Fishersgate to Shoreham by Sea, 12 Apr

Travel: Buy an off peak day return to Shoreham-by-Sea. (Freedom pass is valid until E Croydon) 

Train as programme : Victoria 8.46  (Littlehampton train) Change at Hove (9.53) for 10.02 train to Fishersgate – arrive 10.09. Also calls at Clapham Junction (8.53) and East Croydon  (9.04). I shall join the train at E Croydon Trains return from Shoreham-by-Sea direct to Victoria every half hour

The Walk: Twelve miles. The Sussex Border Path footpath starts at Fishersgate station and climbs steadily, but gently, up to the S Downs – a mix of suburban ginnels and shaded tracks.  Once on the Downs there are great views of the coast to the South and classic chalk downland country to the North. Little shelter.  We find the Monarch’s Way and follow it to Beeding. There are two steep and  stony downhills  where sticks are necessary. The Monarch’s Way goes through the villages of Upper Beeding and Bramber where we stop for lunch.

No stiles. No loos after Hove – best to go on the train. Some scrubby cover. It’s a long morning – 7 miles – so bring a snack or something for a mid morning break.

The afternoon walk is all flat. We follow the Downs Link then walk by the River Adur to Shoreham. The last mile is along a pleasant suburban road leading directly to the station.

Drop out point: There is a reliable  hourly bus which goes from outside the pub direct to Shoreham station.

Lunch: There are three pubs serving food in Beeding/Bramber – all opposite bus stops. We are going for The Kings Head  and a long lunch break. If you want to picnic there are plenty of places – by the River Adur, in the  ruins of the Norman  castle or the church yard.

Leader: Sue H