Nore Wood
Eartham
Children will enjoy a picnic with a view at Nore Folly and the magical display of bluebells on this walk.
The woods are cared for by the National Trust and are filled with bluebells in spring
The Basics
Time: 2 hrs
Distance: 6 km
Terrain: Some steady ascents on well maintained forest paths as well as field tracks.
Pushchair: Although there are no barriers to pushchairs, we think the ascents ups tony tracks and field paths would make it hard going.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk.
Refreshments: The George, Eartham or a picnic with a view at the folly.
Toilets: There are no public toilets on this walk.
Public Transport: There is no public transport to this location.
Parking: There is some limited parking on the roadside in Eartham village near the pub and Great Ballard School where the road widens. The pub does have a car park, so if you are eating at the pub, you could ask if is ok to leave your car (Postcode: PO18 0LT - W3W: ///answers.punch.postings)
The views from the edge of the wood stretch across the coastal plain of West Sussex
Nore Wood is part of the wider Slindon Estate, managed by The National Trust. It features a Grade II listed folly from where there are fantastic views over the estate and beyond. This walk is an absolute treat in the spring when thousands of bluebells bloom. The walk starts and finishes in the tiny village of Eartham, where you can refresh yourself in the pub garden.
The Route
Head down the main village road walking away from the pub and passing the entrance to Great Ballard School on your right. Soon, on your left, you will see a footpath to the side of the sawmill heading across farmland. Follow the field track and almost immediately you can investigate the old octagonal pumphouse on your right.
Continue up the track that sticks to the left hand edge of the large field. When you reach the hedge, just past a black metal post, go through the gateway and go straight ahead to enter the next field. Turn immediately left, then right, to follow the top perimeter of the 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. It will climb steadily, and in season, you will see carpets of bluebells in this National Trust managed woodland. Continue on this path as it curves to the right around the top of the wood. At a junction, turn right and not long after the junction, you will see a long straight forestry track with a pole barrier. Take this track all the way to the edge of the woodland.
Pass through a (usually open) large metal gate and the path will bend right as you leave the trees and the views will open up to your left-hand side. 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 from the folly 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 at a fork, bear left to hit Puck’s Lane again. Turn left at Puck’s Lane and you will soon see the same old stile from section two and the field track leading back to Eartham.
Did you know?
The restored folly is made of flint and was built in 1814 for the Countess of Newburgh’s picnic parties.
If you liked this walk…
…try this one also on the Slindon Estate which explores the area further.
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