CYC Ramblers: Stopham Church 14 March

Published 11:53 on 19 Mar 2026

A glorious sunny morning greeted us for the penultimate ramble of the season. 19 walkers gathered near Stopham Church, which dates from medieval times. 

Our route took us through the Stopham Estate which has been owned by generations of the   same family since the 13th Century. The first part of the walk undulated through coppiced woodland on mostly good paths. There was a shortish very wet section, but everyone made it through! 

We stopped at Brinkwells, a cottage Elgar rented from 1917 - 1919 and where he composed some famous works. Another woodland stretch followed and the first wild daffodils came into view plus some very early bluebells, what a treat. We came out into the open by Spring Farm where we stopped for a welcome coffee break in the sunshine. 

The return route lead us on a good track with a carpet of wild daffodils in the woods on either side with great views of the Arun valley opening up. Back at the Church it was a short drive to the Oddfellows Arms in Pulborough for a buffet lunch. We all  sat out in the pub garden in the sunshine, a fitting end to a lovely spring days walk. 

Thanks to all for your good company.