Thakeham Cycle Route 2

Route 2 is over mixed tracks with minor roads, bridlepaths a short section on cycle path beside the A24. The route has a couple of sections which can be muddy during winter months but mainly good hard surfaces. The route leaves Thakeham passes through Dial Post, Wiston, Ashington, Washington back to Thakeham.
Parking at Thakeham Village Hall car park but may be full when in use, spare parking on West side of football field if not in use.
Be prepared before your ride spare innertube, spanners, pump, route map, snacks & drink also be prepared for weather changes and some means of communication as some sections can be a little isolated.
There are a number of refreshment stops Dial Post the Old Barn Nursery, Red Lion Ashington plus Village Shop, Hole Street the Jungle Cafe, a little further out Spring Gardens, Thakeham Village shop & White Lion Public House most will serve hot snacks & drinks.
Places of Interest
Knepp Wilding
In the current Owner Mr Charles Burrell inherited the estate from his grandfather, the estate covers something like 3,500 acres of agricultural very heavy clay soil. The estate at that time was mixed farming dairy and arable, a decision in 2,000 was taken and the estate stopped farming all stock and machinery were sold. The central 350 acres, the owner applied in 2002 for a country stewardship, then in 2010 the whole estate applied for government backing to rewild the whole estate. The estate was divided into plots ring fenced to allow animals and land to rewild naturally. Charlie’s wife is Isabella Tree, who has written a book on the rewilding project. The couple are very enthusiastic on the project. The estate stopped farming, then allowed the estate to rewild naturally with the help of wild and rare breeds of stock. On your ride you may see Longhorn cattle, Exmoor Ponies, Tamworth Pigs, Fallow, Red & Roe Deer. There are many rare species that have flourished as well as butterflies, flourishing in the restored natural environment. The latest projects are White Storks which bred in 2020, and the reintroduction of beaver in November 2020.
Wiston
Wiston is Family home of the goring family who once owned Wiston House which is not open to public, but is a Government conference centre some outside events are held within the grounds. The estate also produces prize winning English wines. Buncton Church which was rebuilt in 1800 with some of the original stained-glass windows. Chanctonbury Ring can be seen nestling on high point of South Downs planted by Goring family, was partially destroyed in Great Storm of 1987 but parts have been replanted and it continues to recover.
Route 2 Start Thakeham Village Hall
Start eastward down New Bridleway section continue until you reach Strawberry Lane; TL follow BW at Tarmac road TL over cattle grid at road TR Crays Lane continue uphill behind church continue until you reach TJ. TR then immediately TL, follow track through farm continue following BW signs, in open field follow track with fence on your left until you see wooden pedestrian gate. Pass through gate continue until you reach Road, TR 100 yds TL onto BW just before Large Wooden Gate TR, BW sign continue following through woodland until you reach a bungalow bear R then L lake on your right hedge row on left then TL 50 yds pedestrian gate follow BW signs emerge with Dial Post Village Hall on opposite side of road TR. Cross over A24 using central reservation TR & then TL, continue following Grinders road past camp site then on too Honey bridge Lane, continue until you reach Honeysuckle Cottage TR BW sign follow track as the track bares slight left BW sign TL, cross 2 small grass fields till you enter wood continue straight on following BW signs until you reach road (Spithandle Lane).
Go through gate straight on follow road until you reach Wiston Village @ TJ turn TR Hole Street, continue passing under bridge bear R on reaching RAB turn L Mill Lane straight bearing slight left passing into gravel track past houses and Hotel until you reach A24, travel down PATH on the ride side of road gap at the end path then TR then TL should be in cul-de-sac then TR uphill through picturesque Houses, at top of hill TL down BW until you reach road TL. PARK LANE then TL continue bearing right till you meet TJ rock road TR then R again Merrywood Lane, after approx 400 yds look out for BW sign (Little Thakeham) TR onto private track at end TL, sharp Drop continue through gate straight on till you reach first LT TL follow BW until you reach Thakeham Village Hall.
End of Ride. These routes are accurate at time of record but may change so have a route map with you.

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