Hobbs Copse

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Hobbs Copse

Double bridge near Rudgwick, West Sussex The double bridge which crosses the River Arun near Rudgwick is unique in Britain, in having both a brick arch and an iron girder.

The brick arch was built to carry a railway line across the river.  However, on the far side of the river, the railway would then climb a steep gradient into Rudgwick station.  Inspectors from the government's Board of Trade refused permission for the railway to open, as they felt the gradient up to Rudgwick station was too steep.  The railway compamny therefore had to rebuild this section of the route with higher embankments, so that the gradient into Rudgwick was less steep.  As the railway had been raised to a higher level at this location, the iron girder bridge was installed to carry it across the river.  The brick arch has never been used for its intended purpose.

The railway opened in 1865 but closed a century later.  The railway route now forms part of the Downs Link long distance path, which itself forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.
Double bridge near Rudgwick, West Sussex Credit: Malc McDonald

Hobbs Copse is a picturesque woodland located in Sussex, England. Spanning over a vast area, it is often referred to as a forest due to its dense vegetation and diverse range of tree species. The copse is nestled within the beautiful South Downs National Park, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

The woodland is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, and ash, which provide a rich and varied habitat for a wide array of wildlife. This makes Hobbs Copse a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, who can spot numerous species of birds, including woodpeckers, songbirds, and owls.

The forest floor is covered in a thick carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape. During spring, the copse comes alive with a burst of bluebells, creating a breathtaking sight that attracts many photographers and nature lovers.

Hobbs Copse is also known for its well-maintained walking trails, which meander through the woodland and offer visitors the opportunity to explore its natural beauty. The trails provide different routes of varying lengths, catering to both casual strollers and avid hikers.

Located just a short drive from nearby villages, the copse is easily accessible for day trips and picnics. It offers ample parking facilities and picnic areas, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Overall, Hobbs Copse is a charming woodland retreat that showcases the beauty of nature in Sussex. Its lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and well-marked trails make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil and immersive experience in the heart of the English countryside.

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Hobbs Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.096238/-0.45644936 or Grid Reference TQ0834. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Double bridge near Rudgwick, West Sussex The double bridge which crosses the River Arun near Rudgwick is unique in Britain, in having both a brick arch and an iron girder.

The brick arch was built to carry a railway line across the river.  However, on the far side of the river, the railway would then climb a steep gradient into Rudgwick station.  Inspectors from the government's Board of Trade refused permission for the railway to open, as they felt the gradient up to Rudgwick station was too steep.  The railway compamny therefore had to rebuild this section of the route with higher embankments, so that the gradient into Rudgwick was less steep.  As the railway had been raised to a higher level at this location, the iron girder bridge was installed to carry it across the river.  The brick arch has never been used for its intended purpose.

The railway opened in 1865 but closed a century later.  The railway route now forms part of the Downs Link long distance path, which itself forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.
Double bridge near Rudgwick, West Sussex
The double bridge which crosses the River Arun near Rudgwick is unique in Britain, in having both a brick arch and an iron girder. The brick arch was built to carry a railway line across the river. However, on the far side of the river, the railway would then climb a steep gradient into Rudgwick station. Inspectors from the government's Board of Trade refused permission for the railway to open, as they felt the gradient up to Rudgwick station was too steep. The railway compamny therefore had to rebuild this section of the route with higher embankments, so that the gradient into Rudgwick was less steep. As the railway had been raised to a higher level at this location, the iron girder bridge was installed to carry it across the river. The brick arch has never been used for its intended purpose. The railway opened in 1865 but closed a century later. The railway route now forms part of the Downs Link long distance path, which itself forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.
Downs Link, near Rudgwick The Downs Link path follows a dismantled railway line for almost all of its length.  It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

Here, there used to be a bridge carrying the railway across the A281 road.  The bridge was demolished after the railway closed, and the Downs Link path therefore descends to road level to cross the road.  There has been a long-running campaign to reinstate a bridge here.  Sadly, a 20-year-old cyclist was killed in 2020 whilst crossing the road at this point.
Downs Link, near Rudgwick
The Downs Link path follows a dismantled railway line for almost all of its length. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. Here, there used to be a bridge carrying the railway across the A281 road. The bridge was demolished after the railway closed, and the Downs Link path therefore descends to road level to cross the road. There has been a long-running campaign to reinstate a bridge here. Sadly, a 20-year-old cyclist was killed in 2020 whilst crossing the road at this point.
Downs Link, near Rudgwick The Downs Link path follows a dismantled railway line for almost all of its length.  It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

