Funtington to Walderton Down

Stats

Dist = 4.77 miles

Climb = 186 meters

Time = 136 minutes

You can view this walk via video here just click the link https://youtu.be/SlY_xGQRfwY

Funtington to Walderton Down.

View wise this is one of the most rewarding walks of the South Downs. At one stage there is a 180 degree vista of the Stoughton valley and several open views on the way up the hills. Couple this with some Beech trees with very dramatic trunks and there is a great deal to recommend this walk. If you own a walking stick it would be a good idea to take it on this one. The path is very rough underfoot at one stage and smooth chalk at another both occasions demand a good deal of attention to your footing.

Driving directions Leave the Fox and Hounds Pub and take the first turning right. Drive up the hill until you see a small triangle on your right and park there. (about ½ a mile)

On leaving your car take the footpath which is not at first very visible because it is behind the hedge. In doing this you are away from the road, the path leads around the edge of a field. After about 100 yards you will come to a small compound walk past the front of this with the fence to your right and join the path going up the hill.

From here its a case of sticking to the path all the way don’t be tempted to take any of the turnings until you reach the top. At the top you will come to a small triangle with a 3 finger post.

Turn left at this point. Again follow the path on to the open downland. Ignore what seems to be a larger path going off to your left this leads nowhere, stick to the narrower footpath.

Once on the open down the path tells you which direction to follow and it will lead you down past a derelict barn and eventually to a small track. At this point turn left and walk down the hill.

When you meet a track coming up the hill from your right turn left and go up the hill on that track. You will pass a small quarry on your left keep going up the hill.

At one point you will be tempted to follow the track to the left up the hill but follow the small path to the right instead.(A word of warning here, the path is smooth chalk and this is particularly deceptive, especially when there are leaves on top of the chalk. Don’t be deceived these paths can be very dangerous and please don’t take large strides or lose your concentration.) Again keep following this path until you join a made up road.

There is a very good walking organisation set up at this point called Dunreyth Alpacas. They are always very busy taking folks on walks with the Alpacas and they are worth a visit.

On the made up road it’s a case of just follow the road back to the car. You will come to a small junction and a very large house can be seen on your left (Adsdean House). This road will lead you back to your car. We hope you enjoy your walk.