Slindon - Stane Street

Sylvia Saunders

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This beautiful circular walk is full of interest. First there is The Folly, an amazing construction now owned by the National Trust, which could not have served any useful purpose at all! However the views from here are quite stunning. The walk then takes you into woodland where you may be lucky and see some deer and then leads you to Stane Street. This is no ordinary street, but a road built by the Roman Army in the 1st century AD, connecting London and Chichester. The only traffic that you will find on it now is walkers and sheep! Passing through the remote Gumber Farm you will then have a lovely downhill walk, with breathtaking wrap-around views of the coastal plain and the English Channel along with the downlands. Although a little muddy in places, the walk takes you along well-defined tracks and field-paths with no roads at all.

England - South England - West Sussex - South Downs

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland

6/16/2022 - Keith Smith

We did this walk on 9/6/22. It was wonderful. Sylvia likes a hill!! Stunning views throughout. some points to note between wm17 and 18 there are now two extra gates separating the fields. Go straight through these onto the gate mentioned at the end. At WM 18/19 turn directly right past the bench and continue straight on and the old farm building at WM 20 will be visible within a couple of minutes.

7/23/2019 - John Branscombe

Did this walk on Sunday 21st July 2019. Excellent walk. Very good directions. Enjoyable. Thank- You. John Bee

8/21/2013 - Phil Robinson

A really lovely walk. In August 2013 the stiles at WP4 had all gone so there are no stiles at all. Some people look out for stile free walks. Also we went to the newly renovated Slindon Forge cafe and shop which is run as a community project and does nice snack lunches such as ploughman's, soup and filled rolls. It also sells drinks (including beer and lager) and is well worth supporting.

4/4/2012 - Andy McTaggart

Yet another absolute gem of a circular from Sylvia. We walked this one for the third time on an absolutely beautiful Spring day on April 1st with primroses and new born lambs in abundance. Beyond the highly impressive Nore Folly we embraced stunning vistas including the Isle of Wight off to the South West. It is not hard to see why the Roman-army-built Stane Street was one of writer and poet Hilaire Belloc's favourite places to walk and we rested on the bench beneath the multi directional fingerpost for a few minutes. Following the Roman road onwards to Gumber Farm and its Bothy Camping Barn and hundreds of Sheep and Lambs. Moving back onto the crest of the Downs we enjoyed breathtaking views of the countryside, sea and Isle of Wight as we made our way merrily back to the finish. An excellent all-rounder with lots to see and enjoy with history in abundance throughout. Sylvia's walk detail is spot on and we didn't put a foot wrong for which many thanks. Beware of The George at Eartham's web site. It is out of date and if you are looking to eat, you should call them and check serving times.

4/19/2009 - Rita George

19 April 2009 R&D We did this walk today and really enjoyed it. The instructions were brilliant but we came a bit unstuck at no. 17 after the 'stunning views'. We were not sure whether we were on the correct path. After stopping to look at the wonderful views, you walk straight on over a field (sheep and lambs in April) and through a gate at the end. Continue straight on the path between crops (on both sides). At the end of the field, continue straight on until you reach the circle of trees with the bench, number 18. Turn right at the circle towards an old barn. Walk a few yards then turn left and follow the track back to the road. We recommend this walk, it takes in lots of beautiful scenery with not too steep climbs.

11/12/2008 - Walkingworld Administrator

This walk was updated November 2008.

10/17/2008 - Christine Hastie

We did this walk yesterday. Really enjoyable with nice sunny weather and stunning views. The woodland areas were particularly enjoyable with the smell of autumnal leaves. We did find the last part a bit of a slog (part17) after crossing the field as the paths between crops were narrow and interminably long. We were pleased to meet someone and learn we were still on the right track. Would possibly recommend a slightly different route back to Slindon.

10/1/2008 - Addie Bambridge

Walked 21/9/08 - lovely interesting walk, although the photos looked very different this time of year. Had a little trouble between steps 11 and 12, as it seems to have changed, or maybe we just messed up, but we found our way to the farm in the end. Also, step 21 said to turn left along the road, but this took us out to the motorway via a very long hill, which we then had to walk back up and go the other way. Nobody else has mentioned this, and we're new walkers, so again, maybe it's us. Still, we had glorious weather and the walk was terrific.

8/29/2008 - Richard Martin

Did this walk 21-Aug-08. Marvellous views and interest, especially Stane Street. Would definitely recommend.

3/21/2007 - Walkingworld Administrator

This walk was updated March 2007.