Skip to content
Wild garlic carpets the floor in the woodlands
Wild garlic carpets the floor and fills the air with a pungent scent | © National Trust Images/David Noton
Sussex

Wolstonbury Hill explore nature walk

This walk takes you through beech woodland at the base of the hill and across open grassland to the top of the hill. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the weald, the sea and the downs, including Newtimber Hill and Devil's Dyke. This walk is best in spring when bluebells and wild garlic can be found in the woodlands.

Total steps: 10

Total steps: 10

Start point

Jack & Jill Inn, Clayton, West Sussex, grid ref: TQ 29839 14240

Step 1

Begin at the Jack & Jill Inn. From the pub entrance turn right onto the main road (Brighton Road). Walk for approximately 20m and turn right onto New Way Lane and walk for 250m.

Step 2

Turn left onto the public bridleway which is surfaced for 350m but could be muddy thereafter. Walk straight on and continue up the slope. You'll pass the National Trust Wolstonbury Hill signpost on your right (in spring the banks either side of the signpost are covered in bluebells). Continue walking up the slope for 380m until you reach a gate on your right.

Step 3

Go through the gate on your right (look out for nesting buzzards) and follow the left, sunken track down the hill (if it's boggy, take the higher track and walk up the steps to your left to the gulley). After approx 20m, turn left off the sunken track up the slope and follow the informal path at the top of the bank. Walk past the steps and continue following this track through a small gulley in an open cleared area until you reach three wooden posts ahead of you. Bear left at these posts and turn right through a gate onto a public bridleway. Follow the bridleway and go through the gate ahead of you.

Step 4

Continue along the bridleway for 270m. Cross the stile on your left and walk straight ahead along the bottom of the chalk quarry and up the chalky path to the quarry edge. Bear slightly right towards the trees in front of you across the grass. As you get closer you'll see a gate at the left corner of the woodland.

Step 5

Go through the gate and take the path right of the large beech tree. Follow the path winding through the woods and continue walking down the slope. Walk between the large root plates of two fallen beech trees. Go down the steps; the path will bear left. At this corner is an example of box hedging planted as game cover over a century ago by the Danny Estate. In front of you on the right is a fallen yew growing into a hedge. Continue until you reach the bottom of the steep hill. At the bottom of the sloped path steps carry straight on until you reach a small half fence (to stop horses) and turn left onto the main bridleway.

Step 6

After a short distance take the right-hand path which crosses a stile and then follows the edge of the woodland. When you reach the open grassland, turn right, following the edge of the woodland. You will then reach a fork: go left uphill past a large sycamore tree. Continue walking uphill through the open woodland until you reach a stile.

Step 7

Cross the stile and follow the path. Continue to the yellow way-marker post and bear left. When you reach scrubby bushes turn left, heading towards the chalky mounds of the old Victorian chalk quarry, keeping them to your left. You'll then come to a ditch, keep on the left side of the fence and cross the ditch. Head uphill and bearing left. Walk up the chalky steps leading to a stile at the top of the hill.

Step 8

Cross the stile and walk straight uphill, keeping the chalk quarry to your left (from March listen out for skylarks). After a few minutes you'll enter the Bronze Age enclosure represented by a ditch and bank running around the top of the hill. Head towards the concrete trig point in the distance. When you reach the trig point, look ahead of you and you'll see the Jack and Jill windmills. Take in the 360 degrees panoramic view of the downs, the sea and weald. Head in the direction of the windmills, following the path downhill. Going downhill you should be able to see your trail route starting from the Jack and Jill pub in front of you.

Step 9

Cross over the stile that is left of the gate and walk for 4 170m and bear left, heading towards the woodland. Walk with the woodland on your left until you reach a stile on the left in the woods.

Step 10

Cross the stile and follow the path through the wood for 130 metres. Look out for wild garlic and bluebells in spring. At the fork turn right (look out for the large beech tree on your right) and walk down the steps across the bridleway straight on the path until you reach a National Trust Wolstonbury Hill signpost on your right. Turn left at the signpost walking downhill and go through the gate following the gravel road. At the bottom of the road turn right onto New Way Lane and continue walking for 10 minutes (780 metres). At the bottom of the lane is your starting position at the Jack and Jill pub.

End point

Jack and Jill pub, Clayton, West Sussex, grid ref: TQ 29839 14240

Trail map

Map showing route and steps of Wolstonbury Hill explore nature walk
Wolstonbury Hill explore nature walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

View of Devil's Dyke from Saddlescombe Farm with sun breaking through clouds, West Sussex
Trail
Trail

Devil's Dyke histories and mysteries walk 

A good three mile walk which takes you to the alleged burial site of the Devil and beyond to Saddlescombe Farm and the donkey wheel.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
A view the footpath at Ditchling Beacon with visitors walking in the distance and sunlight hitting the grass and trees.
Trail
Trail

Ditchling Beacon to Devil's Dyke, South Downs walk 

This route will take you through some of the most stunning parts of the South Downs Way, where you will find wildlife aplenty and see extensive views from the Ditchling Beacon.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7 (km: 11.2)
Fulking escarpment and the village of Fulking below, Devils Dyke, Sussex.
Trail
Trail

Fulking pub walk 

A moderate circular walk, starting and finishing at the Shepherd and Dog pub, comprising ancient landscapes and breathtaking views.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2) to miles: 0 (km: 0)

Get in touch

Devil's Dyke, Nr Brighton, West Sussex

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

September at Devil's Dyke, South Downs, West Sussex
Article
Article

Things to see and do at Devil's Dyke 

With its panoramic landscape, Devil's Dyke is one of the most stunning places to pass the time. Whether walking, cycling or taking in the scenery, there’s something for all.

A walker walks along a path by the side of a river, away from the camera
Article
Article

Walks inspired by myths and legends 

Uncover tales of treasure guarded by dragons and mischievous imps that lead travellers astray at these places. You can go for a walk chosen for their links to local myths and legends.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

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.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

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.

Winter sun in the woods at Petworth House and Park, West Sussex

Walking in Sussex 

Explore coastal paths, open parkland and countryside teeming with wildlife on these top walks in Sussex.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

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.