Here, there used to be a bridge carrying the railway across the A281 road.  The bridge was demolished after the railway closed, and the Downs Link path therefore descends to road level to cross the road.  There has been a long-running campaign to reinstate a bridge here.  Sadly, a 20-year-old cyclist was killed in 2020 whilst crossing the road at this point.
Downs Link, near Rudgwick
The Downs Link path follows a dismantled railway line for almost all of its length. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. Here, there used to be a bridge carrying the railway across the A281 road. The bridge was demolished after the railway closed, and the Downs Link path therefore descends to road level to cross the road. There has been a long-running campaign to reinstate a bridge here. Sadly, a 20-year-old cyclist was killed in 2020 whilst crossing the road at this point.
Downs Link, Rudgwick A view of the Downs Link path at Rudgwick in West Sussex.  The path follows a dismantled railway line.  It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.  The bridge in this photo carries a road across the former railway line.
Downs Link, Rudgwick
A view of the Downs Link path at Rudgwick in West Sussex. The path follows a dismantled railway line. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. The bridge in this photo carries a road across the former railway line.
Downs Link, Rudgwick A view of the Downs Link path at Rudgwick in West Sussex.  The path follows a dismantled railway line.  It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

Here, the path passes through the site of Rudgwick station.  The station and railway line closed in 1965, and very little trace of the station remains.  The block of flats to the right of the path has been built on the site of the station's goods yard.  More information about Rudgwick station, including photographs, can be found on the Disused Stations website: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/r/rudgwick/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/r/rudgwick/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Downs Link, Rudgwick
A view of the Downs Link path at Rudgwick in West Sussex. The path follows a dismantled railway line. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. Here, the path passes through the site of Rudgwick station. The station and railway line closed in 1965, and very little trace of the station remains. The block of flats to the right of the path has been built on the site of the station's goods yard. More information about Rudgwick station, including photographs, can be found on the Disused Stations website: LinkExternal link
Houses on Station Road, Rudgwick Houses close to the site of Rudgwick station, which closed in 1965.
Houses on Station Road, Rudgwick
Houses close to the site of Rudgwick station, which closed in 1965.
Site of railway station, Rudgwick near Horsham This was the site of Rudgwick's railway station, which closed in 1965.  Little trace of the station remains, with the site put to new uses.  The building to the left of the image is a health centre.
Site of railway station, Rudgwick near Horsham
This was the site of Rudgwick's railway station, which closed in 1965. Little trace of the station remains, with the site put to new uses. The building to the left of the image is a health centre.
The Sidings, Rudgwick The Sidings is a small residential development on the site of the former station goods yard at Rudgwick, in West Sussex.
The Sidings, Rudgwick
The Sidings is a small residential development on the site of the former station goods yard at Rudgwick, in West Sussex.
The Sidings, Rudgwick The Sidings is a small residential development on the site of the former station goods yard at Rudgwick, in West Sussex.  The building to the left of the image is a health centre.
The Sidings, Rudgwick
The Sidings is a small residential development on the site of the former station goods yard at Rudgwick, in West Sussex. The building to the left of the image is a health centre.
Downs Link at Rudgwick station site The Downs Link path follows a dismantled railway line for most of its length.  It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

Here, the path passes through the site of Rudgwick railway station.  More information about Rudgwick station can be found on the Disused Stations website: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/r/rudgwick/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/r/rudgwick/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Downs Link at Rudgwick station site
The Downs Link path follows a dismantled railway line for most of its length. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. Here, the path passes through the site of Rudgwick railway station. More information about Rudgwick station can be found on the Disused Stations website: LinkExternal link
Bridge over the Downs Link path near Rudgwick A view of the Downs Link path near Rudgwick in West Sussex.  The path follows a dismantled railway line.  It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

The bridge carries a road over the former railway line.
Bridge over the Downs Link path near Rudgwick
A view of the Downs Link path near Rudgwick in West Sussex. The path follows a dismantled railway line. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. The bridge carries a road over the former railway line.
Woodsomes Farm, near Rudgwick Woodsomes Farm in countryside close to the West Sussex/Surrey border.
Woodsomes Farm, near Rudgwick
Woodsomes Farm in countryside close to the West Sussex/Surrey border.
Downs Link, near Rudgwick A view of the Downs Link path near Rudgwick in West Sussex.  The path also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

For most of its length, the path follows the course of a dismantled railway.  Between Cranleigh and Rudgwick, however, the railway passed through a tunnel.  The path avoids the tunnel, instead climbing over the hill.  This view looks downhill towards Rudgwick.  A sign warns cyclists of a steep gradient and a blind bend.
Downs Link, near Rudgwick
A view of the Downs Link path near Rudgwick in West Sussex. The path also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. For most of its length, the path follows the course of a dismantled railway. Between Cranleigh and Rudgwick, however, the railway passed through a tunnel. The path avoids the tunnel, instead climbing over the hill. This view looks downhill towards Rudgwick. A sign warns cyclists of a steep gradient and a blind bend.
Downs Link and Sussex Border Path near Rudgwick A view of the Downs Link path near Rudgwick in West Sussex.  The path also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

For most of its length, the path follows the course of a dismantled railway.  Between Cranleigh and Rudgwick, however, the railway passed through a tunnel.  The path avoids the tunnel, instead climbing through woodland over a hill.  Here, the Downs Link path meets the Sussex Border Path.  Both paths take the path ahead for a short distance.  This location is also the county boundary between West Sussex and Surrey.
Downs Link and Sussex Border Path near Rudgwick
A view of the Downs Link path near Rudgwick in West Sussex. The path also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. For most of its length, the path follows the course of a dismantled railway. Between Cranleigh and Rudgwick, however, the railway passed through a tunnel. The path avoids the tunnel, instead climbing through woodland over a hill. Here, the Downs Link path meets the Sussex Border Path. Both paths take the path ahead for a short distance. This location is also the county boundary between West Sussex and Surrey.
Cox Green Road, near Rudgwick Cox Green Road near Rudgwick, on the borders of Surrey and West Sussex.  Here, a bridge carries the road over the course of a dismantled railway.

