Date: TBC
Start: Fittleworth
Start Time: 9.30
Distance: 6 miles
Terrain: A gradual climb up then descent
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Half a Church, Twice the Tale is a walk with a straightforward route but a destination that opens the door to some unexpected pieces of ecclesiastical and local history. We’ll be heading to Bedham Chapel, which stands in ruins in woodland above the Arun valley. Its story is both cautionary and sobering, illustrating the challenges faced by many small rural churches, and it raises intriguing questions about why it was built here & by whom.
However, there’s a wider tale to uncover too, one that applies to every church and, unexpectedly, may even touch on your own home. We often worry about the long arm of the Treasury, but historically the reach of the Church extended far further, shaping responsibilities, liabilities and even the modern legal checks involved in buying property.
Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome
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.
