Alfred the Great and Burpham

Burpham is an ancient place; there is evidence of Britons, Romans and Saxons. The church is remarkable for its amazing interior, particularly the chancel chalk vaulting and the leper window, through which the priest blessed victims in the Middle Ages. But the most fascinating part of the village is the Saxon figure-of-eight fortified promontory, believed to have been built by Alfred the Great around 910 AD, as a defence against Danish Viking raiders. At 700 yards long and covering 22 acres, it has a massive earth rampart at the landward end. From within the promontory, we drop down across fields to take an amazing terraced footpath overlooking the fort before heading for the hills. Our return passes the Lepers' Path to take in views across the Arun valley to Bignor Hill, completing our walk through Wepham and Burpham villages. Rating 2. Time 2h 50m. Distance 10kms. Ascents 195m. Descents 195m. Route Circular. Refreshments 2.

From: Walk South Downs
Author: Martin Simmons