Paths To Downs Restored

A popular bridleway at Fulking – leading from Poynings Road to Clappers Lane – has been resurfaced free of charge by Sussex company, Westridge Construction. The bridleway, which gives users a safe alternative to a narrow and dangerous stretch of road, had been impassable due to problems of deep mud.
The consruction company were carrying out improvements at a nearby Cricket Club when the SDJC approached them. The company agreed to carry out the necessary work with no charge. The paths at Pyecombe and Poynings were resurfaced by SDJC in partnership with the Countryside Agency and WSCC, providing improved routes to new areas of “Open Access” land on the South Downs. Some 160 tonnes of chalk was used to resurface the bridleway leading from Pyecombe village to New Way Lane – a safe and popular route for riders from seven riding stables in the area. Local riders are delighted to be able to ride up to Wolstenbury Hill once more.
The bridleway at Poynings, which leads to the bottom of Devil’s Dyke, has been partly resurfaced with local Fittleworth stone. SDJC Countryside Officer Andy Gattiker said: “We resurfaced parts of this popular route in order to make it safe and enjoyable and the use of Fittleworth stone in the woodland setting should prevent it getting slippery in wet conditions.”
All three paths lead to areas of new Open Access land on the South Downs – where walkers can roam freely. Contacting Simon Culpin can find at www.vic.org.uk or more information on Open Access on (01273) 625242 or sculpin@southdowns-aonb.gov.uk. The South Downs Joint Committee works in partnership with the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service to protect this internationally important landscape. The aim of the Committee is to protect, conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the South Downs; promote opportunities for the understanding and quiet enjoyment of the area's special qualities and encourage sustainable forms of economic and community development. The South Downs comprises the East Hampshire and Sussex Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covering an area of 1366 sq km running from Eastbourne to Winchester. The South Downs is one of over 50 protected landscapes in England and Wales (National Parks and AONBs).

By: Iain Thomas

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Iain Thomas writes articles on travel leisure and tourism in the UK. He has a particular interest in walking and the national parks. He runs a website about UK Walking where you can find 1000's of walk routes and places to stay nearby.