Walk of the Month: Discover the beauty of Bramber and the River Adur ‘Miles without Stiles’ route
March 2, 2023
Walk route expert Charlie Hellewell guides us through a delightful riverside walk in the historic downland village of Bramber in the South Downs National Park.
This month’s featured walk is from our Miles without Stiles series, designed for those with limited access, families with pushchairs or wheelchair users. Download the printable guide here.
Starting at the historic village of Bramber in West Sussex with its medieval ruined castle, this riverside route follows the river Adur and is set against the backdrop of the South Downs. The Route for All follows a linear path of 2.2 miles (3.6km) there and back, but can be made into a circular loop of 2.8 miles (4.6km) by joining a Route for Many at the end of the track, where the path also joins the South Downs Way.
Keep a lookout for herons, egrets and kingfishers along the river.
There are toilet facilities in the car park and refreshment options in the village.
Bramber Castle ruins, with the basic layout visible and the remains of the gatehouse tower left standing, is in a wonderful setting and is free to visit. The privately owned and lived-in St Mary’s House and Gardens, a 15th century pilgrim inn, is open to the public on Sunday and Thursday afternoons between May and September. There is much to admire in this pretty downland village.
Getting here
By rail: The nearest railway station is at Shoreham-by-Sea. Visit nationalrail.co.uk for details.
By bus: Catch the no. 2 bus from Brighton and Shoreham to the Castle Inn at Bramber, the no.100 from Horsham/Pulborough/Burgess Hill or the no. 106 (Wednesday only) from Horsham. Visit traveline.info/se to plan your journey.
#TakeTheLead
For a safe and fun visit with your dog, please remember to keep them on a lead around livestock and wildlife. Always bag and bin your dog poo – any public bin will do!
Find this and other Miles without Stiles routes at southdowns.gov.uk/miles-without-stiles