users – slow down and give way.
The tough climb to Amberley Mount
Directions
1 From Hilltop car park, cross the road – beware fast-moving traffic – and continue along Hillbarn Lane before beginning to climb steeply up Manorfarm Down. When the gradient eventually eases, continue along the ridge, gaining and losing a little height as the SDW gently rolls along and enters woodlands. The track emerges from woods near Graffham Down and continues gently rolling along before climbing a little across the flank of Crown Tegleaze and entering woodland.
Passing Crown Tegleaze along Graffham Down (photo: Andy Dodd)
2 Emerge from the woods, go through a gate and descend SE (steadily at first becoming steeper) diagonally across fields along Littleton Down. Go through a gate and continue descending steeply to a . Descend on a farm road, passing Littleton Farm to arrive at the A285. Turn onto the road then dogleg onto a track road and continue . The track bends sharp left then right and begins to climb steeply, entering woods. The gradient eases then climbs steadily around the flank of Sutton Down. Continue over a and go through a gate and along a field edge on the flank of Glatting Beacon. Go through another gate, turn then next to continue past a parking area. Fork onto a bridleway and soon begin to climb steadily up and over Bignor Hill.
3 Pass a memorial stone and descend steeply on a flinty chalk track. When the track bends right, slow down, turn sharp at a and continue descending steeply. The track bends right near the bottom and arrives at a near some livestock sheds. Turn then continue past the sheds and climb steadily before contouring along the hillside. Continue at the next and descend to the A29. Turn along a track at the edge of the road for 100m, then cross the road to rejoin the bridleway and descend steeply along a chalk track. After 1km, the track swings right then left and descends to Houghton Lane.
Stane Street Roman road near Bignor Hill
4 Cross the lane, go through a gate and continue across a field to another gate. Go through, turn then and continue across a field to a further gate then bear along the river bank. Continue around to the bridge, cross over, turn then through a gate to leave the river bank. Continue along a track, which bends sharp right and crosses a bridge over a railway line to arrive at the B2139. Turn on a track along the road edge to a crossing, cross over and continue on a track along the road edge, which turns left onto a minor road. Continue to climb steadily along High Titten road. Shortly after the road bends to the right, turn onto a bridleway and climb a short sharp slope to a gate. Go through and continue to climb before the track levels and arrives at a . Continue () to climb very steeply up Amberley Mount on a rutted, grassy chalk track. At the top, go through gates and continue along the ridge on a gradual incline past Rackham Banks and Rackham Hill.
5 Continue along the ridge on a good track crossing Springhead Hill, then lose and gain a little height over Kithurst Hill – watch out for loose gravel on the track – and pass around two gates by Chantry Post car park. Continue over Sullington Hill, go through a gate and fork to climb steadily over Barnsfarm Hill before beginning the long descent across Highden Hill. The track descends to a gate and then continues steeply down a lane, bending sharp right at the bottom before arriving at the A24. Turn along a path next to the road and cross the northbound and southbound carriageways via the central reservation at the obvious point. Cut across a grass bank on a tarmac path and cross a slip road, bearing onto a bridleway track, which soon turns right into a car park. Begin climbing at length, steadily at first but becoming much steeper, up a winding flint and chalk track. The track levels and bends left at a
