Distance: 5.18 km
This circular route from Christ’s Hospital combines peaceful woodland, sweeping views across the Sussex countryside, a hidden Victorian reservoir, one of the county’s most unusual medieval churches and the story of one of Christ’s Hospital School‘s most remarkable former pupils.
Distance: 3.22 miles (5.18 km)
Terrain: Woodland paths, farm tracks, quiet country lanes and field paths, with one steady climb to Sharpenhurst Hill.
Start/Finish: Christ’s Hospital railway station.
Beginning at Christ’s Hospital railway station, it’s a walk that feels wonderfully accessible. Regular trains run from both Horsham and London, while those arriving by car can also park at the station. Within minutes, however, the bustle of modern life is replaced by woodland, birdsong and wonderfully quiet countryside.
- Leave the station by following the signs for Southwater along the Downs Link. Head south, initially following the path beside the road before leaving it to join a track that runs alongside the railway. The route soon enters peaceful woodland, providing a gentle introduction to the walk.
- After approximately 1.34 km, look for a footpath on your right. Cross the railway and continue into a small woodland where the path begins a steady climb.
- Emerging from the trees, continue up Sharpenhurst Hill. Before climbing further, pause and look behind you. The view opens across the Sussex landscape, with the striking red-brick buildings and iconic tower of Christ’s Hospital School standing proudly against a backdrop of rolling countryside.
Sharpenhurst Hill
At the summit, there are several fascinating points of interest. The most unusual is the grass-covered mound enclosed by fencing. Hidden beneath it lies Sharpenhurst Hill Reservoir, constructed between 1899 and 1902 to provide a reliable water supply for Christ’s Hospital School below.
Although not open to the public, the reservoir has vaulted chambers often been compared to the interior of a cathedral, while the exceptional acoustics have occasionally been enjoyed by the school’s choir, who have performed there.
Nearby stands Bede’s Copse, planted in memory of Bede Griffiths. Griffiths attended Christ’s Hospital from 1918 until 1929 before becoming an author, priest, Benedictine monk and practitioner of yoga. Spending much of his later life in India, he became internationally respected for promoting dialogue between Christian and Eastern spiritual traditions, remaining there until his death in 1993.
Close by you’ll also find one of Horsham’s Peace Poles, bearing the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in several languages, and closer to the reservoir is a trig point marking one of the highest spots in the area. Yet perhaps the greatest attraction isn’t any of these landmarks. It is the overwhelming sense of peace. The panoramic views stretch across miles of Sussex countryside, while the silence is almost complete. It is one of those rare places where the modern world seems very far away indeed.
Onwards to Itchingfield
- Having explored the hilltop, retrace your steps to the footpath and continue your walk. The route now descends gently through open countryside before emerging onto a quiet country lane.
- Turn right and, after a short distance, take the left turn signposted for Itchingfield. Follow this peaceful road downhill, passing the old abandoned village school before turning right.
- Shortly afterwards you’ll notice a bright red postbox built into the wall. Here you’ll find a lane leading left towards the church, while a stile and public footpath continue on your right. The church is well worth a short detour before continuing your walk.
The beautiful Church of St Nicholas dates from around 1125, making it one of the oldest buildings in the area. Despite alterations and rebuilding over the centuries, it still retains two original Norman walls together with several 12th-century windows. Its most remarkable feature is undoubtedly the 15th-century wooden bell tower. One of the finest surviving examples of its kind, it’s thought to be unique in Sussex. Hidden within the belfry is the original medieval staircase, still in place although no longer used.
The peaceful churchyard contains a Commonwealth war grave, while nearby stands the charming Priest’s House. Dating from the 16th century, it was originally built as a cottage for the parish clerk before later becoming an almshouse. It remained occupied until 1860 and adds yet another layer to the village’s rich history.
- After exploring the church, retrace your steps to the stile opposite the church entrance and rejoin the public footpath.
- Continue straight ahead, remembering to look left, right and in front of you. This section offers some of the finest views of the entire walk, with rolling fields, ancient hedgerows and distant woodland creating a classic Sussex landscape in every direction.
- Follow the footpath downhill until it reaches the road.
If you fancy refreshments, turn left for the short detour to Westons Farm Shop, a popular stop for coffee, homemade cakes and locally produced food before returning to continue the route.
- Otherwise, simply cross the road and continue straight ahead. This quiet lane leads back towards Christ’s Hospital, where you’ll rejoin the Downs Link followed at the start of the walk.
- Take particular care crossing the railway bridge, where the pavement narrows, before simply retracing your steps along the Downs Link back to Christ’s Hospital railway station.
It is remarkable just how much history and variety this relatively short walk contains. From hidden Victorian engineering and medieval craftsmanship to one of Sussex’s most inspiring spiritual figures, all framed by peaceful countryside and far-reaching views. For anyone seeking a walk that nourishes both mind and soul, this little corner of Sussex is difficult to beat.
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