Explore a South Downs winter wonderland as new walking route launched

Explore a South Downs winter wonderland as new walking route launched

December 6, 2022

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – a season to cherish your loved ones and enjoy laughter-filled family walks after one too many mince pies.

With frosty peaks, magical winter woods, and dramatic views to warm the cockles of your heart, the South Downs National Park is the perfect place for an invigorating Christmas stroll.

To mark the launch of the winter walking season, the National Park is launching a brand-new Miles Without Stiles route that is ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels.

The route, which now includes a new pedestrian bridge over a potentially boggy stretch, allows walkers to explore the stunning winter wonderland of Iping and Stedham Common with its mists, frost-covered heaths and, if you’re lucky, the scratchy call of a Dartford warbler. A beautiful video has been produced to celebrate the launch.

Miles Without Stiles routes have been specially created as gentle journeys that are suitable for people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with push chairs, dog walkers and less agile walkers. Supported by funding from Gatwick Airport, Iping and Stedham is the seventh route to be added in the National Park, with others exploring forests, downland and coast.

If you’re up for a more vigorous walk, the National Park is blessed with more than 3,300km of rights of way (over twice the length of Britain if you were walk the island from north to south!) that offer awe-inspiring vistas and often lead to a cosy pub.

Allison Thorpe, who leads access and recreation for the National Park, said: “Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll with the children and grandparents, a high-octane hike, or a romantic ramble, there’s something for everyone in the South Downs National Park this festive season.

“One of our big focuses is increasing accessibility, including for people with disabilities and families who may not want to negotiate stiles, so we’re really excited to launch this new route at Iping and Stedham.

“Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be quite hectic. Just taking a couple of hours to escape and connect with nature in the South Downs can do wonders for your wellbeing!

“If it’s a clear evening, you could always try a moonlit stroll at one of our 10 Dark Sky Discovery sites and take some images for our astrophotography competition which has a top prize of £100 this year!

“As always, leave no trace and do keep dogs on leads around livestock.”

Here are some of Allison’s recommendations for Christmas walks:

Iping and Stedham Miles Without Stiles, West Sussex

Scenic views abound! The route starts in the car park of Iping and Stedham Common, a nature reserve managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust and one of the best examples of lowland heath in the National Park.

The 1.25 mile/ 2km circuit is suitable for people with restricted mobility, including all-terrain mobility scooters and families with pushchairs. Typically takes 30 mins to complete. Why not visit the historic market town of Midhurst after for some well-deserved refreshment. Autumn and winter bring shorter days for exploring the South Downs, but the night-time offers its own dazzling display of the natural world.

Charleston, Ditchling and Monk’s House, East Sussex

Writers, artists, poets and musicians have long drawn inspiration from the landscapes of the South Downs.

Earlier this year, the South Downs National Park Authority teamed up with three heritage venues in East Sussex – Charleston Farmhouse, Monk’s House and Ditchling Museum of Art+Craft – to launch a new immersive walking experience telling the unique story of each.

The ‘In Their Footsteps’ app is a self-guided audio tour through the East Sussex countryside..

You can download the App from your phone’s app store:

• Google Play store: http://bit.ly/InTheirFootstepsGoogle
• Apple store: http://bit.ly/InTheirFootstepsApp

East Meon, Hampshire

The picturesque village of East Meon, once owned by the Bishops of Winchester, is home to many historic buildings including the Old Court House.

The Ye Olde George Inn and the Izaak Walton Public House offer delicious local food and real ales, along with a roaring fire to warm you up after a lovely stroll.

Our walking guide suggests two circular walks, both starting at the imposing Norman church of All Saints with its magnificent spire.

One walk of four miles should take approximately two hours and the second, a longer walk of eight miles can be completed in around four hours.

Download the East Meon walking leaflet.

Check out these pages for more walks in Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.

For more walking trails and Mikes Without Stiles routes  visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/get-active