Haslemere and Black Down

Richard Clayton

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This is a circular walk starting in Haslemere, easily accessible by train, across the county boundary into West Sussex and up to the summit and viewpoint on Black Down, the highest point in the South Downs National Park. It is one of three walks starting from Haslemere Station which I hope you will enjoy.

The outward leg climbs quite steeply at first, out of the town itself. It is waymarked as part of the Serpent Trail – see Additional Information. Once you join the Sussex Border Path, you walk more gradually up the ridge towards the summit. This stretch is quite a gentle climb and the walk through the bilberry – or 'hurt' – woods and the views, especially from the viewpoint looking south, are well worth it.

Most of the hill is owned by the National Trust, following a donation by W E Hunter in 1948 as a memorial to his wife. They are remembered by an inscribed stone seat at the so-called Temple of the Winds at the southern tip.

Like many areas of open common and woodland, Black Down has a profusion of paths and tracks. I would take the 1:25000 map and a compass. GPS will help some of you, of course!

England - South England - Surrey - Surrey Hills

Features

Birds, Cafe, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Museum, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland

4/21/2014 - Andrew Rubio

Even though it was rainy and misty, it was nevertheless a wonderful walk!

8/26/2013 - Mark Bailey

Good walk and even better as I could eat as many Blackberries and Bilberries as I wanted.... A little up and down which is good and one or two paths a little confusing but all good and at a steady pace completed in under three hours. Views from the High point nearly as good as Sutton bank. Haslemere a lovely twon