walking – Locs On South Downs

West Sussex’s county top, Blackdown, stands at 280m also making it the highest point within the South Downs National Park. It is located in the north of the park, close to Haslemere and the border with Surrey. This area of the park is within the Weald, geographically very different from the chalky South Downs Way, and the sandstone and acidic soils of the Greensand Ridge mean that plant life is restricted here. However, you will find a wonderful mixture of woodland and heathland, and views to inspire one of England’s greatest poets.

Route length	3.8km
Route time	45mins
Accessibility	Some paths are narrow and overgrown, especially in the wooded area close to the carpark where you might need to step over some tree roots, but most have excellent accessibility.
Challenge rating	1/5 – Easy challenge. No obvious inclines; family-friendly with plenty of benches around to catch your breath or just enjoy the view. There are many paths leading off the top of Blackdown if you want to increase the challenge!
Dogs?	Dog welcome but must be kept on leads at all times; grazing cattle in the area.

There are three car parks on Tennyson’s Lane (more about him later!) so although this a popular area that gets busy quickly there should be enough available parking. The initial bit of navigation from one of these carparks was a bit tricky, but there are a number of small paths running in the same direction, and it is very difficult to get lost. However, it does feel like a wild woodland here; ferns and fungi surround you and I can imagine this area could have the potential to be boggy in winter. Before long the path splits in two directions; open heathland or continuing into more woodland. We opted to go clockwise, heading into the woodland first.

The woods here felt very different; more open and less wild, but still had plenty of places to explore. Paths are broad and easy to follow, but covered in heavy leaf litter. There are plenty of opportunities for adventures in the trees, at your own risk, especially as this east side of the Down is incredibly steep off the sides. Be careful where you explore unless you want a decent climb back up again afterwards!

As this path comes to the south of the hill, tucked just out of the way you will be greeted by an inscribed stone bench overlooking an amazing view; beautifully named The Temple of the Winds.

You came, and looked and loved the view, long-known and loved by me,
Green Sussex fading into blue with one gray glimpse of sea

Alfred Tennyson

Poet Laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson tired of the admirers visiting his home on the Isle of Wight, and in 1869 he built a new family home on his estate on Blackdown. He enjoyed the relative privacy this area offered, and apparently walked to The Temple of the Winds daily to enjoy this view of the South Downs.

View of the South Downs from The Temple of the Winds

If you can tear yourself away from this view, following the path as it turns offers more glorious views from the top of Blackdown’s steep southern slopes. As the path heads north the trees part, leading into open heathland that covers the slightly less steep slopes of the west side of the Down. This was stunning in the summer, purple heathers and wildflowers everywhere. The glorious views continue, and you’ll find the trig point about halfway along this section, where the heathland meets the woods. There is also a view point here, and plenty of benches on the way to take it all in.

The path leaves the woods and enters the heath

Before the path re-enters the “wild woods” on the way back to the carpark, it winds past some ponds. The cattle seemed drawn here, but also seemed relaxed enough with people around.

Before long you will find yourself back at the car park; although I have suggested 45mins for this short walk it will easily take you double this time if you are investigating every little path, spying fungi and checking out all the possible views (not that I did this, of course). Full Strava map and link below for this relaxed route, and if you want more of a challenge check out the other options available from this location including the 65km Serpent Trail which starts nearby in Haslemere.

I had to open this blog with my favourite spot on the Downs, the mighty Chanctonbury Ring. This 242m high Marylin sits just outside of Washington, West Sussex, had significance for bronze age, iron age and early Roman peoples. The ring of beech trees, first planted in 1760, make this site clearly visible from its exposed ridge across this area of the Downs.

Route length	13.5km
Route time	3 hours
Accessibility	Some steps access and narrow paths on Cissbury Ring, but all paths leading to and up Chanctonbury Ring are clear and either gravel or tarmac. Exploring the very top of Chanctonbury Ring is off-path.
Challenge rating	2/5 – Mild challenge An initial short but steep walk up to Cissbury Ring, but otherwise gentle and family-friendly.
Dogs?	Dog-friendly route, but they must be kept on leads – especially on Cissbury Ring due to roaming horses and other livestock.

This 13.5km route starts at the larger historical site of Cissbury Ring, and takes a long, gentle walk up to the South Downs Way, taking in views of the south coast. Full map of the route below.

*Cissbury Ring trig pillar (TP2184) as seen from the outer pathway*.

The starting point is the car park on Long Meadow (BN14 0HU) near Findon. The path up the grassy hillside is steep but clearly visible, and leads into the edges of woodland. There are some rough steps and rocks as you pass under the trees; keep following the path up to reach the hill fort of Cissbury Ring. As the name suggests, this circular monument sits on the top of the hill. Take the anti-clockwise direction to find the trig point, cutting across the centre of the ring.

Head back to the rim of the ring, continuing anti-clockwise until you reach the path heading north down the side of the hill. Here, the path will meet a narrow road and small car park. Cross straight over and continue north up a wide and clear gravel path.

*The south coast is just visible in the distance, looking down towards Lancing.*

This path is a gentle incline, giving excellent views of the coast (Lancing and Shoreham, and Brighton on clear days), and following this for just over 3km will eventually intersect with the South Downs Way. The obvious ring of beech trees would have been visible from the walk up; go left on the South Downs Way for the last stretch up to the top of Chanctonbury Ring.

*The distinctive copse of beech tree*s at the very top of Chanctonbury Ring

The views from the top of Chanctonbury Ring are impressive from all sides, but the route I took followed the curve of its southern ridge around to the west. This is a perfect spot to see the impressive display of Red Kites gliding on the thermals.

Head north just before the path splits to find the second trig point of this walk, which is where I chose to head back towards the beech trees and explore the area to find the all important view for a brew.