Stoste two

Verified Slow Way

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As I was feeling energetic and Bostalboy recommended it did this route as part of a circular.
Took Stoste1 out and then returned on the flat/low Stoste2.
Both these routes are stunning! The views from the top are incredible and the woods along the bottom perfect for a sunny midday ramble.
There are multiple kissing gates and stiles along both sides access isn't great. Some of the smaller paths up and off the downs are a bit thin with tree roots and unfortunately some ash trunks have fallen over parts. Didn't cause any problems today but any wheels would struggle.
Regardless I'll definitely be taking the routes again.

Lovely route. I walked this from East (Steyning) to West (Storrington) on a lovely sunny day in about 2h15m. It runs roughly parallel to the South Downs Way but much lower, so only a few gentle ascents and descents, though quite a few stiles and some steps. Almost entirely off road, amongst trees and across fields. The route is mostly straightforward, though I had to retrace my steps a couple of time just outside of Steyning to get on the right path. There are a couple of interesting cafes on the route (St Columba's Community Farm and Sullington Manor Farm) and a pub (The Frankland Arms). Plenty of places for tasty blackberries if in season too!

At the Storrington end the route (for both StoSte1 and StoSte2) goes through a dangerous narrow road with no pavement at the intersection of Browns Lane and Church Street so I took a slightly different route which is much safer and indeed more direct. I'd recommend changing that part of the route - I've included a screenshot of my path in the photos attached.

This is a quiet and very picturesque route following footpaths and bridle paths across fields and through woods staying at the bottom of South Downs scarp. It passes through the small villages of Sullington and Washington. Washington has a pub and Sullington sometimes has a café in the farm's barn. No other facilities along the way.

There is bridge suitable for light vehicles to cross A24. There are obstacles to be negotiated; stiles, kissing gates, other gates, steps in one location and you are likely to encounter livestock. At one point the route crosses a gallop used for race horse training. Even in June, the bridle path section through the woods around Owlscroft Barn was a bit muddy.

All in all a very nice route. Saying that, STOSTE One will also be a good route which climbs up onto the Downs and passes Chanctonbury Ring. STOSTE One and Two would make a good there and back circular for the energetic walker.

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