Flint Knapping – The Oldest Craft

Apr 23, 2026 | Open Walks

Flint

Date: Thurs 17 Sept
Start: North Marden
Start Time: 09.45
Distance:  6 miles
Terrain: One steep climb

Sign up through Eventbrite HERE

This is a Heritage Open Days Walk

Without the flint knapper we might never have had the butcher, the baker or the candlestick-maker. Flint gave early humans the cutting edge, making it possible to hunt, prepare food, keep warm and ultimately gain an advantage over other hominids.

On this walk we’ll visit local flint knapper, Duncan Berry, who still practises this most ancient of crafts. We’ll learn about the different types of flint, discover how little the art of knapping has changed over thousands of years, and see how flint has also shaped local building traditions.

During this 6-mile walk we’ll spend about an hour with the knapper. The rest of the route is a beautiful walk that connects two villages rich in flint buildings, giving us the chance to admire them with new eyes.

 

small church with graves in front and flowers

 

RURAL STRIDES

Rural Strides is passionate about the rich history and cultural landscape of the Western Weald. Through our engaging guided walks, we bring the land to life. We interpret its stories, uncover its heritage, and reveal the character that makes this corner of the South Downs so special. Along the way, we introduce you to inspiring local businesses, each rooted in the community and landscape we share.

Our aim is simple: to create authentic, memorable experiences that connect you with the place and its people. By the end of a Rural Strides walk, you won’t just have explored the Western Weald, you’ll feel like a local.

 

Read more about the Western Weald here

View our other walks here

 

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