Panoramic views from the Temple of the Winds walk in South Downs, England
Panoramic views from the Temple of the Winds walk in South Downs, England

Temple of the Winds hike

South Downs
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Viewpoint to the west from Black Down on the Temple of the Winds Hike in South Downs, EnglandTrail through the beech hangar on the Temple of the Winds Hike in South Downs, EnglandLow cloud and views to the east from the Temple of the Winds Hike in South Downs, EnglandTrail across Black Down on the Temple of the Winds Hike in South Downs, EnglandAlfred Tennyson's favorite viewpoint on the Temple of the Winds Hike in South Downs, EnglandViews across the west Weald on the Temple of the Winds Hike in South Downs, EnglandOne of the many bog ponds on the Temple of the Winds Hike in South Downs, EnglandNative heather and gorse on the Temple of the Winds Hike in South Downs, England

Temple of the Winds hike

Distance: 2.0mi
Elevation: 69ft
Time: 0.5-1h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.6 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

The Temple of the Winds walk is a short, relatively flat walk in the South Downs. This hike is an absolute must do for all walkers in the Sussex area, regardless of ability. From the stone bench seat halfway through the walk, you’re rewarded with some of the best views the South Downs have to offer. Lord Tennyson himself was said to have spent hours in this spot composing his poems, and once you reach the bench you’ll want to stay too.

Temple of the Winds Walk Map

Getting there

If driving, use postcode GU27 3BJ, to park at the main upper car park for the National Trusts Black Down, off of Tennyson’s Lane. Parking is free. Trains run directly from London and Portsmouth to nearby Haslemere, 1.9mi away, from there you can get a taxi.

I’ve done this 54 people have done this
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About

When to do

Year round

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

Yes, at Haslemere Train Station

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

None

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Lollipop


Temple of the Winds
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Temple of the Winds

We love the Temple of the Winds walk. Start on the wide track to the left-hand side of the car park. Walk uphill, through the wooden gate and past an information board. Be sure to pause shortly after the notice board, at the bench hidden up the bank on the left, for a spectacular view point. When you reach a fork in the path, take the trail to right, crossing over a smaller downhill trail and continuing straight, passing a small pond on your right, until you reach another fork.

Take the wide left trail at the fork, heading slightly uphill. Keep on this main trail, ignoring other side trails until you reach another trail junction, turn left again, following the main wide trail around the edge of the Heath.

At the next junction of trails, take the trail immediately to the left and walk uphill past the bench – another resting point with spectacular views. At the top of the hill you’ll see a wooden sign for ‘Temple of the Winds’ pointing you straight ahead. Follow the arrow to the opening and then turn down the slope of the right.

At the bottom of the slope you’ll find a beautiful curved stone bench and the breath-taking views that Tennyson fell in love with. These beautiful views make this our favourite walk in the South Downs.

When you’re ready to move on, return up the slope and continue straight ahead on the right-hand fork. This part of the trail dips down and passes another small pond on your right.

After a short distance another trail joins via steps from the right, ignore this and continue straight ahead to the fork. Take the right fork and follow it all the way back to the car park, turning right at the next and final fork along the way.

Insider Hints

  • Since you're in the area, the Swan Barn Farm is National Trust site of woodland and pastures only 30 seconds from nearby Haslemere High Street.

  • Mellow Farm Adventure campground is about 20 minutes from Haslemere. The working farm, with lots of animals to see, offers seasonal camping, as well as lots of onsite activities such as kayaking and orienteering.

Comments

simonadams 4 years ago

An easy Sunday stroll

2.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
stanman 4 years ago

So fast and so easy and so scenic.

10.0 Overall Rating
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RobPeterson 4 years ago

one of the best hike in south down chills!

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
0h 45m Time Taken
WanderLee 4 years ago

An excellent walk, scenic views

9.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
1h 00m Time Taken
Mr Dean 4 years ago

My kids, 8, 10, and 13 years old find this hike fairly easy. The view is great btw, we are planning to take their cousins next time.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
0h 45m Time Taken
Sarah Potts 4 years ago

This is a recommended walk , is one of those walks that you will remember & want to do again. Stunning!

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 00m Time Taken
SnowdonLover 5 years ago

Here you can find one of the best views of the South Downs National Park. This little-known spot has a secret feel and a charming curved stone seat to rest on

9.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
Vic IS 5 years ago

Very easy. The view is very nice and relaxing. I recommend it if you just want to feel creative and catch some fresh air.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
happytree 5 years ago

If I could go anywhere to relax while writing my haiku, this is the place for it.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Eleonor M. 5 years ago

Lovely hike! I felt lucky to see some nice birds flying around.

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31 Comments Show all

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