Monarch's Way

Image: © Simon Carey Taken: 15 Sep 2013

The long distance foot path follows a bridleway over the southern slopes of Blackpatch Hill between Tolmare Farm and Longfurlong Lane. The bridleway was once part of the medieval Lewes to Arundel highway which followed higher ground to the north of the modern day A27. From Steyning the road crossed the Downs went through Findon past the old manor and church then climbed Church Hill before passing Tolmare Farm to the south then crossing Image and this stretch before heading westwards to Michelgrove House. It then climbed the slope to Michelgrove Park, now woodland and seen in the distance to the left, before following the current bridleway through the woods to Warningcamp and Crossbush. The road closed as a result of the turnpiking of the modern A27 in the 18th century then another opened in 1823 sponsored by the owners of Michelgrove House which took travellers from Findon down the road called Longfurlong which is currently the A280 allowing the sections of highway around the house to be closed to carriages. The Longfurlong turnpike was initially a failure and contributed to the economic downfall of Richard Watt Walker the owner of the house that eventually saw its sale to the Duke of Norfolk who then demolished the house. However, in the age of the motor car the road is a very popular short cut between the A27 and A24.

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