Elgar in Sussex: A walk via Brinkwells and Stopham
(route 2 via Chance Copse – steep downhill then uphill through Copse)
All times are cumulative
Start: Fittleworth Village Hall car park (RH20 1JB)
North across recreation ground, leaving via top left corner. Cross A283 (very carefully!) and take Serpent Trail north east on footpath just before bus stop.
On to Churchwood; left on lane then continue northwards in same direction as before (ignoring lane, and footpath, to left).
Reach a T-junction and turn left (still on Serpent Trail)
point A (30 min)
Continue to reach Bedham Lane; turn right to go past entrance to Targrove, then fork left onto footpath (still signed Serpent Trail). Straight on (where Serpent Trail goes left) to reach Bedham Lane at postbox. Turn back into wood along narrow path to left of drive to Warren Barn
point B (50 min)
At T junction (where details of footpath diversion are posted) turn right. Cross drive then stile into field. Follow clear path across field, bearing right by sign in middle.Down through woods to lane. Turn left, past postbox, then continue uphill for 200m until Manor Farm on left. Go down slope on right of lane to reach chapel / school.
point C (1hr 10min)
Retrace steps to lane, downhill and up through wood into field. Re-cross drive, left at junction to return to Bedham Lane at point B
point B (1hr 30min)
Turn right down lane for 100m, then left towards Brinkwells. Past the house and follow footpath sign down into woods. Right across plank bridge. At top of path, near Springs Farm, turn right over stile. Follow path across field to stile
point D (1hr 50min)
Turn right, following edge of field downhill, leaving field by a gate. Short steep descent, then ascent, through Chance Copse. Path twists and turns through woodland. Take path which forks off to left through gate into field
Point E* (2hr 20min)
Across field; continue between trees to lane
Point E** (2hr 30min)
Bear right along lane to War Memorial and Stopham Church on left
Point F (2hr 40min)
Leave church; turn right around War Memorial and on along lane. Left at junction then after 50m go straight on along unmade road. Straight on at 3-way sign, then follow sign forking left. Follow path to A283
Point G (2hr 55min)
Cross road (very carefully) and follow path up through woods. Bear right at 3-way sign. Straight on at next sign, beside new-ish fence. Follow path right between fences, then left. Straight on past metal barriers. Pass school playing field on right. At School Lane, turn right to return to Village Hall.
Finish (3hr 10min)