A linear walk from Upper Beeding

Breathtaking views to the coast

Several steep sections. Grassy footpaths and bridleways, uneven in places.

Getting here

This walk starts in Upper Beeding and finishes at a bus stop along the Upper Shoreham Road.
By bus: There are regular services to Shoreham-by-Sea and Upper Beeding, visit traveline.info/se
By rail: The nearest railway station is Shoreham-by-Sea, visit nationalrail.co.uk

The Downs Link

This 37-mile route follows the disused railway line from Guildford to Shoreham-bySea and is used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Visit westsussex.gov.uk for more information.

South Downs Way

The South Downs Way (SDW) is a 100 mile (160km) long-distance off-road National Trail which runs the entire length of the South Downs National Park. Providing stunning views across patchwork fields, rolling hills and to the south-east coastline, this route connects Winchester, the Saxon capital of England, with the white cliffs of Eastbourne. For maps and guides, where to stay, suggested circular routes, to report an issue and much more visit nationaltrail.co.uk/southdowns

Monarch’s Way

This long distance path is based on the lengthy route taken by King Charles II during his escape after defeat by Cromwell in the final battle of the Civil War at Worcester in 1651. Now 615 miles in length it is the longest inland trail within England, running through Stratford upon Avon, the Cotswolds, Mendips and the south coast from Charmouth to Shoreham-by-Sea.

The Rest and Be Thankful Stone

“Rest And Be thankful” is the name of a stone that sits along the track between Southwick and Thunders Barrow. It is a block of sarsen stone measuring roughly three feet square and two feet high, and makes an excellent seat – which is probably how it got its name. It is thought that this stone was originally part of Southwick Church. When the Church wall was widened in the 19th century, the stone was brought here to act as one of the boundary stones along the trackway and now offers a place for weary walkers to take the weight off their feet.

Directions

1. Head north along the road from the bus stop at Dacre Gardens. On the east side of the road, opposite the car
   park, take the South Downs Way up to Beeding Hill.
2. Take the bridleway at the bend of the road, heading southeast.
3. At the end of the bridleway turn right at the T-junction and head south towards Southwick Hill.
4. Continue on the bridleway through the Open Access land to Southwick Hill. (If you have time, explore the area and take in the views down to the coast.)
5. Continue on the bridleway over the tunnel. At the fork in the road, go right and travel down past the dew pond towards North Southwick.
6. Upon reaching the houses, follow Upper Kingston Lane down to Old Shoreham Road to the bus stop.