Across the South Downs from Petersfield to South Harting

This circular walk takes us from the small town of Petersfield in Hampshire over the West Sussex border to the quintessential English village of South Harting, west along the South Downs Way to Buriton and back to the start.

The sights

Petersfield: Lying 20 miles east of Winchester and 15 miles north of Portsmouth, this ancient market town of 15,000 people was founded in the 12th century and grew to become an important coaching centre on the London to Portsmouth road. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it describes itself as the 'Gateway to the South Downs National Park'. A large equestrian statue of William III (r. 1689-1702) dominates the market square - one of just 5 statues of the king in the UK outside of Northern Ireland.

Torberry Hill: Standing on a 500 foot chalk spur north of South Harting, Torberry is the site of an early Iron Age hill fort first constructed around the 5th century BC. Apparently fairies are said to dance upon the summit on Midsummer's Eve.

South Harting: This charming little village of 800 people lies 4 miles from Petersfield. It was the subject of a 1956 government film 'An English Village', chronicling the life and economy of a typical rural community in the mid-1950s - a world now largely vanished. The high street is dominated by the parish church of St Mary & St Gabriel.

St Mary & St Gabriel Church, South Harting: A church has stood on this site for nearly 800 years, but the main structure today was constructed in the 14th century. Following a serious fire in 1576, the elaborate chancel roof was built and is a spectacular example of Elizabethan timber craftsmanship. A major reconstruction was carried out in the 19th century under the supervision of Gilbert Scott, but it was not until 1936 that the 130-foot spire acquired its highly visible & distinctive green copper cladding following storm damage. In the churchyard, the War Memorial Cross (1920) is by the now-controversial sculptor & artist Eric Gill. A surviving set of stocks sits just outside the gates - misbehaving 'Lads will be put in them during the lunch break.

South Downs Way: The 100 miles (160 km) long South Downs Way National Trail follows the old routes and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs, running from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east. The section we will walk is at a height of 475 to 540 feet (145 to 165 metres), affording fine views to the north of the escarpment.

Buriton: Home to 750 people, Buriton sits at the foot of the South Downs two miles south of Petersfield. The church of St Mary's dates to the 12th century.

The route (please click the link in red to see it):

From Petersfield Station, we will head south-east out of the town via Heath Pond and Heath Common and into the countryside. Following a series of footpaths, we will cross into West Sussex to reach first the hamlet of West Harting and then South Harting, nestled below the South Downs. We will stop here for lunch, and to have a look at the church. After the break, we will climb steeply out of the village to reach the crest of the ridge and turn west along the South Downs Way for about 2.5 miles/4km. We then descend, again steeply, through Cockshot Wood to Buriton where we can stop for refreshment at the Five Bells pub in the village. Finally, we will head north along the Hangers Way for the final 2 miles/3km back into Petersfield.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on this walk, but if we encounter grazing livestock or walk along roads, a lead must be used. Please note that there are 11 stiles to cross in the first quarter of the walk, some of them crossing (insulated) electrified fences. The pub at Buriton welcomes 'well-behaved dogs'.

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.

Photo credits:

Market Place, Petersfield / Petersfield Station / Station parking details / Heath Pond, Petersfield / Torberry Hill / St Mary & St Gabriel, South Harting (with stocks) / South Harting from South Downs Way / St Mary's, Buriton / Five Bells PH, Buriton

All images taken by the walk leader 13th March & 25th April 2024.