Serpent Trail
The name of the trail reflects the serpentine shape of the route
which snakes for 64 miles (108 km) through the beautiful heathland
landscapes of West Sussex. Waymarked by Serpent Trail discs, the
route showcases the work of the Sussex Wealden Greensand Heaths
Project and highlights the outstanding landscape of the greensand
hills.
Start/finish
Starting with the serpent's 'tongue' in Haslemere High Street,
the route leads to the 'head' at Black Down, West Sussex. From
there the 'body' turns west and east again along the greensand
ridges. The trail 'snakes' by Liphook, Milland, Fernhurst,
Petworth, Fittleworth, Duncton, Heyshott, Midhurst, Stedham and
Nyewood to finally reach the serpent's 'tail' at Petersfield.
For use by
- Walkers. The trail uses public rights of way, private
permissive routes and a few quiet roads which link much of the
access land in this area.
Nearest towns
- In West Sussex the trail 'snakes' by Petworth and
Midhurst.
Terrain
The Serpent Trail has been set up by the Sussex Greensand Heaths
Project. This project is working to restore and recreate rare
heathland across the Greensand area. The Serpent Trail was
specifically designed to enable people to link together all these
rare heathland areas on a long distance route. As well as
reflecting the serpentine shape of the route, the name recognises
that heaths are the major habitat for Britain's native rare
reptiles.
Average time to complete
- People who are reasonably fit can do 12-15 miles (20 km) per
day. At this rate, it takes about 4 days to walk the whole route.
The official guide has been divided into 16 short easy to follow
stages complete with a map for each stage, based upon 2005 Ordnance
Survey material.
- 1. Blackdown 7 miles (11.3 km)
- 2. Marley and Lynchmere Commons 4 miles (6.5 km)
- 3. Iron Hill and Chapel Common 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
- 4. Rake to Tullcombe 3.8 miles (6.2 km)
- 5. Borden and Titty Hill 2.8 miles (4.5 km)
- 6. Woolbeding and Henley 4.8 miles (7.8 km)
- 7. Bexley Hill and River Common 3.9 miles (6.3 km)
- 8. Petworth 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
- 9. Flexham and Fittleworth 3.1 miles (5 km)
- 10. Hesworth Common and Lord's Piece 3.9 miles (6.3 km)
- 11. Burton Park 3.4 miles (5.5 km)
- 12. Lavington and Heyshott Commons 5.9 miles (9.5km)
- 13. Midhurst 3.8 miles (6.2 km)
- 14. Iping and Stedham Commons 2.4 miles (3.8 km)
- 15. Dumpford and Nyewood 4 miles (6.5 km)
- 16. Petersfield 2.5 miles (4.1 km)
Highlights
Transport
- The Serpent Trail is well served by public transport. For
general information and latest ticket deals visit South
downs online.
- By road: The
AA.
- By rail: National
Rail Enquiries Phone: 08457 484950 - Waterloo, Haslemere, Liss,
Liphook, Petersfield, Havant, Southampton, Victoria, Pulborough,
Chichester and Portsmouth.
- By bus: Surrey and North Hants. Phone: 0845 121 0180. Hants and
West Sussex. Phone: 0845 121 0170. stagecoachbus.com.
- For details of other public transport options, visit our
public transport pages, or call Traveline
on: 0871 200 22 33.
Maps
Other useful information
- The Serpent trail passes through a number of National Trust
sites including Black Down, Marley Common, Woolbeding Common and
Lavington Common. Visit the National
Trust for more information.
- The Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) works on several heaths to
restore and recreate heathland on the greensand. SWT sites on the
route include Stedham Common, parts of Iping Common,
Burton and Chingford Ponds and The Mens. Visit Sussex
Wildlife Trust for more information.
- The Serpent Trail would not exist if it wasn't for the hard
work and dedication of the heathland volunteers.
- Where you see the open access symbol you can leave the trail
and walk, sightsee, picnic, watch wildlife, run or climb within the
mapped area. Access helpline: 0845 100 3298 or visit Natural
England or visit South
downs online.
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