Stoste one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Stoste here.

After adding and reviewing the underhill route from Storrington to Steyning last year, I tried out the high way on Friday. This is a great Slow Way, quickly heading out of Storrington beside a small stream then across fields to the tiny hamlet of Sullington. The barn here is sometimes open as a cafe. Then you head east parallel to the line of the Downs taking a pretty straight line for a mile or so. Crossing a gallop for horses at one point then a small bridge over the A24 and into the village of Washington.

From Washington the path heads up a fairly steep bostal path onto the Downs with beautiful views at the top. The route joins, leaves then rejoins the South Downs Way before getting to Chanctonbury Ring, an old pre-historic hill fort, planted with beech trees in the 18th century, then replanted at the end of the 20th century following the devastation of the Great Storm of 1987. This is a lovely spot for a rest and picnic.

From the ring, the route follows the SDW for another mile or so before branching off to take a path off the Downs straight into the village of Steyning

Overall, this is a marvelous walk. The fields were a little soggy below the Downs in January, but up on the top the paths weren't particularly muddy or slippery. There were some stiles, kissing gates and steps to negotiate, a steep climb up onto the Downs whichever direction you walk and there is livestock in the fields and around Chanctonbury Ring. As well as the sometimes cafe at Sullington, there is a pub at Washington, but nothing else in the way of services along the way, but its not too far.

It would make a good there-and-back route with STOSTE2.

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