Black Down

West Sussex

A peaceful short walk across the east side of Black Down near Haslemere passing the Temple of the Winds viewing point. You return along the west side following the serpent trail path.

Summary

Distance/Elevation
5.2km (142m)
Difficulty
Easy (1hr 40mins)
Average time
1hr 40mins
Parking
Moderate & Free
Route Advice

  • Dog friendly
  • Parking
  • Forest/woodland
  • Hilly
  • Potential livestock
  • Mud likely when wet
  • Bird spotting
  • National Trust
  • Good phone signal
  • Wildflowers/gardens
  • Great for running
 
Tennyson Quote Sculpture detail
Tennyson Quote Sculpture detail
  • Starting AddressBlack Down, Tennyson's Lane, Haslemere, UK

Did you know

Black Down is the highest hill in Sussex, at 919 feet, and is second only to Leith Hill (965 feet) in south-east of England

Black Down is best known as the location of the poet Lord Tennyson's summer residence "Aldworth". It stands on a ridge overlooking the Weald, with magnificent views similar to those seen from the "Temple of the Winds" viewing point.

Lord Tennyson poem extract describing the beautiful view:

"You came, and looked and loved the view
Long-known and loved by me,
Green Sussex fading into blue
With one gray glimpse of sea."

Trig point on Black Down
Trig point on Black Down
Small pond on Blackdown
Small pond on Blackdown
Aberdeen Angus cattle grazing
Aberdeen Angus cattle grazing
Paths on the return
Paths on the return

Related Links

Aberdeen Angus cattle grazing
Aberdeen Angus cattle grazing

Route Score

9

Spectacular views both from the East (Temple of the Winds) and the West side of Black Down

8

Incredibly peaceful and usually quiet

8

mostly well maintained footpaths

7

The Template of the Winds viewing point

Viewing point looking west
Viewing point looking west
Blackdown path
Blackdown path
Serpent Trail Sign
Serpent Trail Sign
Temple of the Winds
Temple of the Winds
Trig point on Black Down
Trig point on Black Down

Fueling Options

Rambala