A glorious Goodwood loop
Recommended by
Our view
"One of Britain's best known racecourses lies beside this woodland walk with a spur to the Weald and Downland Living Museum"
Walk directions
Make for the western end of Counter’s Gate car park and head out on a footpath that skirts a field, then goes through a copse and bears right onto a road. Cross over (taking great care at this fast blind bend) to a junction of two clear tracks, with a path on the right. Follow the right-hand track, which is signposted ‘public footpath’ and forms part of the Monarch’s Way, to a five-bar gate and stile. Continue along to the next stile and then cross a clearing in the woods until you come to a fingerpost beneath the trees
at the far end.
Follow the path briefly through the woods to emerge at the top of a field. The village of East Dean can be seen nestling down below. Head diagonally right down the steep field slope to reach a stile in the corner.
View all directions
Additional information
Terrain
- Woodland tracks and field paths, section of Monarch's Way and one lengthy stretch of quiet road, several stiles
Landscape
- Mixture of dense woodland and scenic downland
Dog friendliness
- Off lead on woodland tracks
Parking
- Counter's Gate car park and picnic area at Goodwood Country Park
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
Think of horse racing on the South Downs and you immediately think of Goodwood, without doubt one of Britain’s loveliest and most famous racecourses. The course rises and falls around a natural amphitheatre, with the horses dashing along the ridge to create one of the greatest spectacles in the...
Read more
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Divided from East Sussex back in 1888, West Sussex has a variety of landscapes and coastal scenery, but it is the spacious and open South Downs with which the county is most closely associated. There are plenty of walking routes in the South Downs National Park, cycling routes by the sea or visitors can explore the pretty town of Arundel with its historic castle and buildings.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
The Fox Goes Free
Nestled beside the South Downs Way, The Fox Goes Free offers stylish, comfortable rooms in a beautifully restored country pub. Perfect for walkers, culture lovers and weekend escapees, ...
The Goodwood Hotel
Set at the heart of the 11,000-acre Goodwood Estate in West Sussex countryside, this attractive hotel offers a peaceful rural setting alongside exceptional leisure and event facilities....
The Cottage B&B
The Cottage provides comfortable accommodation, and is situated just a short distance from the centre of Chichester, its Cathedral and other local attractions. Bognor Regis and other se...
Chichester Harbour Hotel & Spa
Chichester Harbour Hotel & Spa is a well-presented, Grade II listed, Georgian property, occupying a prime position at the top of North Street. The stylish bedrooms feature Egyptian cott...
Long Meadow Cottage
The light and airy interior at Long Meadow perfectly complements the wide views over the Sussex countryside. There’s a sunny terrace and outside seating to make the most of these views ...
Long Meadow
The light and airy interior at Long Meadow perfectly complement the wide views over the Sussex countryside. There’s a sunny terrace and outside seating to make the most of these views o...
4 Canon Lane
Tucked away on a quiet private lane within the cathedral grounds, 4 Canon Lane is a tranquil hideaway in Chichester city centre. The smart, comfortable bedrooms are decorated in soothin...
White Horse
The White Horse Inn is an 18th-century coaching inn, located on the edge of the South Downs. The timber-clad accommodation is tucked away to the side of the old inn, and takes full adva...
Places to eat nearby View all
