THIS IS FINDON - From Ring to Ring and Back Again

FROM RING TO RING — AND BACK AGAIN

The description of this walk joins two Rings visible from Findon — West Sussex landmarks ... Cissbury Ring

(Map reference TQ140080)

and Chanctonbury Ring.

It is a walk across open downland where you, the walker, can see your destination all of the time. The paths are all good and so obvious there is hardly any need for my directions. I have even been told that the Iron Age Fort of Cissbury Ring is supposed to be the site of a fairy dance floor at midnight every Midsummer's Eve —so watch out.

Katie

The sea from Cissbury Ring, 2001

It is an exhilarating trek with magnificent views for many miles around. The paths appear mostly flat but there is a height difference of some 50 metres between the two Rings. However, you will descend 100 metres and this means there is a climb up to Chanctonbury. But because it is gradual it is never very steep and even I can manage it.

Commence the walk (armed with your binoculars) at the car park on the north side of Cissbury Ring — approached through Findon village and passing Nepcote Green where the Findon Sheep Fair is held annually.

Walk north from the car park with Chanctonbury Ring always in your sights. It is a shadow of its former self since the great hurricane of October 1987, but is well on the way to full recovery, albeit somewhat slowly.

Ignore the first crossing of paths with Nick Gifford's racing stables' straw piled high on your left. This is, in fact, the site of the property called Fox Down built by (and lived in by) the Findon artist, Edwin Douglas before it was demolished after his death.

Go left at the second crossing of tracks — this is a wide stony lane and at one time was an old coaching route from Steyning to Findon. This track heads west and goes towards Findon and the Gifford Gallops are on your left — and the training hurdles for the horses can be easily seen.

There is a turning to the right, but ignore this. Also ignore the second turning to the right which is immediately before the site of the old Findon flour mill on your right — now long gone, only the Mill House remains (now much extended). The Mill Cottages once in the field to the west of the windmill were demolished after the Second World War. They were derelict and had been used as firing practice during the conflict.

Ignore the gated footpath on your left leading down to the hurdles and over the Gallops. Ignore also the later turning to the left that leads down to Nepcote Green.

You are now approaching

Kristina Gifford's eventing yard on your left.

At the T-junction turn right. You will now find a concrete road under foot, which is the private drive to Gallops Farm.

Cross a rough track and bear left down across a small field to a narrow lane. Cross this lane and continue across the second field.

Not many villages can still boast a Pest House but Findon can and the property is still standing. On the right at the bottom of the field is the Pest House which started life as an isolation hospital for Findon souls with contagious diseases.

A dwelling may well have been on the isolated site in Saxon times when leprosy was rampant and lepers could have been sheltered there away from the villagers.

Early in the 20th century the ancient Findon Pest House that had perhaps started life on the site in Saxon times, was divided into two semi-detached cottages. In one side lived a formidable old lady named Mrs Hockham. She was celebrated in Findon and all around for her delicious honey.

The entrance to her property had a little wicket gate and a path laid with red bricks between flowers that led to the house. It was here that one was likely encounter fluttering butterflies and — also be buzzed by bees because the occupant of the Pest House was a beekeeper. In spring on either side she planted colourful polyanthus and wallflowers that bobbed in the downland breeze. Bright blue forget-me-nots were scattered in a carpet along the side of the narrow path.

It was behind this abundance of flowers that the hives for the bees were kept with the now old fashioned type of straw skep. (Cottages provided their hives with an outer thatch of straw or wicker in those days to keep their bees from the cold and wet).

Mrs. Hockham was an imposing figure of a woman. She usually sat in an large old-fashioned beside her fireplace. The black grate was polished to perfection and there was always a welcoming singing kettle on the hob in readiness for a cuppa tea. On the red brick floor of the cottage were scattered several bright highly coloured rugs weaved from rags by Mrs Hockham. They were in contrast to their maker who inevitably wore a drab black dress under her apron.

At the far side of the field you meet a track. Right leads to the Pest House.

The

path you wish to take is to the left with a steepish climb to a crossing of lanes.

Rainbow from Cissbury Ring (looking north) towards Chanctonbury, October 2003.

Turn right on a wide chalky track and begin the haul up to Chanctonbury Ring. You are now walking along a pre-historic trackway.

Pass by the turning to the left and continue on until the cattle-grid and gateway. Just off the path on your left is a restored dew-pond. Straight ahead are the remaining beech trees of Chanctonbury Ring.

Upon arrival at Chanctonbury Ring, take a turn round the Ring to discover first hand how well the newly planted replacement trees are thriving in their fenced off areas. Rest your legs and sit on the slopes and look back at Cissbury Ring in the distance. Think about your aching, weary limbs and see just how far you have to walk to get back.

Cissbury Ring from Chanctonbury Ring with the sea in the background.

To return to your starting pointing at the base of Cissbury Ring, head south-east, passing another dew-pond on your right just before a second cattle-grid and gateway.

Canada Barn at the base of Cissbury Ring with the sea beyond in April 2004.

At the next joining of paths, take the south path and continue along the track, without deviation, until reaching the car park on the north side of Cissbury Ring.

Suzie and Katie returning from the Chanctonbury Ring direction and heading to Cissbury Ring in April 2004.

I would love to hear from you if you take me up on this walk and let me know what you come across..... and any additions to make?

Continue if you would like to see the Chanctonbury Ring Portfolio — From the East.