WALK
With the first days of spring heralding the arrival of British Summer Time later this month we sent Robert Veitch to Crowhurst to unearth an absorbing route to the coast. He took his friend Donna along for the trek, to add some wit to the conversation and to count the footbridges
CROWHURST TO WEST ST LEONARDS
WALK L
eaving the wide expanse of Crowhurst Station via the rear of platform 1, follow the smooth tarmac of Station Road downhill, for just over one-third of a mile, to the T-junction. Turn left into Forewood Lane and continue along the pavement for 100m, before turning left by the 1066 fingerpost. Once beyond the metal 5-bar gate, stride out across the field in the shadow of the power lines to, and
then across, the distant footbridge. Turn right, past the hardcore boulders and follow the line of Powdermill Stream and the hedge, which eventually lead to hollow grids of concrete pavers underfoot, and then a wooden 5-bar gate, beside the only stile of the day. Once over the stile turn right and follow the unmade surface of Sampson’s Lane past the homes to the junction with Sandrock Hill. Turn right, and walk carefully along the road or
Setting out from the wide expanse of Crowhurst station
rpost
The 1066 finge
By the fingerpost nestled close to the red-topped reflective roadside bollards verge for almost 150m before turning left by the fingerpost nestled close to the redtopped reflective roadside bollards. Follow the path between the fence and hedge on the right, and the stream and the George VI Recreation Ground on the left, all the way to marker post 15. Continue into the arable field and follow the path, as it emulates the gentle meanders of the stream, all the way to the kissing gate.
Beyond the kissing gate, the path leads up a very gentle incline to a post and rail fence, which offers serene views across the lake, through reeds that are starting to emerge from their winter slumber. The path leads under the Combe Valley Way, which opened in 2015, and into Combe Valley Countryside Park, emerging at a 4-way fingerpost. Turn right, and follow the track for almost half a mile, almost as far as the bridge over Watermill Stream. Bear left, down the bank to marker post 57, then through the gap between the posts, turning left to walk alongside Watermill Stream. March 2022 | SUSSEX LIVING 121
Mar22 Crow(borough)hurst walk v1.indd 121
23/02/2022 12:26
