DOWNS LINK, NR HORSHAM, WEST SUSSEX – Section 1, SOUTHWATER COUNTRY PARK TO PARTRIDGE GREEN, WEST SUSSEX.
The Downs Link follows the route of a 37 mile disused railway line from St Martha’s Hill in Surrey to Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, linking in with other trails on the way. One of our members in Horsham, with back-up from DR reps, has been investigating the trail and we can now put on Section 1 of our exploration of the Downs Link from Southwater Country Park nr Horsham to Partridge Green, West Sussex – a distance of some 10.9 miles in total. On our return, if batteries allow, a short excursion to the lovely swan lake at Southwater to feed the swans and ducks. This is a linear ramble through varied countryside including woods, fields, rivers etc. It is a good surface making it ideal for the winter months and is a Category 1+, the “plus” being a steepish little hill on the approach to Partridge Green. There are facilities and a cafe at Southwater and along the way is a restaurant at West Grinstead* with refreshments and facilities, on top of that at the turn back point at Partridge Green is a unique little eaterie called Stan’s Bike Shack, (best latte ever!). If you would like to come along please contact: Val Rawlings, on valerie@rawlings-family.org.uk. Mobile No. 07818 245156. Joining Instructions will then be sent. Please join us – it’s a super route with Sections 2 and 3 being explored in readiness. Altogether there are about 6 different sections making up the Downs Link.
*West Grinstead is the old station and there is a British Railways Mark 1 coach run as an infomation centre by volunteers between 10.00 – 4.00pm most Sundays. The original platform is also still in existence with a station sign in situ and an old railway signal has also been installed.