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Prehistory
The
South Downs Way
There
have been people walking the hill-top trails of the South Downs for
over six thousand years. From the late Stone Age (Neolithic) onwards,
travellers have recognised the same rolling downland horizons with
glittering glimpses of the sea. Walkers can still share something of
this ancient experience. Although the signs of modern life are never
far away, there has always been the birdsong, the butterflies and the
fragrance of grass pollens on the breeze. Like Neolithic people, we can
also feel the flinty chalk beneath our feet.
The
South Downs Way
The
dramatic chalk ridge of the South Downs stretches from Eastbourne to
Winchester. In 1972 the Countryside Commission designated the South
Downs Way as the first long distance bridleway in the country. This
waymarked national trail is over 100 miles long. Now it is maintained
by the County Councils with financial support from the Countryside
Agency. It is a great route for horse-riding and cycling as there are
few gates.
The
South Downs Way comes into the east of the Steyning area down Beeding
Hill. This is the infamous incline of the old coaching route which
turned off to take exhausted horses and passengers to Beeding and
Bramber or beyond. The South Downs Way crosses the A283 road to the
Adur River bank. A modern footbridge carries the path across the river
and past Saint Botolph's Church. This was founded in Saxon times. Later
Norman charters refer to this church as Saint Peter at "Veteri Ponte"
or the old bridge. An ancient causway, ferry or bridge may have spanned
the Adur at this point to take travellers across the river from Beeding
Hill. Along the narrow Coombes Road the route passes Annington, which
is mentioned in Anglo-Saxon charters, and turns off to make its way
towards Chanctonbury Ring. A Bronze Age enclosure and the remains of a
Roman shrine have been found on the hill-top at Chanctonbury.
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"The Downs Above Steyning"
by
Graham Kean and
Tony Ketteman.
A 32 page booklet with a route map and history
notes for walkers. Learn more about the ancient downland landscape,
including Cissbury's flint mines, Chanctonbury's Roman temple, Bronze
Age settlers and an ancient burial ground.
Available at Steyning Museum.
Price £2.50
The Museum also has a list of local bed &
breakfast accommodation - just ask!
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