Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk makes a circuit from the Washington SDW Trail Car Park. It climbs the South Downs Way east onto the ridge and past Chanctonbury Ring (242 m): a ring of beeches on an Iron Age fort, planted in 1760 and replanted after the 1987 storm. Two Roman temples stood inside it, and run seven times round it at midnight, the legend says, and the Devil offers you soup. Beyond the ring it drops down the scarp to the car park at the end of Chanctonbury Ring Road, then comes back west along the foot of the scarp and climbs to rejoin the South Downs Way just above Washington.
It is 6.2 km with 192 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: the paths are broad and clear, with a steady climb from Washington and a steep descent of the scarp beyond the ring.
The ridge is open to the wind. Expect gates and grazing stock on the downs, and keep dogs close near animals.
The Washington car park is free. West Worthing station is about 9 km away in a straight line. There are no mapped water sources on the route.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- A ring of beeches on an Iron Age fort, planted in 1760 and replanted after the 1987 storm
- Up the South Downs Way from Washington, back along the foot of the scarp
- Two Roman temples stood inside the ring
- Run seven times round it at midnight and the Devil offers you soup, the legend says
Summits on the way
- Chanctonbury Ring 242 m
Getting there
Start: Washington · Free parking. 50.89661, -0.40827
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around West Worthing: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
