Barcombe and the Ouse

The stiles

About 18 by our count of the directions: one stands redundant by an open gate, one has a gate beside it, and one V-stile had collapsed in August 2023. 'Most stiles have a dog gate or a wide gap, but a couple of them do not, so a large dog may have to be quite athletic and fearless.'

Livestock

Sheep fields near Knowlands and Scobell's Farms, Shetland ponies in a paddock at Knowlands Farm, and an apple orchard 'shared by sheep' on the way back.

The ground

Flat, 'easy walking' on grassy or gravelly paths, with a quiet 1 km lane to the Anchor. The river path 'gets quite congested' with growth in summer, so cover your legs; muddier in winter round the locks and weirs. One field path near the end is narrow and may be overgrown.

For dogs

The guide says the Royal Oak's 'friendly staff' welcome dogs, and the Anchor has a big garden on the river. Leads in the sheep fields and the orchard. The wide stretch of bank below the Anchor is 'a popular place for families and paddleboarders'.

Pubs and cafés on the way

• The Royal Oak, BarcombeBarcombe Cross · at the startChecked
• The Anchor Inn & BoatingBarcombe · on the wayChecked

Named by the route's publisher. The ones on our list link to their page, with what we know about dogs there.