Stoughton

Sylvia Saunders

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When most people arrive at the quiet village of Stoughton they cannot resist walking in the outstandingly beautiful Kingley Vale Nature Reserve. However, this walk takes you up and over the hill on the opposite side of the road where the views and the woodland are just as spectacular, but much quieter and you will, hopefully, be able to enjoy the abundant wildlife. You will be unlucky if you don't spot some deer on this walk and if you do, look carefully at the herd and see if you can see our local celebrity, a completely white albino!

The first half of the route is a bit hilly but you are rewarded with fine views of the South Downs and across the Solent to the Isle of Wight - weather permitting! The walk takes you along tracks and field-paths with outstanding views as you emerge from the woodland onto the open down. There is just a short stretch along a quiet lane at the end, taking you past The Hare and Hounds, a superb county pub where all will find a good welcome for all of the family, including kids and dogs. See /www.hareandhoundspub.co.uk/ for up to date information.

This walk is a great favourite of mine and one which I find pretty reliable underfoot, even in the really muddy times of the year. However, all of the countryside has its muddy spots so please make sure that you wear appropriate footwear. This is also a great dog walk with just two easy stiles to negotiate.

England - South England - West Sussex - South Downs

Features

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

2/25/2018 - Anne England

I'm not surprised this is one of Sylvia's favourites; it's beautiful. On February 24, when we did it (or most of it!) it was pretty good underfoot as she remarks. However, as we like to have longer walks these days, we added an extension which takes in part of Walk 2407 and bumps up the distance to around 6.5 miles. At Waypoint 16, instead of turning right, continue straight. The path descends until you reach a collection of buildings, Wildham Farm, on your right. Bear left here, and walk down the track to a lane. Turn right along the lane. After a short distance, the lane turns sharp right. On your left is a car park and a sign for Stoughton Down. Turn left here and walk through the car park towards a barrier on the left. Pass by the barrier and walk up a forest track. Stay on this track, ignoring all forks, as it swings in a wide arc to the right, ascending gently. At the top of the hill you'll reach a clearing with several routes going off. Take the bridleway on the right, which is also the Monarch's Way. The views are spectacular here. The path descends between fences, passing by a cattle farm at the bottom of the hill. When you reach the road, turn left, passing the Hare and Hounds pub on your right, until you reach the start point.

10/8/2017 - Maria Louise Houghton

We did this walk today, very well sign posted. We did not see the bench at point 15 as mentioned, also the post mentioned at point 16 is now a finger post clearly visible on the left.

4/26/2017 - Robert Comlay

This really is a delightful walk and I'm pleased to be able to say that in 2017, the instructions are still as clear as ever. The paths are well maintained, the fingerposts have all been freshly replaced over the past few years and - best of all - there's little evidence that the mountain biking fraternity have discovered it - unlike the other side of the valley where much havoc has been wrought. Glorious walk, just a couple of hours at an easy pace, but such lovely scenery. Thanks again Sylvia! https://www.flickr.com/photos/bokononist/albums/72157681241070530

11/30/2007 - Ian and Sarah Jane Lloyd

We enjoyed this lovely short walk through patches of woodland and along field edges earlier this week. As Sylvia suggests, we were lucky enough to see some Fallow Deer during this walk and we also saw lots of birds. Good instructions and no unavoidable mud.

2/28/2006 - Walkingworld Administrator

This walk was updated February 2006.

12/17/2005 - Sylvia Saunders

Walked Dec 2005 -very good going under foot for this wet time of the year. One small part of the walk now updated.

12/9/2004 - Sylvia Saunders

Walked 9th Dec 2004. All paths well defined and instructions up to date. Sylvia Saunders