Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    The Highdown Walk

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    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.
    1h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    3.5 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.
    80 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    The Highdown Walk

    The Highdown Walk leads you along a chalk ridge that borders the sparkling blue ocean. Explore the Highdown Pub that was formerly a family home built in the 1820’s and has been restored as a pub with guest bedrooms. The Highdown formal gardens are also a beautiful sight with wildflowers blanketing the grounds.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View The Highdown Walk on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for The Highdown Walk

    The Highdown Walk leads you along the coastline while also unveiling views of South Downs National Park and Miller's tomb. Although beautiful, there are some steeper climbs and descents along this path, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. The ridge along the chalk path that looks over the sea is exposed and does not have railings, so be careful when walking along it and watch for gusts of wind. Watch for mud in the wetter months, especially after heavy rain. And be prepared to navigate a few kissing gates.

    The path takes you along the chalk ridge that hangs over the coast, boasting beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You will be able to explore the Highdown Pub, which was initially built in the 1820s and used to be a single-family home. It has now been converted into a pub where many people gather to enjoy a drink and a meal and has guest rooms for anyone who wants to extend their stay.

    Beginning at the carpark at the top of the Highdown access lane at the Highdown Pub, walk to the grassy area. Follow this path straight ahead with the gardens alongside and turn left, where you will see a fork in the path. Turn right, and then you will see three benches and Miller's Tomb. Miller's tomb is the resting place of Highdown Miller and rumoured smuggler John Olliver. Legend has it that John used to use the sails from the windmill to alert smugglers in their vessels.

    When you are finished, continue along the path and maneuver a kissing gate. Entering the National Trust site, you will continue to walk and begin climbing uphill along a grassy area of the path. Moving along the path, views of the coastline will come into focus, and you will pass over the earthwork rings of the Highdown Hill Fort. As you keep going, you will come to the top of Highdown Hill, which sits at 81 meters above sea level, and showcases views of Isle of Wight and Beachy Head along the sea.

    This area is a unique archaeological site where 86 burial plots have been found accompanied by jewelry, spears, shields and much more. After you take in the views, continue along the path, which will begin descending, and you will go through a kissing gate. You will then see the converted windmill, and as you walk forward, you will begin to ascend uphill quickly and then downhill. At this point, you will rejoin where you started, passing Miller's Tomb and a kissing gate before arriving back at the Highdown Pub car park.

    Insider Hints for The Highdown Walk

    • Enjoy a meal and drink at the Highdown Pub or stay the night in one of their beautiful guest rooms
    • Wear proper footwear to navigate kissing gates as well as steady ascents and descents
    • Take a tour of the Highdown Vineyard that is popular among local people
    • The Connaught Theatre and Cinema is close by in Worthing, where you could catch a show after your walk
    • The Highdown Pier is a great place to enjoy views of the sea and enjoy an amusement arcade or a meal at the Art Deco tearoom

    Getting to the The Highdown Walk Trailhead

    Getting to the Highdown walk from Worthing, follow Broadwater Road/A24, A2032 and Littlehampton Road to Highdown Rise. In 10.5 km, continue on Highdown Rise to your destination, which will appear in 0.5 km.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      May - October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Pets allowed

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Lollipop

    The Highdown Walk Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    The Highdown Walk Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter