No New Year Bedlam with this Hike to Bedham

It's a new year so surely that deserves an ODL hike for the first Saturday!

This is a circular hike starting and finishing in Pulborough. We'll take in a variety of sights and enjoy varied terrain. Given the time of year there is a good balance between woodland paths and very quiet tarmac roads. The highlight will be visiting the ruins of a church in Bedham. Much of the building still exists and it is a real joy to see.

Click on this Link to view the route (opens OS Maps)

A Few Features:

Stopham Bridge

This bridge crosses the River Arun and is one of two we cross during our hike. The Stopham Bridge dates back to about 1423 and is a Grade I scheduled monument. One arch was destroyed during the English Civil War, which resulted in a drawbridge being added. This in turn was later replaced and in 1822 the centre was raised to allow larger boats to pass under.

Stopham Church

Much of this church dates back to the 11th century and inside it is a real treasure trove.  There are various plaques, stained glass windows and artefacts all depicting various events that have taken place.

Bedham Church

Built in 1880 and also known as St Michael and All Angels Church. This delightful ruin was once home to a school and a church. The main single room was simply divided in two by a curtain so lessons and prayer could take place together. Sadly, due to Bedham being a hamlet and a declining population lessons stopped in 1925. The church itself continued until 1959 when services then stopped. A lovely structure, although now without a roof, it is a joy to visit. Given its location partly hidden in woodland it also feels like it has so many stories to tell. 

Coombelands

You'd think this massive site would have been here generations. Yet it was only in 1996 that things got serious.  The site is vast and and as well as training race horses; they host events and have a farm to boot.

Dogs: 

I love having dogs on my walks. I just ask that owners please ensure they are kept on a lead as appropriate, especially around livestock and when near busy roads. Please, also remember that not everyone is a dog lover.

Don’t Waste That Space!

Walks get filled up quite quickly, so please only sign up if you know you are free to attend. Plans do sometimes change, but remember to free up your space so someone else can attend.

New Members:

If this is your first event or you are new to OutdoorLads we’d love to see you. Please message me if you have any questions.

Looking For More:

Check out this Link for details of other walks taking place in the South East.

Check out this Link for details of provisional upcoming events in the ODL diary.

(All photos taken by the leader and permission is given for OutdoorLads to reuse them.)