A Roman ramble to Gumber Farm
This circular trail encompasses a Roman road that stretches across open downland, a chalky woodland ride known locally as Leper's Path, as well as Iron Age lynchets across a small pasture. Finally, you'll wander through a spur of mature woodland back to the Roman road.
Ignore the pink arrows
From the start of this route, you'll see some pink arrows. These will take you on a different walking route, shown on the noticeboard at the car park. For the Roman ramble, please follow the instructions on this page.
Total steps: 8
Total steps: 8
Start point
Bignor Hill car park. Grid ref: SU973129.
Step 1
From Bignor Hill car park, head towards the two radio masts, passing the signpost to 'Noviomagus'.
Step 2
In around 275yd (250m), you'll see a gravel path cut through a raised grassy bank. Bear round to the left onto the bridleway that runs along this bank – the 'agger' of this marvellously surviving Roman road.
Step 3
In around 550yd (500m), a lane crosses the way, over which Stane Street continues through a stile (and dog-stile). In summer, mature ash and beech trees cast welcome shade over the bench and grassy banks here, making for a great picnic spot.
Step 4
As you walk along Stane Street towards Eartham Woods, you'll notice that branches from the ancient trees hang over it, throwing the path into shade.
Step 5
After walking along Stane Street for about a mile (1.6km), you'll reach a clearing at the 'Six-Ways' signpost (eight ways actually meet here now). Locally, this spot is known as Shippams Poste, after the famous local family that donated it. Take the left fork of the track nearest to Stane Street.
Step 6
Leper's Path runs pale and chalky between tall beeches and other trees. Where the way forks, go left.
Step 7
After a short stretch through some conifers, the way meets a flint-surfaced lane. Turn left here, through the gate, then walk diagonally to your right, crossing the field at Gumber with its Iron Age lynchets (terrace-like remnants of ancient agriculture). Near the far corner of the field, at the foot of two mature trees, is a stile.
Step 8
Over the stile, the narrow path winds through mature trees and wild flowers – beautiful in the spring and early summer. When you arrive at another stile, turn right to rejoin Stane Street. Take it easy and enjoy the views on the way back up to Bignor Hill.
End point
Bignor Hill car park. Grid ref: SU973129.
Trail map
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