Black Down 'Temple of the Winds' walk
Alfred Lord Tennyson fell in love with the Black Down Hills and would stride out through the heather, wrapped in his cloak. Follow in his footsteps and walk through Black Down's beautiful woodland and heathland. The walk goes to the Temple of the Winds, named after a Bronze Age circular bank. Here you can find one of the best views of the South Downs National Park. This little-known spot has a secret feel and a charming curved stone seat to rest on.
Map
Start:
Tennyson's Lane main National Trust car park, OS grid ref: SU9179231186
1
Follow the track up from the car park on Tennyson’s lane and make your way through the gate onto Black Down. Following the track uphill along a well-worn track after 170m you will reach our notice board. In autumn, the steep banks on either side of the track are strewn with bilberries and blackberries.
2
Pass the notice board and continue to head uphill along a sunken track. There is a view point shortly after (140m) and a seat facing east on the left hand side as you head up the track.
Beautiful bog ponds
Our many bog ponds are a haven for dragonflies and damselflies, including the rare black darter dragonfly. As the ground on either side of the track opens up you will see fauna characteristic of heathland such as gorse, heather and silver birch.
3
Shortly after you will reach a fork in the track, take the right. Continue straight past some bog ponds on your right hand side. The path then continues between two banks and heads into a small area of trees.
Beautiful bog ponds
Our many bog ponds are a haven for dragonflies and damselflies, including the rare black darter dragonfly. As the ground on either side of the track opens up you will see fauna characteristic of heathland such as gorse, heather and silver birch.
4
At the next major junction called ‘5 ways’ take the left hand major track heading south and continue to follow the path out onto the heath.
5
After 300m the path arrives at a fine westerly view point. Continue heading south from the view point following the main path.
6
Do not be tempted to take the next fork to the right but continue to wind your way across the heath. After 120m there is a view point under some Pine trees on your right looking south west towards the South Downs over Cotchet valley. Continue to follow the main path heading south along the top of the slope.
7
After 240m take the left hand path at the cross roads. Head uphill past a bench on the left and continue towards the woodland ridge.
8
As you enter the woods head straight on over the cross roads following the sign for the temple of the winds. Follow the path which opens up and down slope – caution uneven path and tree roots – to Black Downs most loved view to sit in contemplation in the curved stone seat while pondering Tennyson’s verse.
The Temple of the Winds
Although common land, Black Down was the property of various landowners until WE Hunter donated it to us in 1948, as a memorial to his wife. The Hunters are remembered by an inscribed stone seat at the Temple of the Winds, the most impressive viewpoint on Black Down.
9
After admiring the view across the west Weald retrace your steps back up the slope and at the fork take the right hand path heading north and into the woods.
10
After 200m you will come to a junction next to a pond, but continue to follow the current path heading north. In 240m a path joins from the right, in 100m ignore all paths to the left and take right fork and continue on the main track.
11
This heads north through the beech hangar, one of Black Downs most seasonally photographed area. Follow this path for 560m winding your way through the woods enjoying the bird song. After 450m pass a small pool on your left and continue to follow the path for a further 100m.
Beech hangars
You will know you are in the beech hanger, not just by the beech trees with their marvellously winding roots that sit on the earth like writhing dragons' tails, but by the dramatic slope as it falls away to your right.
12
A path joins from the left at this point but continue to follow the path heading north. At the next junction take the right hand path at the fork and return down the sunken track back towards the car park.
End:
Tennyson's Lane main National Trust car park, OS grid ref: SU9179231186