Iping and Stedham Commons easy walk

Explore one of the best examples of lowland heath in the South Downs

This route gives the opportunity to explore one of the best examples of lowland heath in the South Downs National Park.
Trail suitable for people with impaired mobility, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and push chairs
Sandy surface, uneven in parts but for the most part fairly level, some slight gradients.

Getting here

Public Transport: Stagecoach Route 91, 92 nearest bus stops opposite Iping Lane
Parking: Car park at Iping Common, West Sussex GU29 0PB grid ref SU852219. What3Words: drizzly.word.volcano

The route starts in the car park of Iping and Stedham Commons, a nature reserve managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust. The Commons are a great place to watch wildlife at any time of year, but particularly during the spring and summer months.

Facilities

The closest public toilets are in the nearby historic town of Midhurst, where there are also a number of options for refreshments. The garden centre at Trotton also has a tea room.

The Serpent Trail

The Serpent Trail is a 65 mile/106km walking route that winds between Haslemere and Petersfield showcasing the outstanding landscape, wildlife and history of the greensand hills and heathland.

Directions

1. Head west through a bridle gate from the car park, taking the left fork continuing downhill and crossing a wooden bridge (turn right here for a short cut to the main path).
2. After the bridge, and immediately after passing a large conifer, take the next right fork up hill.
3. At the T junction turn right and join the Serpent Trail. Take time to enjoy the open heathland here and the far-reaching views of the Downs, also noting the two Bronze Age burial mounds (tumuli) covered in heather, just to the right of the path. The route continues past a bench before a crossroads.
4. Turn right here and head east along the Serpent Trail back towards the car park.

ADD-ON

5. To explore further, carefully cross the road from the car park into Stedham Common. Follow the Serpent Trail east to see ‘Dragonflies Rest’ one of seven sculptures that are part of the Heathland Sculpture Trail. Stedham and Iping commons are home to all five of the heathland dragonfly species found in the south of the UK.
6. Turn here and follow the same path back to the car park.