Stepye two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Very enjoyable and a glorious walk but I've not much to add to earlier more descriptive reviews. On the practical side it was very well signposted beyond the villages where it follows the popular South Downs Way. I knew that was likely from elsewhere on the SDW so on a misty day I took a punt on this route hoping it would burn off or I would come out above it. Happily it was blue skies from the YHA all the way to Pyecombe although still hazy below.

You can get a 7 direct bus between Brighton and Steyning and it's only 10 mins longer than the other combinations but less frequent. If you get the bus to/from Pyecombe double check the details. The "Garage" stop is next to the BP and not where the word Garage appears on OS Explorer maps. The Brighton and Hove buses' own site/app shows live times but other normally reliable sites just show scheduled. I was also told that most bus drivers do not stop at the "Saddlery" stop for route 17 as it is dangerous.

Lots of friendly locals along the way who, among other things, told me to avoid the "grockles" at Devil's Dyke on weekends, presumably passing through would be better than trying to park or get a table in the the pub. Happily the Wildflower Cafe at Saddlescombe has started also opening Fri-Sun during winter, their orange and almond cake was delicious. You can also get a coffee at the pretty church in Pyecombe before 4.

Used public transport to make this route a circular starting from Brighton. There are frequentish buses to Steyning and Pyecombe.
The path is well signposted with no major problems. Resist the urge to take the footpath dead ahead when you first get onto the downs from Bedding and take the tarmac road which is the actual South Downs way. This will take you past the YHA and a small cafe.
At Devils Dyke there are a plethora of footpaths to choose from. The gpx file doesn't take you past the viewing station and telescope so took a minor detour. Lots of the paths not on the suggested route have stiles or steps so stick to the map if that's an issue.
Overall a great walk!.

Having posted this route last year, ten months later I have now had the chance to walk it end-to-end and give it its first review. After a few wet weeks it is always good to get up onto higher ground and in Sussex, the most reliable winter walking is on the South Downs.

This route starts from the ancient pilgrim's church of the Transfiguration at Pyecombe, which still opens its door to walkers and cyclists requiring facilities. From Pyecombe, the route follows the South Downs Way for several miles to the car park at Beeding Hill. There are several climbs (Newtimber Hill, Devil's Dyke, Edburton Hill and Truleigh Hill, but the paths are wide and not particularly muddy. In the Weald down below I could see the River Adur had flooded extensive areas of its flood plain, which would leave the footpaths there very hard going.

Along this route, there are several wide gates, but no stiles or steps. The only obstacles are the climbs which are long and steady, but not overly steep or slippery. You will pass cattle, sheep and horses with riders, but there's plenty of space up there for person and beast.

There are a lot of interesting sights to see of course, the prevailing wind is westerly so road noise from the A23 is not particularly noticeable. There are marvellous views in all directions, plus the pretty little donkey wheel at Saddlescombe Farm to inspect. Devil's Dyke is a justly popular beauty spot, a steep-sided dry valley carved out by successive episodes of melt water after the Pleistocene ice ages. Coming down from the Downs at Beeding Hill, the route picks up the Monarch's Way, the long-distance trail which approximates the path taken by Charles II on his royal escape into exile after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The Monarch's Way takes you along historic High Street of Upper Beeding and over the Adur Bridge into Bramber past the ruined Norman castle to reach Steyning. There are plenty of refreshment opportunities in Beeding, Bramber and Steyning and also on the Downs during the Summer Season there are also opportunities at Saddlescombe Farm, Devil's Dyke and the Youth Hostel at Truleigh Hill. There is also a camping field opposite the Youth Hostel .

In conclusion, there are no issues with this route. A perfect 5* Slow Way for me.

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