Downland history at East Lavant
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Our view
"Fine views of sprawling Sussex landscape dominate this remote downland walk which begins beneath the massive ramparts of an ancient hill-fort."
Walk directions
From the car park, make your way up the track towards the masts. Continue ahead at the top, then turn right onto the ramparts to do a complete circuit.
Drop down the ramparts and walk round and back down to the car park. Turn left downhill on a stony track, heading south towards Chichester and East Lavant. The views are glorious, the scene dominated by a vast patchwork of fields and hedgerows, and the distant spire of Chichester Cathedral acting as a useful directional landmark. On the way down you may also spot in the distance to the southwest Portsmouth’s striking Spinnaker Tower. This track is part of a popular cycle route, so look out for cyclists. You may also hear light aircraft overhead as planes take off and land at nearby Goodwood aerodrome. In due course, trees, bushes and margins of underbrush obscure the fine views in places.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Downland paths, bridleways and tracks, includes a section of Goodwood Lavant Valley Cycle Route
Landscape
- Open downland and farmland
Dog friendliness
- Dogs to be kept on lead over all downland in order to safeguard rare ground-nesting birds; keep under control on village roads and patches of farmland
Parking
- Car park at Seven Points, Goodwood Country Park (closes at dusk)
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
On a fine day, the views from the car park alone at the start of this spectacular walk will lift your spirits. The coastal plain stretches out below you, with Chichester to the south, and beyond to the west the Isle of Wight is clearly visible. But there’s even better to come from the top of the...
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Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
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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
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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...
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...
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...
Horse and Groom
The Horse & Groom is former blacksmith's shop, which is more than 200 years old. Inside are many original features such as flagstone floors, wooden wall panels/beams and exposed stone w...
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...
Concierge Camping
Developing Concierge Camping has been a labour of love for owners, Tracey and Guy Hodgkin. It is a first-class, multi award-winning park for 37 units offering large, fully serviced pitc...
Places to eat nearby View all
