Woodbury Hill
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Welcome to Woodbury Hill!
At an elevation of 181 meters, Woodbury Hill may not win any awards for tallest peak, but it’s a little gem nestled in the beautiful South Downs. Don’t let its modest height fool you; the views from its summit are expansive, capturing the essence of the rolling hills and lush countryside.
Geology
Woodbury Hill is predominantly chalk. If you’re a fan of geology, you’ll appreciate the way chalk shapes this charming landscape. Not only does it create those classic rolling hills, but it nourishes rich flora, especially during springtime.
Routes
One of the best ways to explore Woody is via the Woodbury Hill Circular Walk. This route stretches about 5.5 km and will take around 2 hours to complete, making it perfect for a leisurely jaunt. The path is generally gentle, allowing you to soak in the scenery without breaking a sweat. Pack a picnic and enjoy a sunny day on the grassy summit!
Summit Features
At the summit, you’ll find a trig point—ideal for selfies, or perhaps a resting spot for a feathered friend. Nothing says 'I've made it!' quite like a photo with this little stone!
Views
The views from Woodbury Hill are nothing short of stunning. On clear days, gaze out towards Arundel Castle and catch a glimpse of the sparkling coast of East Sussex. The best times to visit for panoramic views are in spring and autumn when nature puts on its best display.
Hazards
Do keep your feet steady as you wander. The chalk paths can be slippery when wet, and uneven ground can surprise the unprepared.
Nearby Summits
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider heading over to nearby Trundle Hill or Kingley Vale for a bit of a challenge. You’re never short of options in this beautiful part of the country.
Access
There’s a small car park close to the village of Woodington for your convenience, but be sure to arrive early if you don’t want to find yourself parking several miles away. Alternatively, use public transport from Chichester and stretch those legs!
Facilities
After your hike, a stroll to nearby East Dean will reward you with cafes and toilets—essential after a day outdoors!
History
The name Woodbury Hill speaks to its historic roots, combining words that tell the tale of wooded fortifications. This hill served as a lookout point centuries ago, allowing you to imagine how the landscape around you once played a role in history.
In short, Woodbury Hill stands tall, despite its humble stature, offering both a journey of scenic beauty and a pinch of historical intrigue. Happy hiking!
Explore routes near Woodbury Hill
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Brockhampton: damson orchards and Apple Core trail
View route
Kidderminster to Debdale Lock: Wolverley canal towpath walk
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Malvern Hills Circular Walk
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Severn Valley Country Park and Miners’ Bridge
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Woodbury Hill Circular Walk
A delightful circular route that takes you around the hill, providing ample views of the beautiful South Downs.
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
Elevation
275m
904 ft
Prominence
90m
Coordinates
52.2783, -2.3723
SO746645
OS Map
138 150
Explorer: 204
At the Summit
The summit features a small, well-constructed trig point that stands proudly at the peak, often adorned with the occasional bird taking a well-deserved rest.
Terrain & Geology
Woodbury Hill is primarily composed of chalk, part of the South Downs geology. The surrounding landscape features classic rolling hills and open grassland, typical of the area’s chalk formations.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can see the picturesque landscapes of the South Downs and the distant coast of East Sussex on clear days. Other landmarks include the historic Arundel Castle and the expansive countryside around Chichester.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name Woodbury Hill is derived from the Old English 'wudu', meaning 'wood', and 'burh', referring to a fortified place, suggesting its historical importance.
Historical Significance
Woodbury Hill has been an important lookout point historically, providing strategic views across the surrounding fields and valleys.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is a small car park near the village of Woodington, accessible off the A285. Limited spaces available – arrive early to nab a spot!
Public Transport
Regular buses run from Chichester to the nearby village of East Dean, followed by a pleasant 30-minute walk to the hill.
Nearby Facilities
The nearest facilities, including cafes and toilets, are found in the village of East Dean, just a short trek away from the hill.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Care should be taken on the chalk paths in wet weather as they can become slippery. Additionally, some areas may have uneven ground, particularly along the circular route.
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 Woodbury Hill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Woodbury Hill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Woodbury 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 Woodbury Hill search or of course create your own walk for Woodbury Hill
Can I organise a walk to Woodbury 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 Woodbury 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 Woodbury 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 Woodbury 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: SO746645
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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