the England Coast Path we chose the 19km stretch between Shoreham-by-Sea and Rottingdean. My main interest was to connect 2 previous trips: the end of the Downs Link that I had previously completed by bike and as an Ultra, and the Rottingdean to Peacehaven section that I had done ahead of the Prime Meridian cycle trip.

We were staying in Brighton for the week and actually split this into 2 days. The Coaster bus service runs parallel to the whole route so it’s easy to divide into smaller combinations. You can also take the train from Brighton to Shoreham. I planned the start of this trip from Shoreham train station so it’s a little shorter if you start from either the Downs Link end-point next to the River Adur or the bus stop on Shoreham High Street.

Navigation is very easy as you’ll be following the closest path to the sea. Much of it is signposted with either England Coast Path or (to Brighton) Monarch’s Way signs. After Brighton Pier the cliffs start to rise which gives you the option of either following the cliff-top path or the undercliff path. We always chose the undercliff path or whatever path was closest to the sea to give us a quieter, more interesting walk.

The scenery gets more pleasant the further east you travel. After Shoreham High Street you follow the busy A259 past industrial units and out-of-town stores for 2km until Shoreham Port. At the port, the path leaves the road, crosses the Adur and joins the Basin Road South. This is a good place to stop for a coffee and cake at either the Port Kitchen or Carats Café Bar to celebrate passing the grim part. Although Basin Road is still industrial, you’re now off the busy main road and next to the sea.

At the far eastern end of Basin Road you’ll arrive at Hove joining the promenade and a proper sea-side feel. Here you’ll have a lot of options for food and drink or to divert into Brighton town. After Brighton Pier keep to Madeira Drive, the lower / undercliff road and cut through Brighton Marina. After the Marina you’ll get to the undercliff path, a very quiet 2.5km stretch to Rottingdean. This is a good place to stop for a rest at the White Horse Hotel and get the bus back. Alternatively, as we did you could walk up to the Windmill on top of Beacon Hill for a great view. The view is especially good in the evening with the sun setting behind the windmill. From here, walk back down the hill to the A259 to the bus stop.

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Richard gower27 June 2022Trek, Coast, England, SussexComment

Brighton Trail 10k

When: June 26th 2022
Where: Stanmer Park Nature Reserve, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RE
Course: Single loop hilly course in the woods and upper fields of Stanmer Park. Marathon distance also held.
Other routes touched (walk): none
Finish time: 58:56

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Richard gower26 June 2022Run, 10k, Sussex, South Downs, EnglandComment

Bullock Hill: Brighton and Hove High Point

Significance: Highest peak in the Unitary Authority of Brighton and Hove
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Ditchling Beacon, NHN = Newmarket Hill
Historic County: Sussex (of which Black Down is the County Top)
Elevation: 197m
Date “climbed”: 25th June 2022
Coordinates: 50° 50' 23'' N, 0° 3' 37'' W
OS Trig Pillar: TP1764 - Bullocks Hill
Map: Brighton & Hove Map | Lewes & Burgess Hill | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL11
Links: Wikipedia (Brighton & Hove), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Most Unitary Authority High Points that I’ve visited so far have been dull parts of large towns with little to write home about. Bullock’s Hill is a nice exception here with an OS Trig Pillar and great views across to Brighton and the Coast. Be careful not to damage crops in the summer though as there’s no public right of way directly to the summit.

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Richard gower25 June 2022Trek, UK County Tops, South Downs, Sussex, EnglandComment

The South Downs Rivers

Here’s a Tube-style map of the rivers of the South Downs National Park. Let me know if you spot any mistakes and I’ll donate £1 per correction to one of my causes. If you would like a printable PDF version, please Buy Me a Coffee and send me your e-mail via the Contact page. All copies for personal, not commercial use.

Note: the map shows rivers that start, end or pass through the South Downs National Park. There are some rivers that are not included as their source is south of the Park even though they flow into the English Channel or join another river on this map.

