RST Route 8 Central Thakeham Circular Walk A

by Owen Richards
4 years ago
Near Thakeham, GB

13 views

2.1 miles mainly on flat ground with a mix of minor roads, bridleways and footpaths. Some sections only suited to pedestrians. Two crossings are made of the B2139 and care needs to be taken.

The route starts and finishes at the Village Hall. Take Abingworth Crescent to the B2139 and at the junction turn left and cross into High Bar Lane. Take the footpath to the right with the playground area then on the left. Note that during 2020/21 it is expected that a new path will be opened from the B2139 connecting to this point. Head north on the footpath with Monaghan Mushrooms the largest employer in Thakeham with this plant being one of several run by the company. Stay alert for working machinery. Follow the concrete roadway to the top of the slope at Town House Farm nearly half a mile from the playground.

Turn right in the farmyard area and walk a hundred yards to the B2139. At the junction look forward left to the steps and stile adjacent to the road which gives access to the footpath beyond. Take care crossing the road. Cross Penn’s Meadow diagonally on the trodden footpath to a new metal kissing-gate. Turn right. Note the second house off to the right with large Horsham stone roof tiles that was formerly the rectory. Over a low wobbly stile follow the edge of a field with a rough hedge line on the right. On joining Bramble Lane, the northern edge of the Thakeham Conservation Area, note the concrete slabs surface built during WWII by Polish airmen leading downhill to Cray’s Lane.

St. Mary’s Church is forward on the left and Cumberland House on the right. The latter was formerly a public house and more recently a bakers and butchers. Opposite the only remaining dairy farm in the area is indicated with an appropriate sign. Turn to the right and follow the gentle uphill incline of The Street. On the right is the former Thakeham First School, now closed but with planning approval for two homes, and the White Lion on the left. This, until 2020 the only retail premises in Thakeham, repays a visit. Further north is the Old Blacksmith’s premises and the rectory. On the left is the Old Village shop and post office retaining a letter box, and Thatch Cottage recently restored with English Heritage assistance.

Once over the brow and past “Saxon Hill” on the left take the footpath of Woodlands Way through a pedestrian gate. The path is tarmac and magnificent views across to the South Downs and Chanctonbury Ring at 230 metres above sea level can be seen. At the end of the path walk past Woodlands Cottages on the left and return to the Village Hall.