Walks in the South Downs National Park:
by Kev Reynolds
Cooksbridge to Plumpton Plain and Buckland Bank
T
he walk begins with a leisurely approach across low-lying farmland to the foot of the Downs, followed by a steady ascent to the crest just east of Blackcap. The way then makes a counter-clockwise tour, with long views a permanent feature. Plumpton Plain is a mixture of arable and downland, but the vast majority of the walk is over the cropped grass of Stanmer and Balmer Downs. Out of Cooksbridge Station head south alongside the A275 for about 150 yards, then turn right into Beechwood Lane. Very shortly enter the recreation ground and turn right: pass through
34 SUSSEX LIVING FOR MID SUSSEX April 2011
the children’s play area, cross a stile in the hedge and continue through a field walking parallel with Beechwood Lane until you reach the far side. Turn left along the boundary, with a large pond now on your right.
At the end of the field cross a ditch and walk across the next field to a stile seen about 30 yards to the right of a gate. You now enter a large open meadow and walk across it towards Tulleys Wells Farm, where you come to another stile in a fence. Over a narrow track a second stile gives access to another meadow which you cross to yet another stile leading onto the farm drive. Walk down the drive to
an attractive timber-framed house by the B2116 at TQ 392 130. Turn right. Follow the road through a wooded area for about 1/2 mile (800m), but as it begins to curve to the right, cross to a drive at Courthouse Farm. After passing a barn, go through a bridle gate and bear left. A very pleasant bridleway track now takes you between hedgerows, then through another gate before angling to the right and rising up the north flank of the Downs towards a crown of trees on Blackcap. On gaining the downland crest between Mount Harry and Blackcap come to a junction and take the grass path half-left ahead.
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