Date: TBC
Start: East Sussex
Start Time: TBC
Distance: TBC
Terrain: TBC

Sign up through Eventbrite HERE

This event brings together walking, time in churches (including an overnight stay – if you wish), immersion in nature and shared fellowship.

An overnight stay? Yes! I have made arrangements with Rev. Peter Owen-Jones for a group of Rural Strides ‘pilgrims’ to travel to Firle on Thursday 7 May, spend the night in his church, and walk up Firle Beacon with him to greet the sunrise on Friday 8 May. Spending the night in a church is a unique experience known as champing – a combination of ‘church’ and ‘camping’. If this is new to you, you can read more about it here.

Have you heard of Rev Peter Owen-Jones? Peter is a well-known Church of England vicar, writer and broadcaster, celebrated for his ability to combine faith with a deep appreciation of the natural world. Over the years, he has explored the spiritual and pastoral life in both urban and rural settings, developing a particular love for the landscapes of the South Downs. His work often reflects the rhythms of country life, the beauty of open countryside, and the enduring connection between people, place and belief. This is seen perfectly in South Downs: England’s Mountains Green, which was released in 2017

Peter serves as vicar of Firle, a picturesque parish nestled at the foot of the Downs just outside Lewes. The parish church has long been a place of welcome and under his care it remains open to pilgrims seeking refuge, offering a quiet space to rest overnight. This openness reflects Peter’s broadened commitment to combining the spiritual life with the surrounding countryside, connecting visitors with both faith and the enduring beauty of the South Downs.

The Plan

• TBC

NOTES

• If you don’t fancy trying champing you are welcome to find your own accommodation locally and just join us for the walks and evening meal.
• Champing requires: a mattress/campbed and bedding (sleeping bag & pillow). Peter has 6 mattresses he can lend us and I also have a couple. I’d also recommend an eye mask and ear plugs!
• The church has toilets, running water, power to charge phones & heating but nowhere to cook or shower.
• Food – please bring lunch on Thursday and Friday’s breakfast plus mug/cutlery etc
• Where possible, I’d like to encourage car-pooling to reduce the impact of our cars in the village of Firle and share transport costs.

COST

£35 per person. Places booked for free through Eventbrite but only confirmed once I have received payment direct to me. Cost does not include share of travel costs or the Thursday evening meal.

Please message me if you would like to participate but not sleep in the church…..or any other combination that works better for you.

Main image credit: Church Conservation Trust

Firle church & beacon, Rev Peter Owen-Jones & champing image (House and Garden)

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