East Lavant - The Trundle - Haye's Down

Sylvia Saunders

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This is a stunning, circular walk requiring little direction, giving you plenty of time to appreciate the breathtaking views of the South Downs and the coastal plains for many miles around. The route starts from the pretty West Sussex village of East Lavant where you will find the Royal Oak for refreshments. Starting with a steady climb, there is a small deviation from the circular route to The Trundle - the Iron-Age hill fort on top of St Roche's Hill. Here you will walk along the Iron-Age ramparts with fantastic, far reaching views! Walking the crest of Haye's Down the route then drops down to the River Lavant, with a gentle amble back to East Lavant. Those with dogs may find it useful to know that there are no stiles on this walk, just kissing gates, which my Labrador managed with ease.

England - South England - West Sussex - South Downs

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, River, Wildlife, Woodland

6/9/2022 - Keith Smith

We did this walk on 6th June 22 . It was beautiful. Amazing views and great directions. Will definitely do it again

3/17/2022 - James Brinkworth

What a lovely walk on a beautiful early spring day. We called in to The Royal Oak for a refreshing pint too! Thanks once again, Sylvia, for another great walk.

5/21/2018 - Andy McTaggart

This is an absolutely superb walk and a perfect introduction to visiting family members, guests etc who have not experienced the magnificent views from atop of the South Downs. The views are beyond stunning and we enjoyed a birthday celebration picnic perched on top of the rim of The Trundle looking down across Goodwood Race course, Singleton and Charlton. To the South we enjoyed spectacular views of the sea, coast, Isle of Wight and Bognor. Our party of four collectively agreed that this walk was as good as it gets. 10/10 with a huge thank you to Sylvia for putting this wonderful walk together. STUNNING! Thanks, Best, Andy

9/25/2017 - Helen Krarup

Very beautiful views along the beginning of this walk and round the Trundle. Be aware though that the chalk can be quite slippy in places - use your walking pole if you have one. The stretch along the bottom of the valley can get a bit muddy but is an easy end to the walk. We made it 5.5 miles.

5/19/2015 - Christopher Day

Would like to thank Sylvia for this walk. Fantastic views, of course, but also interesting variety. It is a very dog-friendly walk - our two were off the lead for most of the walk. In response to Addie Bambridge's comment about the missing West Dean bridleway sign: it is back in place. Finally, a bit of good news: the Royal Oak now does light lunches and sandwiches. Very good they are, too!

4/6/2013 - Anne England

A beautiful spring day made this walk special, after our long cold winter! It was bone dry underfoot until the last leg back into Lavant, which was partly under water! We took a small diversion at way point 7, but this was no more than half a mile - and yet our smartphone GPS told us it was 6 miles, not 5! If I could upload a photo I'd show you the one where my son posed as Sylvia's labrador at the start of the walk!

10/29/2008 - Martyn Hickman

What great views, directions spot on. Shame the Lavant wasnt flowing today. Would love to do it again maybe reversed.

10/13/2008 - Addie Bambridge

12/10/08 - We had a gorgeous day for this wonderful walk. Directions perfect; note that at step 5 there's no West Dean bridleway sign, but the 'no vehicles' sign is on the fence. We didn't know what a 'trig point' is, but assumed it's the highest point on the trundle, hence the wrap-around view. No River Lavant to speak of, but we loved this walk and will do it again.

1/24/2008 - Ian and Sarah Jane Lloyd

We enjoyed this walk last Sunday morning. After a week of rain and miserable weather the conditions were good underfoot with just a small amount of easily negotiated mud along the bottom of the Downs. The views are as breathtaking as Sylvia suggests and the River Lavant was flowing.

12/5/2004 - Sylvia Saunders

Walked 1st Dec 2004. All instructions up to date. Sylvia Saunders