Cranedown Bottom

Valley in Sussex Wealden

England

Cranedown Bottom

Wayfaring tree - Viburnum lantana Credit: Ian Cunliffe

Cranedown Bottom is a picturesque valley located in Sussex, England. Situated in the South Downs National Park, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The valley is characterized by its rolling hills, lush green meadows, and meandering streams. The landscape is dotted with small woodlands, adding to its natural beauty. Cranedown Bottom is particularly known for its diverse wildlife, including rare bird species, butterflies, and wildflowers. It provides a tranquil environment for visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

The valley is home to several walking trails, which cater to different levels of difficulty and length. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning scenery, observe wildlife, and enjoy the fresh air. The valley is also a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, who can spot a variety of species, such as kestrels, buzzards, and skylarks.

Cranedown Bottom is a perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Visitors can relax by the stream, listen to the soothing sounds of nature, and take in the panoramic views. The valley is known for its tranquility and serenity, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Overall, Cranedown Bottom is a hidden gem in Sussex, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking to reconnect with nature. Its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Cranedown Bottom Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.809693/0.22086634 or Grid Reference TQ5603. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wayfaring tree - Viburnum lantana

Ian Cunliffe

House on Green Lane

Ian Cunliffe

Coombe Hill viewed in a west-northwest direction, East Sussex

This photo looks over part of the dry valley of Willingdon Bottom toward Coombe Hill. The archaeological features on Coombe Hill, including a causewayed enclosure and barrows, lie on the crest of the hill and in a saddle of land on the western side.

Adrian Diack

Bronze-Age bowl barrow on Combe Hill, East Sussex

This westerly looking photo shows the most easterly of the barrows on Combe Hill.

Adrian Diack

Bronze Age bowl barrow viewed from the west, East Sussex

The bowl barrow in the photo is being viewed from the west. It appears to have been originally dug in Victorian times without proper records being kept.

Adrian Diack

Westward view of the most westerly bowl barrow on Combe Hill

This Bronze Age bowl barrow is the most westerly barrow on Combe Hill, East Sussex. The top of the barrow has a circular depression indicating that it has been excavated.

Adrian Diack

Ring and ditch of the causewayed enclosure on Combe Hill

This photo looks eastward along the top of Combe Hill in East Sussex. The photo shows a segment of the ring and ditch feature which forms part of the causewayed enclosure. There are several causeways which cut the rings into parts and one of these is indicated to the north of centre in the photo. The most easterly of the bowl barrows on this ceremonial site can be seen on the high ground which marks the horizon.

Adrian Diack

Eastward view of the more westerly bowl barrow on Coombe Hill

In 1908, three and a half bronze axes were unearthed from the bowl barrow in the photo by the then owner of Friston Place, (Curwen 1940 p.108) Three of the four axes had been broken. It is likely that the breakages were deliberate, and done in a ritual manner, in order to "kill" the objects so that they could be used as votive offerings.

Adrian Diack

View from the western barrow to the eastern one, Coombe Hill

This photo was taken from the top of the western bowl barrow and it looks over the archaeological site of the Neolithic "causewayed enclosure" toward the eastern, bowl barrow. The bowl barrows are Bronze Age features.

Adrian Diack

Saucer or disc barrow on Combe Hill, East Sussex

The disc or saucer shaped barrow is an example of one of the rarest forms of round barrow with only approximately 60 of them in the country. Because of this rarity they are always considered to be of national importance and they are bestowed with official recognition and protected status. The saucer barrow, in the photo, is a shallow depression which is difficult to see and photograph and it is for that reason that I placed a blue bag in the centre of the feature. Although the saucer shaped barrow lacks the visual impact of either of the nearby bowl barrows, it retains considerable archaeological potential for research as there is no evidence of antiquarian investigation.

Adrian Diack

Prehistoric barrow between Cold Crouch and Coombe Hill, East Sussex

The convex hill to the east of the Wealdway, in the photo, is made of chalk and it is a natural part of the escarpment. Built on top of the hill, there is an earthen, prehistoric barrow with panoramic, eastern views towards Eastbourne and the English Channel.

Andrew Diack

Westward view of a barrow between Cold Crouch and Coombe Hill

This photo shows a barrow on the summit of a steep hill between Cold Crouch and Coombe Hill in East Sussex.

Andrew Diack

Yew tree on Coombe Hill, East Sussex

This photo shows a single yew tree growing on the slopes of Coombe Hill. It is surrounded by a variety of colourful, downland flowers

Andrew Diack

Black cattle on Coombe Hill, East Sussex

Viewing the top of Coombe Hill from a southerly direction, the photo shows one of the herd of black cattle standing on top of the most westerly bowl barrow while the other is grazing at further distance.

Andrew Diack

Herd of black cattle grazing on pasture at Coombe Hill, East Sussex

This photo shows a herd of black cattle grazing on pasture at Coombe Hill.

Andrew Diack

Wealdway from near Willingdon Bottom to the top of Coombe Hill

This photo shows a section of the Wealdway which tracks past Willingdon Bottom to the top of Coombe Hill. Out of sight, the Wealdway then turns westwards and passes through the Neolithic causewayed enclosure on top of Coombe Hill.

Andrew Diack