Crowhurst to St Leonards 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

Leaving 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 The 1066 fingerpost

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.

Serene views across the lake through weeds emerging from their winter slumber

Maybe we’ll see a buzzard if we’re lucky

“Did you know that over 100 species of bird have been recorded here,” stated Donna as a pair of honking Canada Geese flew low overhead. “Maybe we’ll see a buzzard if we’re lucky.”

At marker post 56 there are footbridges on either side, but ignore both and keep going in the same general direction. A little further on, cross the footbridge, then shortly after that, pass the sluice and soothing sound of rushing water on the right. A little further on, is a wooden gate in need of a little attention, and shortly after that is a gated footbridge.

Keep walking to marker post 5 then keep going for another 250m and over another footbridge to marker post 4. Bear right for a few steps to marker post 3, then turn right and amble across another gated footbridge.

On the other side, at marker post 53, turn left and aim across the paddock, past the redundant kissing gate and alongside Combe Haven, over the penultimate footbridge of the day to

Donna, contemplating life while pining for coffee

marker post 2. Stay parallel to Combe Haven, past the telegraph pole on the near bank and then the caravans on the opposite bank, eventually emerging at marker post 1, beside Bulverhythe Recreation Ground.

Walk past the metal barrier, then down the drive to the junction with Bexhill Road. Turn right, then cross with care at the traffic island, and continue on the other side for 250m to the junction with Bridge Way. Turn left and at the far end of Bridge Way, the steepest ascent of the day will be the steps of the footbridge.

If the weather gods are forgiving, then as Donna pointed out, “You can see Beachy Head… it must be 15 miles away.”

Looking east from the railway footbridge, towards St. Leonards-on-Lea and Marine Court

Once down the other side of the bridge, head east and follow the shingle between the railway and the beach. The Bulverhythe beach huts en route provide a colourful counterpoint to the natural, earthy shades along the earlier sections of the walk. Keep going past the red barrier and over Combe Haven for a final time.

Almost 150m past the cream coloured column, at the far end of the green area that was once the Lido, turn left into Grosvenor Gardens. At the far end, cross the main road at the zebra crossing,

Every colour under the sun! Bulverhythe beach huts

then head up Keats Close on the only thing that resembles a real climb, then turn right into West Hill Road, then left and downhill into St. Vincent’s Road, with West St. Leonard’s Station clearly visible.

“What a lovely walk on a sunny day, such pleasant scenery, and all that birdsong,” contemplated Donna, as the train home rumbled into view. …And by the way, we did see a buzzard on the way! l

Robert has tested the route personally, making sure it is suitable for walking. However, even he cannot guarantee the effects of the weather, or roadworks, or any other factors outside of his control. If you would like to send your feedback about a local walk, please email editorial@sussexliving.com

Fancy a slightly longer stroll? Rather than turn left at Grosvenor Gardens, continue along the seafront for 1 mile, then turn left into London Road. After 200m turn right into Kings Road, then 200m further on is St. Leonard’s Warrior Square station.

Distance: 5.75 miles Walk Time: 2¼ - 2½ hours Stiles: 1 Kissing Gates: 2 Footwear: Stout footwear is recommended, it may be muddy in places Elevation Gain: 26m (86 feet) Footbridges: 9 Calorie Burn: Approximately 550kcal Map: O/S Explorer 124 Trains: www.southernrailway.com www.southeasternrailway.co.uk

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Independent and family-run since 1855 Independent and family-run since 1855

The Perfect Match Independent and family-run since 1855 MEMORIAL JEWELLERY In collaboration with RTFJ WITH A DIFFERENCE Join us for the exciting launch of the

Independent and family-run since 1855Freeman Brothers and RTFJ are proud to announce the launch of the ‘With Me’ collection of Memorial Jewellery. This collaboration strikes the right balance; bringing local award-winning Goldsmiths RTFJ, together with Freeman Brothers Funeral Directors, who have helped bereaved families throughout Sussex since 1855. From 31st March, all four of Freeman Brothers’ branches in Billingshurst, Crawley, Horsham and Hurstpierpoint will feature the full display of memorial jewellery from RTFJ’s ‘With Me’ collection, for anyone who wishes to come in and take a look. Richard Talman, designer of the collection, explains ‘Ashes from your loved ones are encapsulated within your chosen piece of jewellery, to create a subtle, lasting memory without harm or alterations to the ashes themselves. The ashes are hermetically sealed within a dedicated chamber of the jewellery, without tainting them with the use of resin or glass’. Abi Pattenden, Manager of Freeman Brothers, commented ‘We are pleased to be working with RTFJ – our customers tell us how much comfort a meaningful reminder of someone special can bring – the ‘With Me’ collection is exactly this’. Freeman Brothers’ trained staff are on hand in each branch to take ashes samples – which can be done in your presence. All samples will be carefully delivered by hand to RTFJ, together with your completed order form. As well as receiving a beautiful keepsake, you will also be helping others when you place an order for the ‘With Me’ jewellery collection. For every piece made, RTFJ will make a donation to a local charity, Kangaroos.

Thursday 31st March 2022

From 3.00pm-7.00pm

Join us for our exciting launch event: you can preview the jewellery, and meet RTFJ’s craftsmen, Richard and Hugo, plus the Freeman Brothers team Come along and see the jewellery and meet the designer Thursday 31st March 2022 Richard Talman of RTFJ From 3.00pm-7.00pm as featured on the BBC Repair Shop

RSVP - 126 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9PX o1273 831497 | hurst@freemanbrothers.co.ukRSVP - 126 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9PX RSVP - 126 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9PXo1273 831497 | hurst@freemanbrothers.co.uk o1273 831497 | hurst@freemanbrothers.co.uk