Graffham Common – Heyshott Down Trig Point loop from Duncton

Running trails & routes

Graffham Common – Heyshott Down Trig Point loop from Duncton

Hard

5.0

(1)

runners

Graffham Common – Heyshott Down Trig Point loop from Duncton

02:28

21.0km

330m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 6, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

South Downs National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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3.87 km

Graffham Common

Highlight • Natural

Owned by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, Graffham Common's wet and dry heathland covers 94 aces (38 ha) of land between Midhurst and Petworth in the South Downs National Park. Purple moor-grass and hare's-tail cottongrass are just two of the species that thrive in the wet heathland found here. In summer, the beautiful heathers and open glades here are an absolute joy.

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5.67 km

Ambersham Common

Highlight • Natural

The heart-warming chirrup of the Dartford warbler is just one sound you can hope to hear at Ambersham Common. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to the rare species that inhabit the heath, it covers 350 acres (141 ha) of land to the south east of Midhurst. There are some boggy areas, so sturdy, waterproof boots are recommended.

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6.74 km

Heyshott Common

Highlight • Natural

The glorious heathland and woodland found on Heyshott Common is a wonderful place to spot wildlife. Listen out for the sharp call of the stonechat, said to sound like two flints being struck together. In spring, you'll need keen eyes to spot the bright green, camouflaged plumage of male sand lizards, as they attempt to attract the discerning females.

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10.1 km

St James' Church, Heyshott

Highlight • Religious Site

A friendly local pub with spectacular views of the South Downs that serves a great Sunday roasts with old school desserts like treacle tart and ice cream.

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12.5 km

Heyshott Down Trig Point

Highlight • Natural Monument

Once quarried for chalk, Heyshott Down has now been reclaimed by grasses and plant species such as bee orchid, horseshoe vetch and round-headed rampion. The increasing plant diversity is helping to bring back butterflies which once thrived in the region, including chalkhill blue and marbled white. Heyshott Down has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

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13.4 km

Heyshott Down Round Barrow Cemetery.

Archaeological Site

14.7 km

Bowl barrow

Archaeological Site

15.1 km

Graffham Down Nature Reserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

Managed by the Graffham Down Trust, this area hosts a series of nature reserves dedicated to maintaining the grassland and wooded habitats and the creatures that depend on them.

The well-known South Downs Way passes over the downs, benefitting from this high vantage point with some brilliant views to the north over rolling agricultural countryside.

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