Coombe Head

Hill, Mountain in Sussex Adur

England

Coombe Head

Tapsel gate and squeeze gate at Coombes Church, West Sussex The entrance to Coombes Parish Church is marked by a Tapsel gate and a squeeze gate. The Tapsel gate is shown here in the closed position. — Tapsel gate and squeeze gate at Coombes Church, West Sussex Credit: Andrew Diack

Coombe Head is a prominent hill located in the county of Sussex, England. Situated in the South Downs, it forms part of the picturesque landscape of the South Downs National Park. Although referred to as a hill, Coombe Head can be considered more of a gentle incline or ridge, rather than a towering mountain.

Standing at an elevation of approximately 200 meters (656 feet), Coombe Head offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, visitors can see for miles, taking in the rolling hills, patchwork fields, and quaint villages that characterize the Sussex landscape. The hill is covered in lush green grass and dotted with wildflowers, providing a serene and idyllic setting for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Coombe Head is easily accessible, with footpaths and trails leading up to its summit. These trails are well-maintained and offer a range of difficulty levels, catering to both seasoned hikers and casual walkers. Along the way, visitors may encounter various species of wildlife, including rabbits, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

The hill is also of historical significance, with evidence of human habitation dating back to ancient times. Archaeological finds indicate that Coombe Head was used as a settlement during the Iron Age, making it an area of interest for history buffs and archaeologists.

In summary, Coombe Head is a picturesque hill in Sussex, England, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a glimpse into the region's rich history. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape in nature.

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Coombe Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.863582/-0.32161544 or Grid Reference TQ1808. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tapsel gate and squeeze gate at Coombes Church, West Sussex

The entrance to Coombes Parish Church is marked by a Tapsel gate and a squeeze gate. The Tapsel gate is shown here in the closed position.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate in closed position at Coombes Parish Church, West Sussex

This photo shows the Tapsel gate and adjacent squeeze gate at Coombes Parish Church. The Tapsel gate is in a closed position. The photo was taken from inside the churchyard while looking in an east-southeast direction.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position, West Sussex

The photo shows the Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position. The adjacent squeeze gate, which prevents cattle or other large animals entering the churchyard, is in a permanently open position. The photo was taken from inside the churchyard and it looks in an east-southeast direction.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position, Sussex

This view was taken from the car park looking east-southeast and it shows the Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position. Next to the Tapsel gate, there is a squeeze gate which, because of its design, remains permanently open.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate at St Botolph's Church, West Sussex, in a closed position,

This photo shows the Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church in a closed position. The photo was taken looking north and it shows the Grade I listed church in the background. The Tapsel gate links the churchyard of St Botolph's with an adjacent council burial ground. The gate was installed in late 2003 and it was consecrated in 2004 by Bishop Lindsay Urwin, who was the Bishop of Horsham between 1993 and 2009.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate in an open position at St Botolph's Church, West Sussex

This photo shows the Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church as seen looking north from the churchyard. The arched frame of the five bar gate is reminiscent of the Tapsel gate design at St Mary the Virgin church at Friston in East Sussex.

Andrew Diack

Closed Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church seen looking south

The Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church in West Sussex is a modern one having been installed in 2003. This date is carved into the top of arched wooden frame. The gate was funded by the joint parish council of the area to enable the use of the church by visitors to the burial ground.

Andrew Diack

Open Tapsel gate at St Botolph's Church seen looking south

The Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church in West Sussex is a modern one having been installed in late 2003. Although this date is carved into the top of arched wooden frame, it is difficult to see, in this photo, without added magnification. At present, the central pivot is slightly more stiff to open than other Tapsel gates but an application of lubricant would remedy this.

Andrew Diack

St Botolph's Church viewed looking east, West Sussex

On the 15th March 1955, the Saxon Church of St Botolph's was listed as a Grade I building and by definition that means that the site was considered to be of exceptional, national importance. The building dates to about AD 950 and it is listed as one of the 500 holiest sites in Britain. Notable features of the church include three bells made, in 1536, by John Tonne which commemorate the old dedication to St Peter with the inscription “Sancte Petre ora pro nobis”; an oak, Jacobean pulpit dating from 1630; traces of wall murals which were recorded in 1897 and a square baptism font, supported by a brick plinth, which probably dates to the 18th century. Another interesting feature, of the church, are the slanted side windows which allowed lepers, from the leper colony in Bramber, to stand outside and see the service taking place without transmitting the disease to the congregation inside the church.

Andrew Diack

A283 Roadbridge

The A283 roadbridge at Bramber which forms part of the Steyning Bypass.

Bob Parkes

Field and drainage channel alongside the A283

Bob Parkes

Field drainage channels

Field drainage channels alongside A283

Bob Parkes

Annington Sewer

Looking towards the A283 by pass. Truleigh Hill is in the background.

Simon Carey

The Monarch's Way on Sopers Lane

Looking west along bridleway 2292 which is now a metaled road the route passes Maudlyn Parkway.

Peter Holmes

The Monarch's Way passes Maudlin Cottage

The route continues along footpath 2295 towards Bramber

Peter Holmes

Steyning By-Pass

Built in the 1980s to avoid the congested centres of Steyning, Bramber and Upper Beeding. A fair proportion runs along the old Shoreham-Horsham line closed in 1966 though not this section which crosses the flood plain before bridging the Adur itself.

Simon Carey

Annington Sewer

Drainage ditch on the Adur flood plain which rises near Annington Mere Farm suggesting a straightened course of a former tributary. Annington Hill provides the backdrop.

Simon Carey