Where you are going!
Welcome to Sullington Heights.
When our ancient ancestors first moved in to these parts The
Weald was a virtually impassable jungle, so in Sullington, they
kept mainly to the high ground. Thus, here, the original settlement
arose where Sullington Church and Sullington Manor can now be
found. The Weald and the hills around it were initially heavily
wooded. Once our ancestors moved in, bringing with them the art of
agriculture, the downland became cleared for farming. Sheep grazed
on The South Downs in Sullington and the neighbourhood, keeping
everything trimmed and enriching the downland soil with their dung.
Thus the hills took on the grassy green appearance that we are now
so familiar with. Nowadays, however, sheep farming on The South
Downs in Sullington and its neighbourhood is sparse to absent, and
our line of chalky hills is reverting to woodland, causing the loss
of flora and fauna characteristic of open downland. Cattle now
graze this part of The South Downs, but with different grazing
habits and preferences to sheep, they do not keep the hills as well
trimmed.
In outline Sullington Hill loosely resembles an arrowhead. As you
drive down Sullington Lane, you will pass Sullington Old Rectory.
Noel Coward once lived there.
This is a circular walk of just over 3 miles, which will take
you up and over Sullington Hill to Chantry Post, and back down
again. In places this walk is very steep so be warned! The
paths are mostly excellent, however on the lower parts of the walk
it can get quite muddy as you would expect. Come prepared! You
will, however, be rewarded with, what I hope you will find to be, a
very enjoyable walk. At the top, you’ll find some of the
finest views in Sussex. You can literally see for miles. Try to
come on a clear day, and bring some binoculars! You will also see a
large amount of birdlife up here. Oh, and you may also encounter
cattle! The containers are mainly 60ml screw top micros, with a few
larger containers for coins and trackables.
You can of course do the walk in either direction. I have walked
it twice now both ways, and I’ve yet to make up my mind which
I prefer! I have numbered it this way, purely to get the worst of
any mud out of the way first, so you lose it on the hills, and not
on the floor of your car!
As this is slightly more testing to the stamina than normal, I
have included a bonus cache mainly for the benefit of any
youngsters who may get dragged along! The coords are hidden in two
of the containers on the way round. Any kids are welcome to help
themselves to a ‘prize’ for completing the walk. One
only though please, don’t be greedy! :o)
Have fun and good luck!