[1] At the corner of the car park to the left of where you drive in, go down steps to signalled crossing. Cross road and go left via forecourt of antique shop to follow footpath past main town car park, with office building on right (Smiths Gore). Just before public toilets, turn right along path between walls then ahead on minor road, passing library on left. At end of road turn right and continue, passing entrance to doctors' surgery then cross over road to follow signed footpath between allotments and past gardens.
[2] At crossroads of footpaths turn right then go through kissing gate and into field. F(( FFFF Follow power lines as they bend half right and go through another kissing gate. Turn left and keep to field edge with trees and power lines to left. When trees end, continue to follow power lines until house appears then head for house. Go over stile to walk down drive of house to road.
Good views of the Downs as you approach the house.
If a shorter route is required, go straight ahead on path at [2] then downhill and into woods. Look for path signposted on left to cross small bridge. Follow path until after stone steps then take footpath on right. Keep to right hand edge of field to reach and cross stile in field corner. Here you will see a gate in a wall which is the back way into the pub. Then resume from [4].
[3] Turn left. Keep to grass verge as road is busy and there is no path. At lay by, cross stile. Keep on path beside stream through metal kissing gate to cross bridge. Bear slightly right at bridge (moving away from stream) then keep ahead following signs to meet stream again (this time it is on your right). At footpath junction turn right on path to cross small bridge. Follow path until after stone steps then take footpath on right. Keep to right hand edge of field to reach and cross stile in field corner. Here you will see a gate in a wall which is the back way into the pub.
(A) The Black Horse pub is a Grade 2 listed building of great character. The 18th century front elevation was added to an older building along with the third storey. The pub has a large garden to the rear and a seating area to the front that incorporates an interesting stone table and bench.
[4] If not going into pub (The Black Horse Inn) keep on path to come out on the road and turn right.
On leaving pub by front door turn right onto minor road. There is no pavement but it is not usually busy. Walk along road and take footpath on left through a gate and then over a stile. Cross field, aiming for top right hand corner. Cross stile then road (A283) with care. Busy road - take care going over the stile and when crossing road. Then walk right along pavement to reach stile on left.
Cross stile (this one is quite difficult) into field. The route of the path is not always clear: aim for an isolated tree then towards agricultural buildings and go throughyou gate/over stile. (Note views towards Downs and towards Petworth while crossing field.) Go over stile and turn right to follow track to reach Brinkshole Heath Access Land. In woods, go past covered reservoir on right and Goanah Lodges on left.
(B) Brinkshole Heath is Access Land. The mixed woodlands have many paths so take care to take the correct one. The Goanah Lodges are a pair of interesting buildings now private homes. The Lodges were probably built as part of a grand entrance to an estate but the rest of the project seems to have been abandoned.
[5] Shortly after the Lodge buildings turn left at crossing tracks and continue along edge of woods. Keep ahead and turn left at signposted footpath. You are now on the Serpent Trail. Follow path along sunken lane between ancient trees and past fields to go through kissing gate.
The name of the Serpent Trail reflects the serpentine shape of the route which snakes for 64 miles (108 km) through the heathland landscapes of West Sussex. Waymarked by Serpent Trail discs, the route showcases the work of the Sussex Wealden Greensand Heaths Project and highlights the outstanding landscape of the greensand hills.
Go half left ahead between two clumps of trees to find path signpost and another kissing gate.
Go through kissing gate and take right hand path with field boundary to right. Keep ahead with more good views towards Petworth, towards the Downs and to the north . This is the Shimmings Valley and there is a short sharp climb to get out of it. At the junction of paths at the top of valley, continue ahead through a kissing gate and into a lane.
(C) Note the sign on the house at end of the lane (Bartons Lane) - don't throw stones!
(If you turn right here you can have a look at the interesting houses in North Street. You will also see a pedestrian entrance, through the cow yard and via the old servants' tunnel, to Petworth Park that you might want to use another time. The entrance to Petworth House is past the church that you will reach shortly.)
(D) Petworth House and Park are National Trust properties. The House has a splendid art gallery; the Park has a large herd of deer.
[6] At main road (A283) turn left. Cross the road carefully opposite the Indian restaurant. Go ahead with church on right and turn left opposite the church gates down cobbled street (Lombard Street).
(E) Look out for the old butcher’s shop: the tiles give it away!
On reaching a square, keep ahead passing Leconfield Hall on right to reach zebra crossing. Cross and continue ahead (florists on left) though courtyard of shops to arrive in the main car park. Retrace your steps to Sylvia Beaufoy car park.
(F) The Leconfield Hall was built in 1793 on the same site as the timber framed building which preceded it. A major restoration programme took place in the 1990s. Various events are held in the Hall.