Harting Down wildlife walk
This moderate walking trail takes you around Harting Down, one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland in our care and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You'll enjoy panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs, before descending into secluded valleys of natural and historic interest. Look out for rare wildlife and grazing sheep.
Near to
Harting DownStart point
Harting Down car park, grid ref: SU791180Trail information
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Harting Down car park, grid ref: SU791180
Stage 1
Start in Harting Down National Trust car park. Walk through a gate and cross Harting Hill following the South Downs Way.
Stage 2
Go over the undulating cross ridge dykes. These parallel mounds date back to the Iron Age, and may have been boundary markers or a checkpoint across the ridgeway.
Stage 3
Follow the right-hand track up Round Down hill, keeping a hedge on your left. Just over the top of the hill, turn left and go through a gate, before walking down into the next valley. After another gate at the bottom, walk across to the base of Beacon Hill.
Stage 4
Here is the ridge of an Iron Age hillfort, probably created as an animal enclosure and symbol of status, rather than a defensive stronghold. Either climb up to the summit of Beacon Hill or turn right and skirt across its lower slopes.
Stage 5
If you do walk over the top, turn right at a cross-roads of paths on the other side and skirt back round the lower slopes of Beacon Hill until you meet the short cut route again.
Stage 6
At a signpost turn away from Beacon Hill on a path down to a dew pond and a little hill, 'Granny's Bottom', on your right.
Stage 7
Pass the pond and cross into a yew wood, known as the darkest place on the downs. Its cold in here, even on a hot day. Yew trees are home to birds like wren, thrush and finch.
Stage 8
Climb up through the shade back onto Harting Hill. Follow the path until you emerge through an opening (not gate) on the right. Stay on a grassy path back to the car park.
End point
Harting Down car park, grid ref: SU791180
Trail map
Harting Down wildlife walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
Get in touch
Harting Down (off B2141), South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5PW
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