Discover National Parks Fortnight – Allison’s top six most accessible spots in the South Downs
April 3, 2022
Did you know our ambition is to make the South Downs the UK’s most accessible National Park?
We’ve been working extremely hard over the past few years to create new routes across this stunning landscape that offer easy access for people with limited mobility – and we’re planning many more in the future!
So, as we celebrate Discover National Parks Fortnight, I wanted to recommend six places in the National Park that are really accessible – and the views aren’t bad either!
All of these trails and destinations are suitable for people with restricted mobility, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and pushchairs. Much of this work has been made possible by Gatwick Airport who are sponsoring our Miles Without Stiles initiative.
Here are my top tips for a great morning or afternoon out in your National Park. All have downloadable guides with maps, making it easy to plan your journey and think about interesting things you’d like to do or see 🙂
Seaford Head, East Sussex
If you like a breathtaking vista, this will not disappoint! Offering spectacular views over Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters, we have two routes with hardstanding surfaced paths that are wide enough for two mobility vehicles to pass. There are also several benches at key viewpoints – the perfect spot for an Instagram shot or a flask of tea while you soak up those views. Learn more
Alice Holt Forest, Hampshire
Forming the most northerly gateway to the National Park, this former Royal forest is steeped in history as its famous oak trees were used to build Royal Navy warships in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. Today it is a beautiful example of English woodland, with a wonderful Easy Access Trail. The trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs and has an optional shortcut. Look out for the majestic Scots Pine! Learn more
Bramber, West Sussex
One for the history lovers! The historic village of Bramber with its charming medieval castle is the starting point for this riverside route. Running alongside the River Adur this route is set against the backdrop of the South Downs and offers some picture-perfect views. Learn more
Mill Hill Access Trail, West Sussex
One for the nature lovers! Mill Hill is a 28-acre chalk grassland with an abundance of rare species, including Adonis blue and chalkhill blue butterflies, the yellow herb horseshoe vetch and the distinctive whitethroat. Mill Hill Access Trail is a 0.3 miles (0.5km) wheelchair friendly circular route with passing and resting places, including a wheel-chair friendly picnic table at the start of the trail. Don’t forget to capture that picture of the River Adur and English Channel as you pass through! Learn more
Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex
The backdrop for numerous Hollywood movies, including Harry Potter and most recently Summerland starring Gemma Arterton, there are few places as magical on the south coast as the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs.
You can discover wild flowers, brimstone butterflies, a shingle beach, a WWII pill box and spectacular views of the commanding cliffs, River Cuckmere and Seaford Head.
The route to the beach and back is just over 1.3 miles (2km) while the branch into Foxhole will add an extra 0.5 miles (0.8km). To get on to the top of the shingle beach there is a short incline of more than 1:8 at the end of both forks of the route. The eastern fork to the beach is over undulating grass.
To avoid crossing the busy A259 at the start of this route, please park near the Canoe Club and use the pavement to join the trail. Remember to keep a safe distance from the cliff edge as chalk is crumbly and cliff falls can happen at any time! Learn more.
West Walk, Hampshire
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the hideaway serenity of woodland, this is the walk for you. Within easy reach of the charming town of Wickham, West Walk is the largest remaining fragment of the former medieval hunting ground, the Forest of Bere.
Throughout West Walk, small areas of nineteenth century oak remain from a time when oak trees were planted to supply the navy with timber for ship building at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Today, these trees have rare lichens growing on them, and are home to bats and nesting woodland birds.
Roe and muntjac deer, foxes, rabbits and many species of bird, including tawny owls, buzzards and kestrels all live here. Learn more.
I hope everyone takes advantage of getting out and enjoying their National Park – not just for Discover National Parks Fortnight, but every month of the year (come rain or shine!) You’ll be amazed how much the landscape can change between the seasons. Enjoy!
Allison Thorpe, Access and Recreation Lead for the South Downs National Park Authority