Tube-Style Maps

English & Welsh National Trails

Scottish Great Trails

Brecon Beacons Rivers

Chiltern Rivers

Colne Valley Trails

Richard gower3 May 2022Canal, Coast, South Downs, National Park, Sussex, Hampshire, EnglandComment

Downs Link Ultra Marathon

Crossing The Old Shoreham Toll Bridge on the last mile

When: October 10th 2021
Start: Church of St Martha-on-the-Hill, Halfpenny Lane, Guildford, GU4 8PZ
Finish: 3rd Shoreham Sea Scouts, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5LT
Distance: 61.3 km (38.1 miles)
Elevation change: +456m / -622m (Net -166m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): North Downs Way, Tillingbourne At Work (SCC), Wey South Path, The Fox Way, Greensand Way, Sussex Border Path, West Sussex Literary Trail, South Downs Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 22, 223
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (145) Guildford and Farnham
- OS Explorer OL34 Crawley & Horsham
- OS Explorer OL11 Brighton and Hove
Finish time: 8 hours 32 minutes
Links: Downs Link (Wikipedia), The Cranleigh Line, The Steyning Line, St Martha’s Hill, Surrey Hills AONB, Wey and Arun Canal, South Downs National Park

This was a return to familiar territory for Mark and I. We’d cycled the Downs Link in July and passed by St Martha’s church on the Hardest of Snails 10k shortly after. Running the whole of the 38 mile trail was an altogether bigger challenge. This was also Mark’s first Ultra and my first running one with a friend.

I had worked out a plan to get us through it at a steady pace with 30 minutes contingency for the 10 hour cut-off. I have a consistent pace for Ultras, but not knowing how Mark would get on I didn’t know whether we would be able to stick together or not.

The first 6.4k to the old railway path is steep and hilly. With a lot of runners packed tightly into narrow paths you have to go at the speed of the group. This was a comfortable pace for a short race but faster than I had planned for this. I couldn’t see Mark at all in this first section and was worried that I was getting a long way ahead. I needn’t have worried as he arrived at the first Aid Station 30 seconds behind me.

This was the pattern for the first half of the race. I was slightly ahead on each section and we met up at the Aid Stations. Somewhere between Henfield and Steyning we’d both slowed to a fast walk and kept together to the end. By the finish point at Shoreham-by-Sea we were a hour ahead of our planned time and well within the official cut-off.

This is billed as a great Ultra for first timers and I’d argue that it’s a great one all round. After the first 6.4k it’s mostly flat and on good ground. There’s a few long straight stretches that got a bit boring but made up for by the remains of the old stations along the way. See my post on the cycle trip for more about these.

Running and crossing the finishing line with a friend made it special for me. Well done Mark on joining the Ultra club and huge thanks for Mark’s family for supporting us along the way.

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Richard gower10 October 2021Run, Ultramarathon, Canal, Railway, Disused Railway, Coast, South Downs, National Park, National Trust, Surrey, Sussex, England, Surrey HillsComment

Cycling The Downs Link

Start: St. Martha’s Hill Guildford Lane Car Park, Guildford Lane, Albury, Guildford, GU5 9BQ
Finish: Shoreham-by-Sea Station, Station Approach, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5WX
Distance: 61 km (38 miles)
Elevation change: +344m / -457m (Net -113m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): North Downs Way, Tillingbourne At Work (SCC), Wey South Path, The Fox Way, Greensand Way, Sussex Border Path, West Sussex Literary Trail, South Downs Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 22, 223
Other routes touched (run): Downs Li nk Ultra
Pubs / Cafes on route: Wild & Green Kitchen (Cranleigh), The Little Teahouse (Southwater), The Old Railway (Henfield) …and others
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (145) Guildford and Farnham
- OS Explorer OL34 Crawley & Horsham
- OS Explorer OL11 Brighton and Hove
Links: Downs Link (Wikipedia), The Cranleigh Line, The Steyning Line, St Martha’s Hill, Surrey Hills AONB, Wey and Arun Canal, South Downs National Park

The Downs Link is a ~59k trail linking the North Downs Way at St. Martha’s Hill and the South Downs Way near Shoreham-by-Sea. Having recently completed the similarly sounding Thames Down Link, this was an obvious next trip. The first 6k is a hilly route through countryside around Blackheath and Chilworth. Once it connects to the Wey and Arun Canal it follows the route of the disused Cranleigh and Steyning Lines.

There’s no practical public transport connection between the start and the end (maybe they should build a train line to connect them?) … so we did a 2-car shuffle. Our total route was a bit longer than the actual Downs Link as we started from the Guildford Lane Car Park and finished at Shoreham-by-Sea station.

Navigation is very easy, especially once you’re on the old rail line. There were a couple of path junctions on the first 6k that we may have missed if we’d not had a GPX route to guide us.

There’s remains of the former stations along the route, some better preserved than others. West Grinstead is a particular highlight as there’s a British Rail Mark 1 coach on site, now used as an information centre. Others, like Partridge Green and Bramber have been completely demolished with no remaining evidence.