Much of the dismantled railway forms the route of the Downs Link path and route 223 of the National Cycle Network.  A short distance south of this location, however, the railway passed through a tunnel.  The tunnel is closed, therefore the path and cycle route climb up to the road, crossing the bridge then passing through woodland before rejoining the railway route.
Cox Green Road, near Rudgwick
Cox Green Road near Rudgwick, on the borders of Surrey and West Sussex. Here, a bridge carries the road over the course of a dismantled railway. Much of the dismantled railway forms the route of the Downs Link path and route 223 of the National Cycle Network. A short distance south of this location, however, the railway passed through a tunnel. The tunnel is closed, therefore the path and cycle route climb up to the road, crossing the bridge then passing through woodland before rejoining the railway route.
Downs Link near Rudgwick The Downs Link path descending into a railway cutting where it will pass beneath the bridge visible ahead.  The path also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

Much of the Downs Link path follows the course of a dismantled railway.  The tunnel is closed, therefore the path and cycle route climb through woodland to avoid the tunnel before rejoining the railway route.
Downs Link near Rudgwick
The Downs Link path descending into a railway cutting where it will pass beneath the bridge visible ahead. The path also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. Much of the Downs Link path follows the course of a dismantled railway. The tunnel is closed, therefore the path and cycle route climb through woodland to avoid the tunnel before rejoining the railway route.
Baynards station building, near Horsham Baynards station was situated in Surrey countryside close to the Sussex border.  The station closed in 1965, along with the railway which passed through it.  The building survives, however, and is used as a private house.

The driveway past the station forms part of the route of the Downs Link path, which itself forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

For more information about Baynards station, including photographs taken when it was still operating as a station, see the Disused Stations website: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/b/baynards/index.shtml" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/b/baynards/index.shtml">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Baynards station building, near Horsham
Baynards station was situated in Surrey countryside close to the Sussex border. The station closed in 1965, along with the railway which passed through it. The building survives, however, and is used as a private house. The driveway past the station forms part of the route of the Downs Link path, which itself forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. For more information about Baynards station, including photographs taken when it was still operating as a station, see the Disused Stations website: LinkExternal link
Lawns Road at the junction of Cox Green Road
Lawns Road at the junction of Cox Green Road
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Hobbs Copse is located at Grid Ref: TQ0834 (Lat: 51.096238, Lng: -0.45644936)

Administrative County: West Sussex

District: Horsham

Police Authority: Sussex

What 3 Words

///spearing.boil.requested. Near Rudgwick, West Sussex

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.096238,-0.45644936
Brick Works
Naptan AtcoCode: 4400HR1100
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: Brick Works
Naptan Indicator: Nr
Naptan Landmark: Hail & Ride
Naptan NaptanCode: wsxgdjtd
Naptan Street: Lynwick Street
Naptan Verified: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 51.0972649/-0.4508523
Bus Stop
Greathouse Farm
Bus: yes
Local Ref: NR
Naptan AtcoCode: 4400HR1101
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: Greathouse Farm
Naptan Indicator: nr
Naptan Landmark: Hail & Ride
Naptan NaptanCode: wsxgdjtg
Naptan Street: Lynwick Street
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 51.0935923/-0.4560305
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 51.0995165/-0.458426
Cafe
The Milk Churn
Addr Postcode: RH12 3DH
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Opening Hours: Mo-Fr 08:30-16:00; Sa-Su 10:00-16:00
Lat/Long: 51.0960273/-0.454023
Vantage Engineering
Addr Housenumber: Unit 7B
Addr Postcode: RH12 3UW
Addr Street: Lynwick Street
Email: mail@vantage-engineering.ltd
Opening Hours: Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00
Shop: car_repair
Website: https://www.vantage-engineering.ltd/
Lat/Long: 51.0965876/-0.4530904
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking: stands
Covered: no
Lat/Long: 51.0959515/-0.4540912
Addr Housenumber: 1
Lat/Long: 51.0977816/-0.4499145
Addr Housenumber: 2
Lat/Long: 51.097739/-0.4500393
Addr Housename: April Cottage
Lat/Long: 51.0926688/-0.4563259
Addr Housename: Cherry Cottage
Lat/Long: 51.0925577/-0.4576257
Addr Housename: Alfa Cottage
Lat/Long: 51.0924426/-0.4575277
Addr Housename: Little Canfields
Lat/Long: 51.0923648/-0.4577588
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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