The Granary

 

South Downs National Park and the South Downs Way

 

The South Downs National Park was established in April 2011 and is the newest of Britain's national parks.  It is now an Area of Outstanding National Beauty.  The Granary is situated inside the Fulking Conservation Area.  The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath in Southern England and is one of Britain's National Trails. It runs for around 100 miles from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex.  Fulking lies on a central section between the Adur valley at Upper Beeding and Pyecombe, which passes by Devil's Dyke and enjoys views of the sea between Brighton and Shoreham.  It is used by walkers, cyclists, runners and dog walkers and horse riders and passes by a number of sites of historical interest.

 

History and Locality

 

Fulking lies in the quiet parish of Edburton, the next of the spring villages.  Edburton church - founded by St Edburga (Alfred the Great's Granddaughter) - is Saxon in origin and was rebuilt in 1180.  It contains the oldest leaden font in England.  The Shepherd & Dog pub, a well-established favourite across the area, is four minutes walk from the Granary.  The popular Royal Oak in Poynings is a mile away. The Granary is close to Fulking's Spring and Fountain which were donated to the village by John Ruskin (a frequent visitor to the village) and dedicated in 1886.  Brighton is just 6 miles - and another world away - on the other side of the Downs. The historic towns of Lewes and Arundel are 15 and 20 miles away.

 

Outdoors and Sports

 

There are four golf courses within three miles of the Granary, including the parkland of Singing Hills and the Downs links of Pyecombe.  The South Downs Way and surrounding trails are very popular with mountain bikers and the area is also well-liked by road cyclists whether heading for downland hill climbs or the flatter and rolling routes north towards the Weald.  There are two popular riding stables within a couple of miles - Chestnuts and Three Greys, and a number of  local fishing ponds including Steyning, Lancing and Small Dole. Sailing and watersports are available at Hove Lagoon, Brighton Kings Parade and Brighton Marina.  Brighton & Hove Albion and Hickstead showjumping are each 15 minutes drive from the Granary.

 

For a link to a map showing the location of Fulking click here.