Sutton, Barlavington and the South Downs - Circular

Richard Clayton

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Sutton is one of the more remote villages in West Sussex. It is blocked off to the south by the mass of the South Downs and is only approachable from other directions by means of winding country lanes. But it is really worth visiting. The village has a good pub, the White Horse, an interesting church, St John the Baptist and fine walking country all around; and Bignor Roman Villa is close by.

The walk starts gently, taking you through the very rustic hamlet of Barlavington with its tiny 12th Century church, then climbs steeply up onto the downs. It offers wonderful views, particularly to the east along the downs and to the south to the coast. The route crosses both the South Downs Way and the Monarch’s Way as it passes through the National Trust's Slindon Estate. It also crosses a rather older route, Stane Street, the Roman road which ran from what became Chichester to the provincial capital at London.

On 31st March 2010 the South Downs became Britain's newest National Park and the tenth to be designated in England. It is over 1,600km square and stretches 100 miles from the edge of Winchester to Beachy Head. The park is home to over 108,000 people and includes the towns of Petersfield, Midhurst and Lewes.

England - South England - West Sussex - South Downs

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Church, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Pub, Wildlife

6/26/2022 - Nigel Williamson

Just a comment at WP9 The enclosed path between fields is now gated at both ends however it is fairly obvious where to go.

6/26/2022 - Nigel Williamson

A most enjoyable walk with some fine views. Note at WP8. The Farm Watch notice has been removed.

4/11/2017 - Mike Compton

An really excellent walk with much variety and stunning views. I have walked about 10 different walks over the past 4 weeks and this is definitely the best. Just before the Bignor car park there is a small field on the lest with a pond and a tree trunk seat with amazing views!

4/28/2012 - Timothy Herring

A fine walk,with a good cross section of the downs attractions.

5/12/2009 - Nicholas Rudd-Jones

We did this walk at the end of August, which is a fantastic time of year to do it - the farmers gathering in the harvest and lots of late butterflies