Woods & Donkeys
A great walk for varied scenery and glorious views, and donkeys as an added bonus! The woodland bridle path is clear, but a bit uneven in places and potentially muddy in winter. There are bluebells in spring. The tracks after the woods are very easy to navigate and open up into sweeping downland views at the trig point.
Map & Info
Quick Details
Start / finish
Blakehurst car park (free)
Distance / ascent / time est.
4 miles / 302ft / 1-2hrs
Surface / terrain
Footpaths / hilly
Stiles / road crossings
No stiles / no road crossings
Other info
N / A
Blue square = 1km sq
Numbers correspond to directions below
Written Directions
+ use the images below for additional guidance!
Turn right along the gravel path past farm buildings and through a gate into the woods. Turn left just before the little fence and then turn immediately right onto the bridle path (1).
The path runs parallel to the tarmac path for a while but begins to diverge and eventually opens up into grassland (2).
Keep going straight through a small copse and a gate (3) until you begin the steady climb up to the trig point (4). There are views to be admired all around.
At the trig point turn sharp right and walk downhill to the gate (5) which leads through to a meeting of paths (5a).
Turn right and follow the gravel path to a gate with a cattle grid. Pass through and you will see the paddock of rescue donkeys on your right (6) and a couple of cottages. There are usually Shetland ponies in the left paddock.
Continue to follow the path until it diverges to the right (7) and runs along a field on the right and trees on the left (7a).
This path will take you through a small copse (bear left) and becomes a straight path with a field on the right (you sometimes see hares here).
At the end of this path turn right onto the tarmac path (8) and stay on it to make your way back out the woods where you entered, and back to the car park.
Photographic Directions
(Hover & use arrows to scroll)
