Enjoy an autumn adventure in your beautiful South Downs National Park!
November 2, 2021
The weather may be turning colder and the days shorter, but that’s no reason not to get out and enjoy our glorious outdoors.
There’s something really special about a walk in the countryside in the autumn, with misty mornings, early crimson sunsets and the crunch of frosted fallen leaves under your feet.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite walks to enjoy this autumn.
West Walk, Forest of Bere
This is one of our new Miles Without Stiles routes and provides the perfect autumn stroll for any level of mobility. Throughout West Walk, small areas of 19th century oak remain from a time when oak trees were planted to supply the navy with timber for shipbuilding.
Today, these trees have rare lichens growing on them, and are home to bats and nesting woodland birds. The children’s woodland play area and den-building corners are not to be missed!
East Meon
The village of East Meon, once owned by the Bishops of Winchester, is nestled in stunning downland and is home to many beautiful historic buildings, including the Old Court House. This walk starts at the imposing Norman church of All Saints with its magnificent spire which was added in 1230.
Findon
Cissbury Ring is one of the jewels in the crown of the South Downs National Park. It’s the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years, while nearby Chanctonbury Ring is one of the most prominent landmarks along the South Downs Way. Both these special sites are known for their spectacular autumn and winter sunsets!
👉🏾 Findon walks
Stanmer
This historic 5,000-acre estate has been rejuvenated on a grand scale, thanks to £5.1m restoration project that has seen the walled garden transformed into an amazing horticultural space.
The estate includes a pretty village, manor house, farm, church and café and is well worth a trip this autumn. It is thought that the word Stanmer comes from the Anglo-Saxon words ‘stan’ and ‘mere’ which mean ‘stone’ and ‘pond’.
Hamsey
The picturesque villages of Cooksbridge, Offham and Hamsey sit within a serene mixed landscape of chalk downland, water meadows and the woodlands of the Low Weald. Be sure to take a good camera as there are great viewpoints from the top of Offham Chalk Pit!
👉🏾 Hamsey walks