Don’t miss stopping at Rudgwick Bridge over the River Arun. The previous gradient up to Rudgwick Station was too steep for trains so the embankments were raised and an iron bridge was built on top of the brick arch. There’s a viewpoint just off the path where you can see the two layers. The logo on the Down Link signs along the route are based on this bridge.

If you’re an OS Trig Pillar bagger, you can find TP1686 - Broomhall Copse 5 minutes off the path at the intersection with the Sussex Border path.

Downs Link Disused Stations

Pictures above: top row, left to right:

Bramley and Womersh: Disused Stations / Wikipedia. Platform and shelter still there.
Cranleigh: Disused Stations / Wikipedia. Station’s old platform levels still exist behind shops. Everything else has gone.
Baynards: Disused Stations / Wikipedia. Station has been restored but now in private hands.
Rudgwick: Disused Stations / Wikipedia. Rudgwick Medical Centre has been built on the site of the station's main building.
Slinfold: Disused Stations / Wikipedia. Station demolished & replaced by caravan park. Photo shows Railway Cottages opposite.
Christ’s Hospital: Disused Stations / Wikipedia. Old station demolished but platform remains. New station to the south.

Pictures above: bottom row, left to right:

Southwater: Wikipedia. Replica sign only, road now covers site of original station.
West Grinstead: Wikipedia. Station building and cottages now in private hands. Platform remains with a British Rail Mark 1 coach on display.
Partridge Green: Wikipedia. Station buildings have been removed and replaced by housing and the Star Road Industrial Estate
Henfield: Wikipedia. Station demolished. Only evidence is Beechings and Station Road sign where station used to be.
Steyning: Wikipedia. Station demolished but old warehouse building remains, now converted into townhouses.
Bramber: Wikipedia. Station demolished and replaced by a roundabout (photo). No other evidence.

The Complete Route

Two maps of the Prime Meridian. Above: Cycle route, each colour representing a different day of the trip. Right: tube-style map showing the cycle route, 0 degrees longitude and the Greenwich Meridian Trail

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Richard gower14 July 2021Cycle, NCN, Coast, Thames, Railway, Disused Railway, Canal, South Downs, National Park, Sussex, Surrey, London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, EnglandComment

Eastbourne Pier and Beachy Head Circular Walk

Start & Finish: Eastbourne Pier, 3 Grand Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 3EL
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation change: + / - 204m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): South Downs Way, Weald Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Other routes touched (run): Beachy Head Marathon
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several on Eastbourne sea front, The Kiosk at the start of the SDW, The Beachy Head pub
Trig Pillar: TP0453 - Beachy Head
Map: OS Explorer OL25 Eastbourne & Beachy Head
Links: Eastbourne, Eastbourne Pier, Beachy Head

For me this was a walk largely designed to bag the OS Trig Pillar at the top of Beachy Head. I’d had a couple of near misses, most notably on the final stretch of the Beachy Head Marathon, but never got to touch it. The pillar is actually a very easy to get on a drive-by as it’s just behind the big pub on Beachy Head Road. It would be a shame to miss out on the walk though as it’s a South Downs classic.

This is definitely a walk of two halves with a central hill section bookended by the flat, coastal out-and back from the pier. If you just wanted to do the hilly part you can save 5k and do the big loop starting either from The Beachy Head pub or from the start of the South Downs Way on Dukes Drive. If you’ve got the time the full 10k route is well worth it and gives you a diverse “Down and Town” trip.

We started from the pier entrance on the B2106 Grand Parade with a circuit of the pier. A combination of it being December and just out of the latest Covid Lockdown meant that there was nothing going on there at the time. After the pier, follow the Promenade south, keeping to the higher path when you have an option. After ~2.5k you’ll reach the sign that marks the start of the 100 mile South Downs Way. Follow the South Downs Way up a steep hill and continue for a further 2km until you reach the cliff-edge RAF memorial. To visit the Trig Pillar walk a further 100m up hill to the north-west then retrace your steps back to the memorial.

To return, take the first footpath to the left of the memorial (as you face the sea). Descend on the steep path to the cliff edge (but not too far) and continue round heading north back to Eastbourne. When you reach the cliff edge look back to the south along the coast for a great view of Beachy Head Lighthouse. Keep the the cliff-edge path and you’ll end up back at the kiosk on Dukes Drive. From here return to the pier following the lower promenade along the top of the beach.

