RST Route 2 Sproutes Lane Towards Billingshurst

3.5 miles with just the first short section in Thakeham. A level route on minor roads, farm tracks, bridleways and footpaths. Suitable only for walkers over the whole route.

Nearly a mile south of the Coolham crossroads and The Selsey Arms pub on the B2139 is the Sproutes Lane junction. Take this minor road and at the junction where the road turns right keep straight on through a large farm yard complex of buildings on a public footpath. At the end where the main track heads to the left keep straight on a path with a grazing field to the left behind an electric fence. At the end pass through a gate where the path leads through a copse. In about 100 yards at the junction with a bridleway turn right.

The bridleway becomes a tarmac road leading from Oldhouse Farm on the left up to the A272. The farmhouse is Grade II with parts dating from the 16th century. It has timber framed brick elevations and is part ship-lap boarded. The oldest building at the farm is probably the former grain store adjacent to the bridleway. Immediately past the front of the farm take the footpath to the left which is adjacent to the garden and outbuildings of the farm. A series of four pedestrian gates are passed on the way through paddocks. At the end the footpath, which is easily followed, leads due west across an area of light woodland for about half a mile before West Chiltington Lane is reached.

Turn right and after 250 yards take the track to the left to Coomblands Farm. At the end of the track, with the substantial farmhouse (now a private house) on the left, cross an area of loose shingle on the drive. Finding the route here is problematic. At the end of the shingle a large tree is seen and from the base of it 15 yards forward on the left is a gap in the hedge. The footpath continues there. Follow the path, with a copse on the right and field on the left behind a fence, until a broken stile gives access to an unmade up roadway. Turn right and after 75 yards the footpath continues into the trees on the left. Shortly thereafter a stile leads into a small field and the path continues on the left (southern) boundary. Cross another stile into a further field and keep on the same left boundary. In the corner a stile gives access to Marringdean Road.

The walk has been two and a half miles to this point with pleasant countryside but no notable features. The centre of Billingshurst is almost two miles to the north which can be reached most directly along Marringdean Road or, in part on footpaths, starting from Marringdean Wood three hundred yards to the west.

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