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Iford River Walk

8.08 miles (13 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap A circular walk from the Sussex village of Iford, visiting the River Great Ouse and the neighbouring villages of Southease and Rodmell.
The village sits just a couple of miles south of Lewes on slopes of the South Downs in the valley of the River Ouse. The historic settlement includes 18 listed buildings, a 12th century church and a sundial marking the Greenwich meridian which runs through the village.
This walk also makes use of a section of the South Downs Way National Trail which will take you up to Iford Hill to the west of the village. On this elevated section you can enjoy some splendid views over the surrounding area.
In Rodmell you will pass the National Trust's Monk's House. The 16th-century weatherboarded cottage was once the home of author Virginia Woolfe and her husband, the political activist, journalist and editor Leonard Woolf. Here they received many visitors from the famous Bloomsbury Group, including T. S. Eliot, E. M. Forster, and Roger Fry. 

Iford OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Iford Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Falmer to Lewes Walk starts from nearby Falmer and will take you up to the lovely ridge top walk at Blackcap. There's some fascinating ancient sites, pretty wildflowers, a variety of butterflies and tremendous views over the Weald from here. Falmer itself is also very attractive with its 17th century church, large pond and green which is ideal for picnics.
Just to the west is the Castle Hill National Nature Reserve. The significant site includes chalk grassland with ancient settlements and lots of interesting flora and fauna to see.

Photos

Ilford village hall - geograph.org.uk - 2581850

Ilford village hall

Greenwich meridian in Iford - geograph.org.uk - 2286382

Greenwich meridian in Iford. The village has several Meridian markings. This turkey oak, surrounded by protective railings is reported to have been planted on the Meridian with the help of every child in the village to commemorate the Millennium.

A March visit to St Nicholas, Iford (2) - geograph.org.uk - 2884311

A March visit to St Nicholas, Iford

Monk's House - geograph.org.uk - 2582114

Monk's House, Rodmell

Rodmell - geograph.org.uk - 3116759

Rodmell

Southease Swing Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 1092192

Southease Swing Bridge. The village of Southease is screened by the willow trees in the distance.

Southease from Itford Hill - geograph.org.uk - 1117931

Southease from Itford Hill. This is taken from the South Downs way under Itford Hill. The River Ouse is in the foreground with Southease Bridge on the right. The church unusually has no dedication but is of Saxon origin. Mill Hill dominates the landscape behind the village.

Iford Hill from Swanborough Hill - geograph.org.uk - 1143782

Iford Hill from Swanborough Hill Dencher Road, a concrete track is in the foreground. The path up to the hill is part of the South Downs Way.

GPS Files

GPX File

Iford.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)