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Richard gower6 December 2020Trek, Coast, South Downs, National Park, Sussex, EnglandComment

Pevensey Castle and Hankham Circular Walk

Start & Finish: Pevensey Castle Car Park, Pevensey, BN24 5LF
Distance: 11.4 km (7 miles)
Elevation change: + / - 80m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): 1066 Country Walk - South Downs Link
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2
Pubs / Cafes on route: Royal Oak and Castle (Pevensey), Pevensey Castle Tea Room, Cafe at Sharnfold Farm Near Stone Cross
Map: OS Explorer OL25 Eastbourne & Beachy Head
Links: Pevensey, Pevensey Castle, 1066 Country Walk

Now that my brother-in-law has moved to Eastbourne this is likely to be the first of several walks we’ll be doing in the area. We chose Pevensey Castle as a good meeting point near to the town and a great start for a flat countryside walk.

From the Pevensey Castle Car park, the walk starts in the grounds of the castle. It’s an English Heritage property but you only have to pay to enter the ruins of the main part of the castle. At the south-west end of the castle grounds take a right onto High Street and cross over the B2191. Here you’ll pick up the 1066 Country Walk which you’ll follow for 3km in a westerly direction to Stone Cross.

The Stone Cross section of the 1066 Walk is on the busy Dittons Road. It’s only for 800m though and you’ll be able to take a right back onto a footpath. After crossing the A27 Pevensey Bypass (crossing very carefully!) you’ll reach Sharnfold Farm with a Farm Shop and Cafe for a mid-point rest.

From Sharnfold Farm cross over the Hailsham road and into a large field. The path across the field wasn’t visible when we were there but it’s in a roughly north east direction crossing under the electricity lines. At the north end of the field the route follows a stream bed and through a farm into Hankham. Take a left onto Hankham Street and follow the road for 2km to Rickney.

Just before Rickney Road crosses the river and joins Rickney Lane take a footpath on the right. This follows Pevensey Haven River all the way back to Pevensey. This was extremely muddy on the day that we went so be sure to take boots if it’s even remotely damp. You’ll cross over the busy A27 for a final time before reaching Castle Road and back to the car park at the start.

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Richard gower5 December 2020Trek, English Heritage, Sussex, EnglandComment

Cycling The Prime Meridian Part 1 - Peacehaven to Waltham Abbey

The Prime Meridian, also known as the Greenwich Meridian, is the line of longitude defined as 0°. It’s the line that divides East and West. It’s also a line that I asked myself last Christmas: “can that be cycled"?”. The answer is “no” as it’s a dead-straight line with buildings inconveniently built along it's path. You can cycle quite close to it though, so that’s what we did.

If you want to walk it, there’s a well-signed path called the Greenwich Meridian Trail. The Trail is also very well described in a series of 4 books by Graham and Hilda Heap. The cycle route that I designed stays as close to the Prime Meridian as possible but avoiding footpaths and opting for quieter country roads over busy main roads. Even if you’re cycling I highly recommend the Greenwich Meridian Trail books as they’re a great guide to the interesting things to see along the way.

For the first stage of our cycle trip we started at Peacehaven, where the Meridian meets the sea at it’s most Southerly point. From there we headed north over 2 days to Waltham Abbey, just above the M25. The rest of it came in later trips covering 6 days. See the main Prime Meridian post for the full route

Day 1: Coast, Downs and Weald

Start: Prime Meridian Obelisk, 96 The Promenade, Peacehaven, BN10 8LN
Finish: The Bakery Restaurant and Rooms, Westmore Road, Tatsfield, Westerham, TN16 2AG
Distance: 75 km (47 miles)
Elevation change: + 1,013m / - 812m (Net +201m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Newhaven-Brighton Clifftop Path, South Downs Way, Sussex Ouse Valley Way, Forest Way, High Weald Landscape Trail, Mid Sussex Link, Sussex Border Path, Tandridge Border Path, Greensand Way, Vanguard Way, North Downs Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2, 21
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but I recommend The Stable Tea Rooms, Heaven Farm, Furner's Green, Uckfield TN22 3RG (at km 34)
Maps:
- OS Explorer OL11 Brighton & Hove Map
- OS Explorer Map (135) Ashdown Forest Map
- OS Explorer Map (146) Dorking, Box Hill and Reigate Map
- OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham Map
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 1: Peacehaven to Greenwich
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Peacehaven, Prime Meridian Obelisk, Tatsfield

