The Highdown Walk

The Highdown Walk leads you along the coastline while also unveiling views of South Downs National Park and Miller’s tomb. Although beautiful, there are some steeper climbs and descents along this path, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. The ridge along the chalk path that looks over the sea is exposed and does not have railings, so be careful when walking along it and watch for gusts of wind. Watch for mud in the wetter months, especially after heavy rain. And be prepared to navigate a few kissing gates.

The path takes you along the chalk ridge that hangs over the coast, boasting beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You will be able to explore the Highdown Pub, which was initially built in the 1820s and used to be a single-family home. It has now been converted into a pub where many people gather to enjoy a drink and a meal and has guest rooms for anyone who wants to extend their stay.

Beginning at the carpark at the top of the Highdown access lane at the Highdown Pub, walk to the grassy area. Follow this path straight ahead with the gardens alongside and turn left, where you will see a fork in the path. Turn right, and then you will see three benches and Miller’s Tomb. Miller’s tomb is the resting place of Highdown Miller and rumoured smuggler John Olliver. Legend has it that John used to use the sails from the windmill to alert smugglers in their vessels.

When you are finished, continue along the path and maneuver a kissing gate. Entering the National Trust site, you will continue to walk and begin climbing uphill along a grassy area of the path. Moving along the path, views of the coastline will come into focus, and you will pass over the earthwork rings of the Highdown Hill Fort. As you keep going, you will come to the top of Highdown Hill, which sits at 81 meters above sea level, and showcases views of Isle of Wight and Beachy Head along the sea.

This area is a unique archaeological site where 86 burial plots have been found accompanied by jewelry, spears, shields and much more. After you take in the views, continue along the path, which will begin descending, and you will go through a kissing gate. You will then see the converted windmill, and as you walk forward, you will begin to ascend uphill quickly and then downhill. At this point, you will rejoin where you started, passing Miller’s Tomb and a kissing gate before arriving back at the Highdown Pub car park.