Sussex

Stargazing circular walk at Black Down

Two people looking up at the starry sky next to a fiery beacon at Potters Hill, North Devon — Stargazers enjoying the night sky | © National Trust Images/Joshua Day

At the highest point in Surrey, away from the light pollution of nearby towns, Black Down is an ideal spot for stargazing. On a clear night, there are around 4,000 stars visible, including the Milky Way. This leisurely walk takes in some of the best viewpoints, as well as a chance to encounter nighttime wildlife.

Near to

Black Down

Start point

Tennyson's Lane car park, grid ref SU921308

Trail information

View route

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)

Duration 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*The main route is on fairly level footpaths. For further details, see Terrain section.
**Not suitable for wheelchairs. For futher details, see Access section.
***Keep dogs under close control. For further details, see Facilities section.

Stargazing tips

Stargazing is best done before the moon is full and on a clear night. Take binoculars for a closer look from the viewpoints and a torch for safety while you walk.

Address
Black Down National Trust, Tennyson's Lane, Haslemere, West Sussex, GU27 3AG
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Haslemere station, on the main line from London Waterloo to Portsmouth, is 2 miles away.
See live arrival/departure board
On foot
Black Down is on the Serpent Trail and Sussex Border long distance footpaths.
Cycling
Numerous bridleways cross the site, which is about a 30 minute cycle ride from Haslemere.
By road
From Haslemere, take the B2131. Turn right up Haste Hill, follow it onto Tennyson's Lane and head south-west until you reach the main National Trust car park.
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Tennyson's Lane car park, grid ref SU921308
Stage 1
From the car park on Tennyson's Lane, take the main stone-surfaced track out onto Black Down (there is a second car park further up this track). Go through the gate, passing a notice board. Head through a gully and past a bench. Continue along the main track, ignoring paths to your left and right. During the day, there are views from here over The Weald to the east.
Stage 2
Continue past some small ponds on your right. In daylight hours, there are extensive views to the north from here.
Stage 3
Carry on along the main path to a small grassy triangle with a birch tree. Turn left and follow the path here to a bench, which is an ideal spot for stargazing. Back on the main path, continue for a further 20m (65ft) or so before turning left. Continue along this track, ignoring the next left turn.
Stage 4
Turn right at a crossroads to the Beech Hanger Woodland. Take a sharp left onto the path back towards the car park.
Stage 5
Continue north along the main path back to your starting point at the car park.
End point
Tennyson's Lane car park, grid ref SU921308
Trail map
The stargazing walk at Black Down, Surrey | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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