Unicorn Inn Free House
The Unicorn Inn
Heyshott
GU29 0DL
01730 813486
A country walk near Heyshott
Whether you fancy a wander over the South Downs or through Heyshott village, taking a walk around this beautiful part of the country, before or after your trip to the Unicorn Inn freehouse pub and restaurant, is a must.
So, we thought we would provide directions for just one of the many walks that could be enjoyed around this part of rural West Sussex. This one lasts about three miles but there are many short strolls or longer hikes that you could attempt in and around Midhurst.
Taking in rural West Sussex and the South Downs
North of Cocking, turn right off the A286 and find somewhere to park in Heyshott village. Then, make your way to where Manor Farm driveway exits onto the road on a sharp corner
From here, proceed northeast past some houses to a corner where a footpath begins at a field opening. The track continues east and on through a field. Continue past a dead skeleton tree, where you will see a panoramic view of the surrounding area and may be in with a chance of spotting a buzzard or two. Keep moving along the edge of an oak/ash woodland strip until you reach a wooded area at the far end. Here, the path turns left into the wood and then immediately right so that you are continuing east beneath the trees
To left you will see Hoyle Copse and to the right is an old trackway. Cross the plank bridge over the watercourse and you will emerge onto a forest track. Cross over and go straight on for about 100 yards until you come to a smaller track that turns off to the right (south). Entrance to this track is a muddy path; choose this track off the main path, taking care around a slippery patch and ducking beneath a small fallen tree.
When you come to a wired off pheasant pen continue along the side of it (there will be gorse bushes to your left as well as beech and oak trees beyond). When the pen ends continue straight on, pass the footpath sign into a mature woodland and head downhill to an inactive stream at the bottom then ascend up on the other side.
On reaching the top, climb over into the meadow, which may contain horses, and cross straight over to the stile opposite Woodcote farm and cottages. Now, turn right onto the metalled road and take in the tremendous views of the South Downs.
Continue along the metalled road until you see the picturesque Hayland Farm ahead. Just before the house, at the white gateposts, turn right across the meadow, pass a fallen gate and continue into the next field. There is no visible footpath so make towards the deer hide located on the far side at the end of the hedgerow. This is marked on the map as Beech Barn but the barn is no longer there.
Keep to the right as you pass the deer hide and carry on up the track between the hedges and past the faint yellow way mark painted on a leaning post. Continue straight on where the path joins from the left until you arrive safely back at Manor Farm, from here continue through the farm and drive until you emerge back onto the road
Source - The Observer Magazine October 4th, 2007, page 7
Unicorn Inn, Heyshott - Free House - Pub & Restaurant - Available for functions