Day 2: London

Start: The Bakery Restaurant and Rooms, Westmore Road, Tatsfield, Westerham, TN16 2AG
Finish: Waltham Abbey Church, 4 Church St, Waltham Abbey EN9 1DJ
Distance: 62.5 km (39 miles)
Elevation change: + 377m / - 585m (Net -208m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Tandridge Border Path, London Loop, Capital Ring, Waterlink Way, Lewisham Promenade, Thames Path, Lea Valley Walk, Jubilee Greenway, The Greenway.
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 13, 21, 4, CS2, CS3, CS16, CS23,
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but I recommend The Breakfast Club, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 29 East Bay Lane Canalside Here East, London E15 2GW
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham Map
- OS Explorer Map (162) Greenwich and Gravesend Map
- OS Explorer Map (174) Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 1: Peacehaven to Greenwich and Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 2: Greenwich to Hardwick
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Tatsfield, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Waltham Abbey

Prime Meridian markers on the route

Bottom Row (left to right)

Top row(left to right):

Next section: Waltham Abbey to Peterborough

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Richard gower14 July 2020Cycle, NCN, Coast, Disused Railway, Thames, South Downs, Sussex, Surrey, London, Hertfordshire, EnglandComment

Rottingdean and Peacehaven Under and Over Cliff Walk

Start & Finish: White Horse Hotel, High St, Rottingdean, Brighton BN2 7HR, United Kingdom
Distance: 9.7 km (6 miles)
Elevation change: + / - 80 m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): England Coastal Path, Newhaven-Brighton Clifftop Path, Undercliff Walk, Greenwich Meridian Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2, Prime Meridian Cycle Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Smugglers Rest, South Coast Road, Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven BN10 7BE
Map: OS Explorer OL11 Brighton & Hove Map
Links: Rottingdean, Peacehaven, Prime Meridian Obelisk

This was a pleasant late afternoon walk for us ahead of the next day’s Prime Meridian Cycle Trip with my friend Brian. We had spent the day on Rottingdean Beach, mostly drinking Champagne and eating ice-cream. Timea had joined Brian and I for the day and I wanted her to see the Prime Meridian Obelisk before she headed home.

The return walk from Rottingdean to the Obelisk at Peasehaven is just under 10 km with both undercliff and cliff-top options to choose from. You can follow the cliff-top all the way but the undercliff option stops for a few kms between Saltdean and the Western edge of Peacehaven. We took the undercliff walk, as much as we could, to Peacehaven and came back on the cliff top.

See the next post for more on the Prime Meridian Obelisk at Peaceheaven.

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Richard gower12 July 2020Trek, Coast, Sussex, EnglandComment

South-East England parkruns

The parkrun Regionnaire status used to be a major part of parkrun tourism, with South-East England being the largest region. Changes in the parkrun website in 2019 removed the regions making it harder to track completion status. All is not lost though as here’s the complete parkrun guide to what’s in and what’s out of the counties of South-East England.

Completed counties may include those I have previously completed but have not yet been able to visit a new event yet.

As of June 2022, the total parkrun event numbers for each county are:

Berkshire: 10 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 11 in the Historic County
Buckinghamshire, 11 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 12 in the Historic County
Hampshire, 24 parkrun events in the Present-Day county (inc I.o.W), 26 in the Historic County
Kent, 25 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 38 in the Historic County
Oxfordshire, 12 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 7 in the Historic County
Surrey, 12 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 26 in the Historic County
Sussex, 11 parkrun events in the Present-Day county of West Sussex, 6 in East Sussex and 5 in Brighton and Hove. 22 in the Historic County of Sussex

…giving a grand total of 116 parkrun events in the present-day counties of the South of England.

click on the link on each county name to go to the blog post for that county

Notes and exceptions.

Numbers of event above exclude prison parkruns and permanently cancelled events.
Bournemouth and Moors Valley parkruns were part of Historic Hampshire and would have been in Historic South-East England, but are now part of Present-day Dorset, so would be in the South West England region.
Hazelwood was part of Historic Middlesex and is now part of Present-day Surrey.
Parts of Historic Surrey and Kent are now part of Greater London. See the individual pages for those counties for the list of which events are now part of Greater London.

Rape of Chichester

Rape of Arundel

Rape of Bramber

Rape of Lewes

Rape of Pevensey

Rape of Hastings

Sources

Alpudram Airfield

Bosham Boathouse

Other Posts for the South Downs

Tube-Style Maps

Downs Link Disused Stations

More Disused Railway Posts

Links to each section:

The Complete Route

Day 1: Coast, Downs and Weald

Day 2: London

Prime Meridian markers on the route

Bottom Row (left to right)

Top row(left to right):

More parkrun posts