Castle Hill loop — South Downs National Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Castle Hill loop — South Downs National Park

Moderate

4.9

(16)

hikers

Castle Hill loop — South Downs National Park

02:57

10.4km

220m

Hiking

Embark on the Castle Hill loop, a moderate hike through the unique chalk grassland of the South Downs National Park. This 6.5-mile (10.4 km) route, with an elevation gain of 706 feet (215 metres), typically takes around 2 hours and 56 minutes to complete. You will encounter steep sections and…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

South Downs National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.36 km

Standean Bottom

Highlight • Gorge

The South Downs are well known for their beautifully sculpted ‘bottoms’ (glacial coombes scooped out by ice) but even regular South Downs wanderers might be hard pressed to tell you …

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5.82 km

View of Lewes and the Ouse Valley

Highlight • Natural Monument

The escarpment here and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The steeply sloping chalk grassland is rich in minibeasts, such as Adonis Blue and Small Blue butterflies, and the …

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8.08 km

Castle Hill National Nature Reserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

These hills and valleys are part of the Castle Hill National Nature Reserve. The reserve contains ancient rich chalk grassland that provides vital habitat for wild flowers, including spider orchid, …

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10.4 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.69 km

3.80 km

950 m

Surfaces

5.23 km

4.84 km