Given that Chequers is centrally located in the foothills of the South
Downs National Park we thought it was high time we had something to say about
it! Since taking over Chequers last May we have been exploring some of the many
routes by walk, run and bike and welcoming many guests who have enjoyed
exploring the wonderful local trails too; whether it be to rest their head at
the end of a long day, or to refuel over lunch, afternoon tea or dinner after their efforts!
The South Downs Way path runs for around 100 miles with an undulating
path that begins in Winchester
and moves past Cheesefoot Head,
the towns of Petersfield, Arundel, Amberley, and Steyning, Bignor Roman Villa near Bury, Chanctonbury Ring, Devil's Dyke
viewpoint near Brighton,
followed by Ditchling Beacon
and miles of chalk
downland across to Beachy Head, finally ending in Eastbourne.
It also passes Birling Gap,
a beach area that provides the opportunity to swim - irresistible on a warm summer day! Chequers is within easy reach of many of these stopping points
which is why a number of guests have chosen to stay with us for a few days
whilst they are walking the many routes.
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| South Downs Way walks from Chequers Hotel Pulborough |
Much of the South Downs Way is on high chalk downland and the views are
always interesting. Perhaps the most dramatic vistas are on the high chalk cliffs on the Seven Sisters,
Sussex towards Beachy Head
and before the descent to Eastbourne. However, there are also superb views in
clear weather from the ridgeway sections on the tops of the downs, especially
on Ditchling Beacon.
The Way lies within the South Downs
National Park and there is plenty of historic interest along the
way, such as the Long Man of
Wilmington near Eastbourne, as mentioned above. Diversions are
needed to visit Brighton
or Lewes, the latter town
being of great beauty with an historic centre. Without exception it is a very
well maintained and signposted route. While it crosses various villages for
provisions much of it is surprisingly isolated and quiet considering the
density of the population in south-east England.
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| South Downs Way walks from Chequers Hotel Pulborough |
Another good spot - the famous Devils Dyke - is a popular port of
call for our guests! A nice walking destination with spectacular views to the
Isle of Wight. Local folklore explains the valley as the work of the devil. The
legend holds that the devil was digging a trench to allow the sea to flood the
many churches in the Weald of Sussex. The digging disturbed an old woman who
lit a candle, or angered a rooster causing it to crow, making the devil believe
that the morning was fast approaching. The devil then fled, leaving his trench
unfinished. The last shovel of earth he threw over his shoulder fell into the sea,
forming the Isle of Wight.
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| South Downs Way walks from Chequers Hotel Pulborough |
The South Downs Way trail can be walked at a leisurely pace in
about a week while a good walker, horse rider or cyclist would take two or
three days. It is closed to motorised traffic along the route.
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| South Downs Way walks from Chequers Hotel Pulborough |
Various events are held along the route; including the British Heart Foundation's annual Randonee. Part or all of
the 100 miles is cycled to raise funds for heart disease, the fastest
times are sub 8 hours with most riders taking under 14 hours. For the hardcore running community, the national park hosts the SWD 100 in June - a 100 mile ultramarathon, with a total of 12,7000 feet climbing and a time limit of 30 hours!
Stay a while in Pulborough at the Chequers Hotel - an area of outstanding natural beauty
and at the foot of the South Downs National Park and explore the local
surrounding areas too – Arundel, Petworth, Chichester, Parham, Pulborough Brooks RSPB and more! We have plenty of maps for our guests choosing to take on
the challenge!
Lissette x
