Enjoy Scenic Walks - The Blue Bell at Cocking, West Sussex

Set in the heart of the stunning South Downs National Park – The Blue Bell at Cocking, West Sussex is the perfect point from which to begin a walk or bike ride. The green rolling pastures, wide open spaces and ancient woodlands features plenty of bridleways, cycle paths and is perfect for dog walking, there is something to suit all abilities.

Try some of our favourite ‘tried and tested’ local walks below, ready for you to download and print out.

Don’t forget to book a table if you plan on working up a hunger! If you have your dog with you, we have a water bowl and doggie snacks too…

Happy walking!

The following walks have been compiled by Andy Nixon, many thanks Andy.

Description

Cross the A286 and take the minor road opposite the pub, following the private road down the gravel incline, crossing over Casters Brook with the old mill pond on your right. Then pick up the footpath sign at the end of the cul de sac next to a garage. The route then heads north through Hoe Copse to reach the nearby village of Heyshott before returning across the rolling fields. There are lovely views across the patchwork hills of the Downs throughout and lots of wildlife to enjoy in the woodlands.

The route has a few steady climbs and descents throughout. In terms of obstacles there are some gates, two stiles (both with open fencing gaps suitable for most dogs), some steps and a couple of narrow footbridges to negotiate. There are also a couple of sections of walking on quiet country/village lanes so take care of any traffic at these points. The walk follows mainly unmade woodland and field paths which, whilst generally firm, can become quite muddy in winter and after periods of rain. Some of the paths across fields can become obscured by crops before harvest. You may come across sheep and/or horses in a couple of the fields so take care with dogs.

Description

Follow the footpath alongside the A286 South to the edge of the village then take the lane on the right past Malthouse Cottages, just before the main road starts to climb up to the top of the Downs.  Follow the lane to Crypt Farm, passing under a disused railway bridge. Once at the farm take the footpath leading off left uphill alongside the adjacent bungalow.

The route then heads south through westdean woods before turning south east over Hat Hill to Singleton.  Once at Singleton you can pause for refreshment at the Partridge Inn before catching the No 60 bus back to Cocking on the A286 (services run every 30 mins).

Description

Take the footpath alongside the A286 South to the edge of the village then take the lane on the right past Malthouse Cottages, just before the main road starts to climb up to the top of the Downs. The route heads south, climbing steeply to reach the South Downs Way and then follows this ridge-top path west to perform a circuit of Westdean Woods before returning down the ridge and along old farm tracks. There are beautiful views across the surrounding hills throughout the walk and plenty of wildlife within the woodland which is a mixture of majestic pines and coppiced hazel.

The route consists of long steady ascents and descents throughout, a couple of sections being fairly steep. There are some gates plus two stiles to negotiate (both stiles have open fencing alongside for dogs). The chalk paths on the climbs/descents can become slippery when wet and the farm tracks can be very muddy in winter and after periods of rain, so good boots are a must. You may come across sheep and cattle grazing the fenced fields adjacent to the South Downs Way so take care with dogs.

Description

Take the footpath alongside the A286 South to the edge of the village then take the lane on the right past Malthouse Cottages, just before the main road starts to climb up to the top of the Downs.  Follow the lane to Crypt Farm, passing under a disused railway bridge. Once at the farm take the footpath on the left that climbs behind the garage to the South Downs Way and turn East.

Once you cross the A286 look out for the Trig Point at the top of the hill on your left and take the footpath on the left shortly after that. Once off the Downs follow the footpath to Heyshott and then across the fields back to Cocking with lovely views of the Downs to your South.

Description

To get to the start of the walk cross the A286 and take the minor road opposite, turning immediately right and down the hill to the war memorial and Casters Brook.  Take the footpath sign posted up the hill opposite the war memorial. The route heads south, climbing steeply to reach the South Downs Way and then follows this ridge-top path west before returning down the ridge and along old farm tracks. There are beautiful views across the surrounding hills and on clear days you’ll be able to see as far as Guildford to the north and the coast to the south.

The route is basically one long ascent followed by one long descent, a couple of sections being fairly steep. There are no gates or stiles to negotiate. The chalk paths on the climbs/descents can become slippery when wet and the farm tracks can be very muddy in winter and after periods of rain, so good boots are a must. You may come across sheep and cattle grazing the fenced fields adjacent to the South Downs Way so take care with dogs.

A complete set of the previous five walks.