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Hikes/United Kingdom/England/South Downs
Panoramic views from the Temple of the Winds walk in South Downs, England

Temple of the Winds Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
21 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
3.2 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
0.5-1h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
9.6 (31 reviews)
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Google Maps
Apple Maps
See Map
Measurement:

Table of contents

The Temple of the Winds walk is a short, relatively flat walk in the South Downs. This hike is an absolute must do for all walkers in the Sussex area, regardless of ability. From the stone bench seat halfway through the walk, you’re rewarded with some of the best views the South Downs have to offer. Lord Tennyson himself was said to have spent hours in this spot composing his poems, and once you reach the bench you’ll want to stay too.

Route Description for Temple of the Winds

We love the Temple of the Winds walk. Start on the wide track to the left-hand side of the car park. Walk uphill, through the wooden gate and past an information board. Be sure to pause shortly after the notice board, at the bench hidden up the bank on the left, for a spectacular view point. When you reach a fork in the path, take the trail to right, crossing over a smaller downhill trail and continuing straight, passing a small pond on your right, until you reach another fork.

Take the wide left trail at the fork, heading slightly uphill. Keep on this main trail, ignoring other side trails until you reach another trail junction, turn left again, following the main wide trail around the edge of the Heath.

At the next junction of trails, take the trail immediately to the left and walk uphill past the bench - another resting point with spectacular views. At the top of the hill you’ll see a wooden sign for ‘Temple of the Winds’ pointing you straight ahead. Follow the arrow to the opening and then turn down the slope of the right.

At the bottom of the slope you’ll find a beautiful curved stone bench and the breath-taking views that Tennyson fell in love with. These beautiful views make this our favourite walk in the South Downs.

When you’re ready to move on, return up the slope and continue straight ahead on the right-hand fork. This part of the trail dips down and passes another small pond on your right.

After a short distance another trail joins via steps from the right, ignore this and continue straight ahead to the fork. Take the right fork and follow it all the way back to the car park, turning right at the next and final fork along the way.

Insider Hints for Temple of the Winds

  • Since you're in the area, the Swan Barn Farm is National Trust site of woodland and pastures only 30 seconds from nearby Haslemere High Street.
  • Mellow Farm Adventure campground is about 20 minutes from Haslemere. The working farm, with lots of animals to see, offers seasonal camping, as well as lots of onsite activities such as kayaking and orienteering.

Getting to the Temple of the Winds Trailhead

If driving, use postcode GU27 3BJ, to park at the main upper car park for the National Trusts Black Down, off of Tennyson’s Lane. Parking is free. Trains run directly from London and Portsmouth to nearby Haslemere, 3.1 km away, from there you can get a taxi.

Route Information for Temple of the Winds

  • When to do:

    Year round

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Toilets:

    Yes, at Haslemere Train Station

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    None

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Lollipop

Temple of the Winds Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Temple of the Winds

9.6
31 reviews
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simonadamsJune 2021

An easy Sunday stroll

Overall Rating
2
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
stanmanAugust 2020

So fast and so easy and so scenic.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
RobPetersonAugust 2020

one of the best hike in south down chills!

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
00:45
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
WanderLeeAugust 2020

An excellent walk, scenic views

Overall Rating
9
Trip Length
01:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Mr DeanAugust 2020

My kids, 8, 10, and 13 years old find this hike fairly easy. The view is great btw, we are planning to take their cousins next time.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
00:45
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Sarah PottsAugust 2020

This is a recommended walk , is one of those walks that you will remember & want to do again. Stunning!

Overall Rating
9
Trip Length
01:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
SnowdonLoverJune 2020

Here you can find one of the best views of the South Downs National Park. This little-known spot has a secret feel and a charming curved stone seat to rest on

Overall Rating
9
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Vic ISJune 2020

Very easy. The view is very nice and relaxing. I recommend it if you just want to feel creative and catch some fresh air.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
happytreeJune 2020

If I could go anywhere to relax while writing my haiku, this is the place for it.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Eleonor M.April 2020

Lovely hike! I felt lucky to see some nice birds flying around.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

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Last Updated: June 2, 2026

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