SU7918 : Riders on Harting Downs

Harting Downs

229m Elevation
67m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

SU7918 : Riders on Harting Downs

Richard Law Photo source

Explore routes near Harting Downs

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

Devil's Dyke, Newtimber Hill and Fulking Hill walk

11.4 km ~4h Moderate

View route

Box Hill - Stepping Stones Circuit

3.2 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Virginia Water Circlular

7 km Easy

View route

Wilverley Inclosure Walk, New Forest

5.2 km ~1h 30m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

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

The South Downs Way

A popular long-distance trail that runs from east to west across the South Downs, offering stunning scenery and a great way to experience Harting Downs.

80 km ~20 hours Moderate

The Circular Walk from Harting

This charming circuit takes you round the base of Harting Downs, allowing for beautiful views without the steep ascent.

6 km ~2 hours Easy
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.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

229m

751 ft

Prominence

67m

Coordinates

50.9587, -0.8705

SU794183

OS Map

197

Explorer: OL8 120

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a trig point which is a classic marker for hikers to photograph. There’s also a well-placed bench nearby, perfect for a breather while enjoying the views.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and chalky with undulating hills ideal for walking but can be muddy after rainfall.

Harting Downs is predominantly formed from chalk, a soft sedimentary rock which is part of the larger South Downs formation. This chalky plateau leads to unique soil conditions that support rare flora and fauna.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy panoramic views over the Weald, with the village of East Harting in the foreground and the distant North Downs on the horizon. Notable sights include the iconic Goodwood Racecourse and the spires of Chichester Cathedral.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Harting' is derived from Old English, meaning 'the people of Heort,' where Heort was perhaps a local chieftain.

Historical Significance

Harting Downs has been an important local landmark for centuries, rich with ancient burial mounds and associated with early agricultural practices.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at the Harting Village Hall, just a short walk from the starting point of most trails.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Petersfield, from where you can catch a bus to Harting. The 67 bus service frequently links Petersfield to the village.

Nearby Facilities

The nearby village of East Harting offers a lovely café and pub, ideal for a post-hike refreshment.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes, as conditions can worsen quickly on the Downs. Also, watch out for cows in grazing areas.

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 Harting Downs?

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

Are there other walkers around Harting Downs?

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 Harting Downs search or of course create your own walk for Harting Downs

Can I organise a walk to Harting Downs?

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 Harting Downs.

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 Harting Downs?

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 Harting Downs 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

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SU794183

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Leith Hill

294m

Ditchling Beacon

248m

Glastonbury Tor

158m

Worcestershire Beacon

425m

Titterstone Clee Hill

533m
See 5 more nearby hills