32 Bersted in Focus wISTON wINE wAlK

By SIMON BAKER IRONS

The featured trek this month has been inspired by a beautiful segment of my most recent walk around the border of Arun District Council, following paths as close to the civil parish border as possible. The walk has many contrasts, from the coastal promenades to the amazing views of the rolling hills of the South Downs.

At the most north-easterly point of the Arun DC border is wiston vineyards. They have been part of the wiston Estate since 2006 and can be found at North Farm just off the A24, a couple of miles north of Findon village. The wiston Estate has been owned and managed by the Goring family since 1743 and has produced many commodities such as wool, barley, timber, wheat and most recently wine from the vineyards. There is plenty of parking at the winery along with a shop and a restaurant that serves fine local produce, a perfect stop for a coffee or meal at the end of the walk.

There are various walks around the estate that feature the vineyards and the beautiful aspects of the area. The walks vary from easy to challenging and I have featured the longer more strenuous walk up to Chanctonbury Ring.

1. Starting at the winery car park, walk straight up the hill and turn right at the track which runs above North Farm vineyard to Crossroads viewpoint. The viewpoint has some amazing views of the wiston Estate, from the ring of Beech trees at Chanctonbury in the north to Cissbury Ring in the South.

2. head left and ascend the chalky track towards Chanctonbury Ring. Join the South Downs way and continue towards the hilltop. Just off the path lies a dew pond; one of two upon Chanctonbury hill that were created in the 1870s to provide a water source for livestock. These ponds are now vital for biodiversity as they sustain a colony of great crested newts.

3. At the top of Chanctonbury hill you can enjoy 360 degree views across to the North Downs and the sea in the south. Continue along the path towards the copse of trees at the Bronze Age Scheduled Monument that is Chanctonbury Ring. Seventy five percent of the original beech trees that were planted in 1760 by Charles Goring, were torn down by the great storm of 1987, a replanting programme has since rejuvenated the iconic landmark.

4. Continue along the South Downs way towards the Southeast and at the crosspaths head downhill on a chalk track, after approximately 100m take a right down the narrow grassy track. The path descends through Buddington Bottom woods to New Barns. Continuing downhill the path passes wiston’s original vineyard at Findon Park. The track passes through more woods to the steep chalk hill, where you will find yourself back at Crossroads viewpoint. Continue straight ahead down the hill to return to North Farm.

Further information on the walks at wiston Estate can be found on their website www.wistonestate.com and on information boards at the winery.

To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram @piertopiertrekking

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