Keeping the Wheels Turning

Join us for a 2-mile heritage walk to visit a traditional wheelwright and discover one of the countryside’s most important but now rare crafts.

For centuries wheelwrights kept Britain moving. From farm carts and wagons to carriages and early vehicles, the wooden wheel was at the heart of everyday life. Yet the skills needed to shape timber, bend felloes, fit spokes and assemble a strong working wheel are now practised by only a handful of craftspeople.

Our walk will lead us through the local landscape before arriving at Ben Headon's workshop, where we will spend time chatting with him & watching a demonstration of this remarkable craft. You’ll see how simple tools, seasoned timber and generations of knowledge come together to create a wheel built for strength, balance and durability.

Along the way we’ll learn about the history of wheel-making, the different parts of a traditional wooden wheel, and the challenges faced by those working to keep these historic skills alive today.

A gentle and enjoyable walk, offering the chance to step inside a working craft tradition and see how heritage skills continue to turn in the modern world.

Timings

Wednesday 16 September:

1000

Location & directions

Linch Road, Redford, West Sussex, GU29

Directions:

The meeting place for this walk is remote and a postcode should not be used for navigation. Registered walkers will be emailed exact details nearer the event.

Contact on day:

Malinka van der Gaauw

Telephone number:

+447903991761

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Must book through the website, be able to walk at least 2 miles and stand for at least an hour.

Booking contact name:

Rural Strides

Booking telephone number:

+447903991761

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://ruralstrides.co.uk/Keeping-The-Wheels-Turning/

Booking opens:

13 Aug 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

13 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

This walk is not suitable to people with specific needs.

Additional information

This is not a hands on experience. There will be no use of tools. Walkers should bring a packed lunch.

Max number of people:

15

Estimated duration:

3 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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