Walk 3 Highdown

Highdown Hill is a small hill. 226 feet (81 metres) high located to the north of Ferring. When the weather is good it has uninterrupted views of the south coast, east as far as the Seven Sisters and west to the Isle of Wight. Like Cissbury and Chanctonbury Hills, it has a hill fort at the top and although smaller than that of the other two, significant archaeological finds have been made.

OS 1:50000 Landranger 197/198
OS 1:25000 Explorer 121

Distance 3.4 km / 2.1 miles

This is a short circular walk to the top, along the ridge to the west and back along the north side of the hill.

To get to the start of the walk from Worthing, head west along the A2032 towards Littlehampton. After passing Roundstone Farm, at the roundabout with the A280, double back on the opposite carriageway and turn left where signposted to Highdown Gardens. The car park for Highdown Gardens is located at the end of the road at GR TQ 098 041.

While you are there, why not visit Highdown Gardens either before you start the walk or after you have finished.?

Refreshments are available from the Highdown Tearooms, just down the hill from the Gardens.

Follow the path up the hill to shortly reach the Miller's Tomb. This was built by the miller John Olivier in the 18th century, 27 years before his death and it is said that he was the leader of a bunch of smugglers and used it for storing contraband.

Cross over onto National Trust land and continue up to the hill fort at the top. After admiring the extensive views, head west along the broad ridge of the hill towards the sail-less tower of Ecclesden Mill. This was built in 1826, was in use until 1872 and lost its sweeps in a storm in 1880.

Just before reaching the mill the path turns left and heads down the side of the hill. At the junction with a bridal way, turn left and follow it under the side of the hill. This joins another newly made up bridal way where you turn left again and head diagonally across the side of the hill to return to the Miller's Tomb and thence back to the car park.