Best South Downs Christmas walks with a view
December 5, 2024
There’s something so uplifting about walking in a big wide-open space with a stunning view – and what better time to enjoy it than Christmas?
The festive season is a wonderful time to recharge the batteries and enjoy some precious downtime with family and friends.
A wintry walk is also a great way to dust off those Christmas cobwebs, enjoy a blast of fresh air and get the creaking body moving after one too many mince pies and stuffing sandwiches!
With 3,600km (2,200 miles) of rights of way, the South Downs National Park is a walkers’ paradise – and if it’s scenic vistas you’re after, you’ve come to the right place.
Andy Gattiker, who leads access in the National Park, said: “With its misty mornings, amazing early sunsets, and frost-covered hills, the South Downs really does turn into a winter wonderland at this time of the year.
“We’ve hundreds of great walks for people to enjoy, whether you’re looking for a 30-minute stroll or an afternoon of rambling with the family, there’s something for everyone.
“As one of the UK’s great lowland landscapes, we’re one of the most accessible National Parks where you don’t need hiking boots and expensive equipment to enjoy an amazing view. Just make sure to wrap up warm at this time of the year as it can get jolly cold up on those hills!
“I hope people enjoy getting out and about in the National Park this festive season and do remember to ‘leave no trace’ and keep dogs on leads around livestock to help our farmers.”
Here are Andy’s six favourite festive walks with a view:
Butser Hill, near Petersfield, Hampshire
The highest point on the ancient South Downs chalk ridge, this hill is relatively small at 271m, but its views are certainly mighty. With sweeping views across the south coast and its very own “Grandfather’s Bottom”, the walk around the summit doesn’t need to be too taxing and is perfect after those Yuletide indulgences!
For those feeling more energetic, you’ll certainly be rewarded with a great picture opportunity if you ramble up from the visitor centre at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.
Butser is also a great place to not only look down and across, but up into the sky! As one of the National Park’s Dark Sky Discovery Sites, you might even see the Milky Way on a clear night.
For more information seewww.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/qecp
Old Winchester Hill, Hampshire
As the hedgerows sparkle with festive red berries, Old Winchester Hill is a stunning spot for a stroll over the holidays.
Splendid views across fields and out to The Solent make it a great spot to explore the ramparts of this Iron Age hillfort. A circular footpath explores Old Winchester Hill’s steep slopes and woodland, or the hill fort route will take you directly to the top of the hill.
Whatever route you take, it’s never too strenuous and you’ll be richly rewarded with the views.
Learn more about the hill: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/attraction/old-winchester-hill/
Cissbury Ring, near Worthing, West Sussex
One of the largest Hill Forts in Southern England, Cissbury Ring is undeniably one of the jewels in the crown of the South Downs National Park.
With awe-inspiring views in every direction and the feeling of being “on top of the world”, Cissbury Ring captures the essence of the South Downs.
With a history stretching back five millennia and wonderful views across to the Isle of Wight, there are fewer more scenic locations for a festive walk!
For more information see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cissbury-ring
Blackdown, near Fernhurst, West Sussex
A rugged landscape of pine trees and heathers, Blackdown gives walkers a true sense of “wild” and is the highest point in the National Park at 280m.
The views have inspired many and none so renowned as Tennyson himself: ‘You came and looked and loved the view, long known and loved by me, Green Sussex fading into blue with one grey glimpse of sea.’
As you amble down some of the ancient sunken lanes and drove ways, you can feel a sense of timelessness. Traders, shepherds and chert quarrymen have been using these tracks for thousands of years.
For the more adventurous why not walk some of the 64-mile long Serpent Trail taking in the rare lowland heath habitat?
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/black-down
Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex
The view of the Cuckmere Valley and the Seven Sisters is perhaps one of the most picturesque in the world.
The Sisters were created when ancient rivers cut valleys into the chalk, creating seven peaks. Haven Brow, the highest of them at 253 feet, stands majestically to the west of her other sisters who in order are called Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Point, Baily’s Brow and Went Hill Brow.
The Country Park boasts a range of walks, including a concrete path route down to the coast that is perfect for families with pushchairs and mobility scooters (which can be hired out of course!). The Bailey’s Hot Chocolate being served at the visitor centre makes the perfect warming accompaniment to any Christmas stroll.
For more information visit www.sevensisters.org.uk
Mount Caburn, near Lewes, East Sussex
Just a stone’s throw from the National Park’s biggest town is this 150-metre hill that offers magnificent views for miles around, including the pretty village of Glynde, the Ouse Valley and the sprawling Weald.
Once an Iron Age fort, there are well over 140 burial pits and it’s believed the Romans, Saxon and Normans all held this hill in high esteem, no doubt because it has such a commanding view.
Circling buzzards and hovering kestrels and the much rarer fast flight of the peregrine falcon can often be spotted on a winter walk over Caburn.
According to local folklore, a Giant by the name of Gil is said to have walked the slopes of Mount Caburn, hurling his hammer from the summit. These days the preference upon reaching the summit is to take a nice photograph of family and friends on their Christmas outing!
Find out more about Mount Caburn here.
For more festive walking ideas in the National Park, check out the walking hub at www.southdowns.gov.uk/get-active/south-downs-walks/