Hikes/United Kingdom/England/South Downs

Temple of the Winds

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
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
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
3.2 km
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
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.6
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Panoramic views from the Temple of the Winds walk in South Downs, England

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.

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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, 3.0 km away, from there you can get a taxi.

Route Information

  • 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

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Temple of the Winds Reviews

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