Where to go for a fabulous Christmas walk in the South Downs National Park
Walk off your festive feasts in the South Downs National Park this Christmas and connect with nature, whether it's a short stroll or a long hike.
With crisp fresh air, crunchy leaves underfoot, frost-capped hills and stunning vistas to invigorate the soul, there’s something very special about a winter walk in the South Downs.
Wondering where to go? The South Downs National Park Authority has highlighted its most popular trails, inspiring people of all ages to take a walk.
Whether Christmas has been a total joy or a difficult time, everyone can benefit from getting outside and soaking up the scenes.
Stanmer Park is one of the key gateways to the National Park and looks gorgeous at Christmas. Covering approximately 5,000 acres, Stanmer has a wealth of history to be discovered, including the church, the village and manor house. The restored walled garden, called One Garden, is not to be missed and there’s some great seasonal fare on offer at this time of the year.
The SDNP walks leaflet suggests a 5.5-mile circular route through the semi-ancient Stanmer Woods, home to old and gnarled beech trees. Come the spring, the woodland floor will turn into a carpet of purple and violet as bluebells emerge – a unique spectacle.
Arundel has it all and is well-served by train, if you want to leave the car at home and perhaps fancy a festive tipple in one of its many pubs.
Christmas trees illuminate High Street and there are plenty of independent shops to explore.
The SDNP walks leaflet offers a couple of different options. You could opt for the shorter four-mile walk around Swanbourne Lake and the River Arun, or go for a longer seven-mile walk through Arundel Park and South Stoke, taking in the Monarch’s Way – the supposed route taken by Charles II on his escape from England to France after the defeat by Oliver Cromwell at Worcester in 1651.
Scenic views abound on the Iping and Stedham Miles Without Stiles route, which starts in the car park of Iping and Stedham Common, a nature reserve managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust and one of the best examples of lowland heath in the National Park.
The 1.25 mile/ 2km circuit is suitable for people with restricted mobility, including all-terrain mobility scooters and families with pushchairs. The walk typically takes 30 minutes to complete.
For an easy access route for all the family this Christmas, try West Walk, near Fareham. With hardy surfaced paths winding their way between tall pine trees and a fun adventure woodland play area for the children, this is a perfect spot for a day out in the woods.
Haslemere and Liphook railway stations are stepping stones into the National Park. The routes incorporate long sections of the Serpent Trail, which snakes its way 64 miles from Haslemere to Petersfield.
Designed to showcase the heathland habitat and outstanding landscape of the greensand hills, their wildlife, history and conservation, it passes through the purple heather, green woods and golden valleys of Sussex.
With a few short steep climbs for those wanting to get the heart going, these routes feature the heathlands of Marley, Lynchmere, Stanley and Chapel commons as well as the dramatic ancient woodland of Rake Hanger.
The South Downs National Park Authority says: "Wherever you go this Christmas, remember to care for this stunning landscape by picking up dog poo, keeping dogs on leads around livestock and not dropping litter, but, of course, remember to enjoy yourself and make some memories."