Wander through the Adur Valley: Steyning, Bramber Castle, and the River Adur
Details
This circular hike feels a bit like a 3-for-1 offer: Lofty views over the South Downs, the remains of a Norman Castle, as well as a River Stroll to finish -- what more can you want from a Sunday, I'd say?
Starting off at Lancing station, we'll quickly make our way up North and tackle the main ascent of the day, Steep Down -- the clue is in the name. Slightly gentler going up than down, this first hill shall offer lovely views over the Adur Valley, our playground for the day.
Following the trail that leads across, we'll tread along the South Downs Way for a little while, we'll pass by Steyning Bowl, a vast coombe that indicates how this beautiful hilly landscape was created, before having a little wander through the village that lend its name to such coombe, a place that existed since the Anglo-Saxon times, and even once was the place where King Æthelwulf of Wessex, the father of Alfred the Great, was buried, before he was moved to Winchester, the first and former capital city of England.
Sticking with the theme of fallen kingdoms, we'll swiftly move on to Bramber Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey castle overlooking the River Adur since the 11th century, whereby some parts of its original structure might have changed their angle to the river slightly throughout the years. Initially an impressive fortification, the needs of the villagers changed wherefore much of the castle's stone was later used to construct a bridge and other buildings in Bramber.
After admiring the remaining castle walls, we will head over to said river which will lead us down South and back to Lancing where this hike terminates.
GRADE: Intermediate, 21km (13 miles), 400m ascent, 5hrs 30min walking time plus breaks.
COST: £10.00 organiser fee pay on RSVP
MEETING TIME: 10:33 at Lancing Station
TRAINS: Trains from London Victoria, 09:16 train arriving at Lancing Station at 10:38, journey time 1hr 22mins. Return train from Lancing Station. NB: If you don't have one yet, look into a Network Railcard, it might change your life. :)
WALK STARTS: 10:40 at Lancing Station
LUNCH: Pack lunch
WALK FINISHES: Approx. 17:00 at Lancing Station
HIKE LEADER: Christina
WHAT TO BRING: Lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing and hiking footwear. Click here
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