RST Route 13 Village Hall To Thakeham Primary Sch

1.9 miles with a 30 metre descent to the north of Greenhurst Farm. The route is suitable for horse riding and cycling although parts of Strawberry Lane can be very muddy.

On leaving the Village Hall take the bridleway that leads away from the end of Pavilion Close with the substantial drainage ditch on the right. After 200 yards a footpath is shown to the right. A shorter alternative route for pedestrians using this path is described below.

Continue forward on the bridleway taking a right fork after about 100 yards and continue along this new access route to Strawberry Lane. The farmer who provided this path is concerned about dogs being allowed to foul his adjacent fields so control must be rigorously exercised. Turn right onto Strawberry Lane an ancient north south route that was probably in use before the track to the west, now the B2139. Parts of Strawberry Lane can be very muddy but plans are in place to upgrade the present trodden bridleway with a compacted stone surface. Along the lane badger sets can be seen.

After about half a mile the route is hard surfaced and then a metalled road to the right is taken. 100 yards from this junction to the south is Little Thakeham the most substantial long established property in the parish and Grade 1 listed. Built in 1901- 03 the original architect was dismissed and Edward Lutyens was appointed. The house was a hotel for a period but is now a private residence. The approach to it is from Merrywood Lane. 300 yards along the metalled road is Greenhurst Farm.

A more direct route for pedestrians to Greenhurst Farm is available if the footpath referred to above is taken. This path leads due south with the new Abingworth houses on the right. There is a sharp climb of about 30 metres to the ridge line with great views of the South Downs and Chanctonbury Ring to the south east. The path kinks left and then right and then drops steeply down to Greenhurst Farm. This route reduces the distance by nearly half a mile.

Continue on the metalled road to the B2139 junction and turn left. A newly built pavement along the verge on the east side of the road now connects with the pavement in place from Merrywood Lane. From here pavement is available to the junction of Rock Road and the B2139 half a mile to the south where Thakeham Primary School has been located since 2017. It is worth noting that the Ordnance Survey map shows the route of a Roman road crossing the junction of Merrywood Lane and Storrington Road (B2139) aligned SE and NW leading to a Roman Bath House near the Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve.

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