Berwick to Alciston

• 3 miles

• Elevation 194ft / Undulating

• Stiles: Yes

• Dog-friendly: Yes

• Refreshment: Rose Cottage Inn, Alciston; Berwick Inn, Berwick; The Cricketers’ Arms, Berwick

The route

1. Start at Berwick. Either park at St Michael and All Angels Church (BN26 6SR, but not on Sunday mornings, please) or at The Cricketers’ Arms (BN26 6SP) and walk to the church.

2. Walk round to the back of the church, by turning right just before the churchyard and keeping a flint wall on your right and the church on your left. Turn immediately left to go round the back of the church, and pick up the Vanguard Way, which is signposted.

3. Follow the Vanguard Way south across undulating fields for half a mile.

4. Where the Vanguard Way joins Comp Lane (the old coach road, and still a byway), turn right onto it, almost coming back on yourself.

5. Stay on Comp Lane for a little over a mile, passing Comp Barn and New Barn.

6. At the triangular bench, follow its arrow and turn right into the village of Alciston.

7. Follow the lane sharp left, past the medieval tithe barn and then right past the medieval dovecote, to the church.

8. Here, either walk straight on for three minutes to reach Rose Cottage Inn, or turn right past the church, following the signpost to The Berwick Inn.

9. Follow the footpath over fields with the church spire guiding you.

10. Continue straight, joining the lane that leads past the farm, and turn right back to the church or follow the road round to the left to visit the pub.

Note: one section of Comp Lane gets flooded in wet weather, so wellies are advisable throughout winter months.

On this walk, look out for:

• The church at Berwick, which is famous for its murals painted by Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Quentin Bell.

• The medieval tithe barn, dovecote and church at Alciston.

In the area? Why not visit:

• The glorious village of Alfriston

• Charleston Farmhouse

• The Long Man at Wilmington