Fernhurst - Black Down - Fernhurst

Richard Clayton

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This is an easy-to-moderate (see below) circular walk starting in the attractive village of Fernhurst, close to the Surrey - West Sussex boundary and climbing up to the viewpoint on Black Down, the highest point in the South Downs National Park.

The walk is best described in terms of ascent and descent. The initial climb up through Reeth Wood is very attractive but is likely to be muddy and moderately hard going in autumn and winter. The second climb on to Black Down itself is easier and offers lovely views.

Blackdown itself, described as a high sandstone promontory overlooking the Rother Valley, was the property of various landowners until W. E. Hunter donated it to the National Trust in 1944, as a memorial to his wife. The Hunters are remembered by an inscribed stone seat at the viewpoint, known as the Temple of the Winds, named after a Bronze Age circular bank.

The descent takes you down the gentle slopes of the Sussex Weald, past the historic Blackdown Park and the much more recent Blackdown Ridge Vineyard - see Additional Info'.

England - South England - West Sussex - Countryside

Features

Birds, Church, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland

7/11/2021 - Stephen Harris

Walked 11.07.2021. This is a nice walk with a stunning view when you reach the viewpoint. It is hard going from the start, the paths are sunken in places and even in July, the main path up had a stream running through it. Boots and long trousers advised. That said, it was great fun to trudge up to the hill. Most of this walk is however very muddy so I would not say this is ideal for kids. Great views, directions pretty good (some updates sent in) and a nice afternoon walk for a summers day if you don't mind the mud!. This is most definitely a moderate walk! 9/10.

10/18/2020 - nicola hajduk

Really beautiful walk. Coming towards the end of the walk you turn right into a lane. The walk continues about 15 mins walking time by turning right. The sign is concealed by trees. Pass a row of cottages on right and immediately on right is a large grassed area. turn right immediately. Lane is quite busy with cars. We are going to see if we can find an alternative the lane.