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Bramber and Beeding Bridge

Recommended by

Our view

"Take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful Adur Valley to an historic bridge crossed by a fugitive king."

Walk directions

Facing the castle and the wooded ramparts, locate the narrow path in the left-hand corner of the parking area and follow it left as it meanders through the trees to the left of the castle ramparts. Keep right up the slope at a fork, then bear left sharply downhill to reach a track.

Turn right and head through the trees, passing galvanised gates on the left and right. The rooftops of houses and bungalows peep into view along here. Continue ahead at the next signpost and the River Adur can be glimpsed between the trees on the right. Pass a footpath on the left and make for a galvanised kissing gate ahead. Follow the path on the right of the field to the next kissing gate and turn right towards the footbridge spanning the Adur.

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Riverside, field and village paths, some road walking

Landscape - Adur Valley flood plain

Dog friendliness - Take care on approach to Beeding Bridge and in Bramber

Parking - Car park at Bramber Castle (follow brown tourist sign)

Toilets en route - At car park in The Street, Bramber

Walks in West Sussex Dog-friendly walks in West Sussex

About the walk

Crossing Beeding Bridge, which is recorded in documents as dating back to the reign of Henry III, it is worth stopping for a few moments to consider its importance as a river crossing. Not only does the bridge play a vital part in this walk, allowing you to cross the River Adur easily from one bank... to the other, but more than 370 years ago, in October 1651, it enabled Charles II, defeated and on the run, to escape his enemies and eventually flee to safety in France. His route through the Adur Valley was one step on a long and eventful journey that has became an integral part of British history. Following the Battle of Worcester, where his army was soundly beaten, the young Charles fled across England, hotly pursued by Parliamentary forces under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell. Though documented fact, it has all the hallmarks of a classic adventure story – a colourful, rip-roaring tale of intrigue and suspense. First, he made his way north, intending to cross the River Severn into Wales where he could find a ship and sail to the Continent. But the river was heavily guarded, and Charles was forced to change his plans. Instead he travelled south through the Cotswolds and the Mendips, eventually reaching Charmouth on the Dorset coast. Once again, his plans to escape by boat fell through and, in a desperate attempt to avoid capture, he made his way along the South Coast to Shoreham near Brighton, where at last he found a ship that could take him to France. His journey through England lasted six weeks, and during that crucial period he was loyally supported by his followers, many at great risk to their own lives. The King’s arrival in Bramber was one heart-stopping moment among many during his time on the run. As he and his escort came into the village from the west, they were horrified to find many troopers in the vicinity of the riverbank. Charles realised they had been posted there to guard Beeding Bridge, which was his best means of reaching Shoreham. Cautiously, he crossed the bridge and continued on his way undetected. Moments later, the royal party looked round to see a group of cavalry hotly pursuing them across country. Charles feared the worst, but as they reached him, the soldiers suddenly overtook the King and rode off into the distance. Fortunately for Charles, they had been pursuing someone else on that occasion. After their narrow escape in the Adur Valley, the group decided it was safer to split up and make their own way to the coast. The accent is firmly on history on this very pleasant valley walk. Making for the Adur, the route follows the river to the bridge that Charles II crossed in the middle of the 17th century. The walk continues south by the river before crossing farmland back to Bramber.

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About the area

Divided from East Sussex back in 1888, West Sussex has a variety of landscapes and coastal scenery, but it is the spacious and open South Downs with which the county is most closely associated. There are plenty of walking routes in the South Downs National Park, cycling routes by the sea or visitors can explore the pretty town of Arundel with its historic castle and buildings.

Route details

Difficulty:

Easy

Gradient:

Flat

Distance:

2.5 miles (4kms)

Ascent:

0ft (0m)

If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.

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Bramber and Beeding Bridge

Recommended by

Our view

"Take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful Adur Valley to an historic bridge crossed by a fugitive king."

Walk details

Difficulty:

Easy

Gradient:

Flat

Distance:

2.5 miles (4kms)

Ascent:

0ft (0m)

Walk directions

1 of 5

2 of 5

Cross the bridge and bear right, following the riverbank towards Upper Beeding. Branch off left to a footbridge and steps leading up to the Priory Church of St Peter. Returning to the main walk, continue along the riverbank path towards Upper Beeding and Beeding Bridge.

3 of 5

Cross the road and turn right over the footbridge, then left along the right-hand bank, heading downstream. Continue to a waymarker and turn right down a slightly sunken path. Keep the fence on the right and, at the fence corner, go straight on out across the field.

4 of 5

As you approach the A283, turn right in front of the kissing gate and head towards the trees, with the ruins of Bramber Castle peeping through. Make for a kissing gate and bear right. Follow the track which bends left and, just before it bends right, turn left through a gate and right along a tarmac drive running through the trees to the road. Turn left, pass St Mary’s House and walk along the High Street, passing the Castle Inn Hotel and village car park. On reaching the Old Tollgate Hotel, cross the road and follow the steps up to the church and car park.

5 of 5

Location

Starting point

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Riverside, field and village paths, some road walking

Landscape - Adur Valley flood plain

Dog friendliness - Take care on approach to Beeding Bridge and in Bramber

Parking - Car park at Bramber Castle (follow brown tourist sign)

Toilets en route - At car park in The Street, Bramber

Walks in West Sussex Dog-friendly walks in West Sussex

About the walk

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

West Sussex

Bramber and Beeding Bridge

Been on this walk?

Walking in Safety

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Bramber and Beeding Bridge

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