Nore Wood

viewswoodlandfollybluebellsnational trustpub

19 Nov

Written By Sally Broom

Children will enjoy a picnic with a view at Nore Folly and the magical display of bluebells on this walk.

The Basics

Time: 1hr 40mins

Distance: 6 km

Terrain: Some steady inclines on well maintained forest paths as well as field tracks

Pushchair: No

Dogs: Yes

Refreshments: The George, Eartham or a picnic with a view at the folly

Parking: Limited parking on the roadside in Eartham village (Postcode: PO18 0LT - W3W: answers/punch/postings)

Nore Wood is part of the wider Slindon Estate, managed by The National Trust. It features a Grade II listed folly and thousands of bluebells in season.

The Route

Head down the road to the left of the entrance to Great Ballard School. Soon, on your left, you will see a footpath heading across farmland. Almost immediately you can investigate the old octagonal pumphouse located in this field.
Continue up the path that sticks to the left hand edge of a large field. Look behind you to see views of Halenaker Windmill in the distance. Go through the hedge at the end of this field and then immediately left, then right, to follow the perimeter of the next field. At the end of this field you will pass an old stile and enter Nore Woods.
Turn left along the woodland track called Puck’s Lane. In season, you will see carpets of bluebells in this National Trust managed woodland. Continue on this path as it curves around the top of the wood. Ignore a bridle path to your left and around 150 metres beyond it you will see a long straight forestry track with a pole barrier. Take this track all the way to the edge of the woodland.
Here the path will bend right and the views will open up. Soon you will arrive at Nore Hill Folly, which makes a great place to stop and rest and take in the views across the coastal plain to the sea beyond.
Take the wide farm track down the hill and then take the next right to pass Row’s Barn. Bear right with the path after the barn and continue up hill through a more enclosed path until you meet the woodland again.
Turn left immediately at a pole barrier and you will find another good area for bluebells in spring. Follow the path as it curves up hill. When you meet a white arrowed signpost, turn left to hit Puck’s Lane again. You will soon see the same old stile leading back across the fields to Eartham.