Winter Challenge at Abingworth

16 miles and up to 1700ft of ascent.

The guided walks will be chosen from the following itinerary:

Bury Hill, the River Arun and Arundel Castle

From near Watersfield we take a short walk to the hamlet of Westburton, nestling below the Downs. We soon reach the South Downs Way to head over Bury Hill for the view made famous by King Charles II during his flight from Cromwell. The national path drops down to cross the River Arun and climbs again over Rackham Hill with fine views north all the way. We then enter the Arundel Estate (home of the Duke of Norfolk), past the Norfolk Clump for views out to sea, and rejoin the riverbank for views of the castle leading us into the town.

Distance: 16 miles with 1400 feet of ascent.

Slindon, Stane Street and Petworth Park

From the National Trust village of Slindon, we head up on to the Downs to find the Roman road (Stane Street). This leads to the top of Bignor Hill for fine views across the Weald. We continue along the crest to Barlavington Down. The route drops down to go through Burton Park, the nature reserve at Burton Pond, and the pretty village of Byworth to end with a fine circuit of Petworth Park, created by Capability Brown.

Distance: 16¼ miles with 1650 feet of ascent.

Lancing College, Cissbury and Chanctonbury Rings

Our walk starts by crossing the River Adur on the South Downs Way, before ascending over Annington Hill. We leave the Way, descending into a pleasant valley to reach Cissbury Ring. This hill fort was home to a large community in about 350BC and retains impressive ramparts with views to the Isle of Wight. From here heading north we come to the second hill fort, Chanctonbury Ring. We now descend the escarpment of the Downs to the village of Washington and make our way back with views of the South Downs behind us.

Distance: 16 miles with 1700 feet of ascent.