Makeover for South Downs Way
March 11, 2025
A horse-stile that prevented wheelchair users, mobility scooters and families with buggies from using a section of the South Downs Way has been removed.
The refurbishments at Washington, West Sussex, have been completed in time for the spring as hundreds of people venture out to explore the 5,000-year-old route that stretches for 100 miles along the South Downs ridge.
The work was part of the final tranche of funding from Miles Without Stiles, which has been supported by Gatwick Airport. Over the past eight years, seven routes have been created in the National Park that are ideal for a wide range of people with different mobility levels and families with pushchairs. Path surfaces have been improved and stiles have been removed to improve access.
At Washington, large wooden sleepers that formed part of an old horse-stile were barriers to mobility scooters and prams. These have now been removed and replaced with an easy latch bridleway gate, new post and rail fencing and improved surface around the gate way.
Ben Bessant, National Trails and Countryside Access Officer, said: “This is a significant improvement to the South Downs Way and it’s great to see this section looking so smart.
“As we mark Disabled Access Day in March, it’s important to always recognise that everyone, regardless of their mobility or fitness levels, should be able to enjoy National Parks and that’s why Miles Without Stiles is so important.”
The National Park Authority has produced walk guides and helpful videos about each of the routes: Bramber; Ditchling Beacon and the Chattri; Iping and Stedham Commons; Seaford Head; Seven Sisters; Mill Hill and West Walk, Forest of Bere.