Black Down Temple of the Winds trail
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 on a circular 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.
Total steps: 12
Total steps: 12
Start point
Tennyson's Lane main National Trust car park, grid ref: SU9179231186
Step 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 well-worn track uphill and after 170m you will reach a noticeboard. In autumn, the steep banks on either side of the track are strewn with bilberries and blackberries.
Step 2
Pass the noticeboard and continue to head uphill along a sunken track. There is a viewpoint shortly after (140m) and a seat facing east on the left-hand side as you head up the track.
Step 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.
Step 4
At the next major junction called ‘five ways’, take the left-hand major track heading south and continue to follow the path out onto the heath.
Step 5
After 300m the path arrives at a fine westerly viewpoint. Continue heading south from the viewpoint following the main path.
Step 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 viewpoint 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.
Step 7
After 240m take the left-hand path at the crossroads. Head uphill past a bench on the left and continue towards the woodland ridge.
Step 8
As you enter the woods head straight on over the crossroads following the sign for the Temple of the Winds. Follow the path that opens up and heads down the slope – take care on the uneven path and tree roots – to Black Down's most loved view. Sit in contemplation in the curved stone seat while pondering Tennyson’s verse.
Step 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.
Step 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, take the right fork and continue on the main track.
Step 11
This heads north through the beech hangar, one of Black Down's most seasonally photographed areas. Follow this path for 560m, winding your way through the woods enjoying the birdsong. After 450m pass a small pool on your left and continue to follow the path for a further 100m.
Step 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 point
Tennyson's Lane main National Trust car park, OS grid ref: SU9179231186
Trail map
More near here
Headley Heath circuit
SurreyEnjoy stunning views on this moderate walk over some uneven terrain of open heathland, woodland and chalk downland.
Octavia Hill walk around Hydon's Ball and Heath
SurreyA short exhilarating circular walk from Hydon’s Ball and Heath, a National Trust site in the Surrey Hills AONB.
Box Hill Stepping Stones walk
SurreyTake in some impressive views and enjoy one of Surrey's most iconic landmarks on the Box Hill Stepping Stones walk.
The long walk at Hatchlands Park
SurreyThis circular walk follows the edge of the park through woodland and open parkland with distant views of the house and the wider Surrey countryside.
Get in touch
South Downs West Estate Yard, Linch Road, Woolbeding, West Sussex, GU29 0QB
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Things to see and do at Black Down
With plenty to see and do on a visit, Black Down, the highest point in the South Downs National Park, is a great place to walk, run, cycle and celebrate the great outdoors.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Walking in Surrey
From hilltop hikes with some of the finest views of the Surrey Hills to gentle wanders through ancient woodlands, these are some of the best walks in Surrey.