Gibbet Hill

272m Elevation
125m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Gibbet Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Gibbet Hill Circular Walk

A delightful circular walk that offers stunning views and a gentle ascent to the summit.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 200-299m hill

Elevation

272m

892 ft

Prominence

125m

Coordinates

51.1154, -0.7161

SU899359

OS Map

186

Explorer: OL33 133

At the Summit

The summit of Gibbet Hill features a prominent trig point, which is a favourite spot for photos and a perfect place for a well-deserved snack break.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with gentle slopes some sections may be rocky underfoot.

Gibbet Hill primarily features chalk and flint, typical of the South Downs, eroded into rolling hills over millions of years. The area is characterised by its distinctive white cliffs and pastureland.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy expansive views over the Sussex countryside, including the nearby Chanctonbury Ring and the English Channel on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Gibbet' is derived from the historical practice of placing gibbet poles for the display of pirates or criminals as a warning. A rather grim history to accompany the elevation.

Historical Significance

Gibbet Hill served as a lookout point in the past, and the surrounding area has a rich history tied to agriculture and rural life.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is limited parking at the base of the hill off the A283 near Poynings, with space for around 10-15 cars.

Public Transport

Buses can be taken from Brighton to Poynings, followed by a short walk to the starting point.

Nearby Facilities

Poynings has a local pub, the Royal Oak, which offers refreshments, and there are public toilets at the village hall.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sudden weather changes typical to the region, and be mindful of livestock in the fields.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Gibbet Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Gibbet Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Gibbet Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Gibbet Hill search or of course create your own walk for Gibbet Hill

Can I organise a walk to Gibbet Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Gibbet Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Gibbet Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Gibbet Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible