Sussex Walks

Plumpton Walks & Route Maps

Plumpton walk, Sussex
Plumpton · Photo: Robin Webster

Set in the South Downs in Sussex, the walks around Plumpton offer a rewarding mix of steep climbs, valley scenery, and wide, open views.

These walks are fairly challenging, but they’re well worth the effort for the classic downland landscapes they reveal.

One option climbs directly onto Plumpton Plain for sweeping views before returning to the village near The Half Moon Inn.

The more demanding circuit extends further through Ashcombe Bottom, Balmer Huff, and Bow Hill, with its Iron Age hillfort and far-reaching vistas.

Both walks capture the character of this part of Sussex, ending with a well-earned stop at the pub.

Download the Sussex Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

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Walk information

Plumpton Walk 1

Walk distance
2½ miles
Time
1 hour
Route type
Circular

This Plumpton walk is a lovely but strenuous route that heads up the steep slopes onto Plumpton Plain, for a taste of classic South Downs scenery and the wonderful views if provides.

Back towards the village, the route finishes near the The Half Moon Inn for some well earned refreshments.

Plumpton Walk 1 5.0 Ratings and reviews 1 rating · 1 review

Based on 1 user rating

Community feedback

Overall rating5.0

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly5.0 / 5
Path condition5.0 / 5
Buggy friendly2.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities1.0 / 5
Pub or café1.0 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockSome livestock
StilesSeveral stiles
Mud levelDry underfoot

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

The views are mind blowing, this walk had something for everyone, my husband, 10, 7 and 4 year olds. Saw loads of wildlife and birds, and baby calves. Be warned the walk downhill back to the pub is very slippery underfoot!

Walk information

Plumpton Walk 2

Walk distance
7 miles
Time
3.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This is the longest Plumpton walk, a full South Downs adventure that moves from valley floor to open ridge.

It begins in the broad sweep of Ashcombe Bottom, a dry chalk valley shaped by ancient water flow, before climbing towards the rounded height of Balmer Huff.

Higher still, Bow Hill brings Iron Age history into view, with the earthworks of its hillfort set against wide Sussex skies.

The route blends geology and heritage with village character, passing The Pink Pitstop and finishing near The Half Moon Inn - a welcome end to a classic downland hike.

Plumpton Walk 2 5.0 Ratings and reviews 1 rating

Based on 1 user rating

Community feedback

Overall rating5.0

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly2.0 / 5
Path condition4.0 / 5
Buggy friendly4.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities1.0 / 5
Pub or café3.0 / 5
Route accuracy4.0 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockSome livestock
StilesA stile or two
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.

Navigate the walks

Sussex Walks App

Follow the Plumpton walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

Download the app

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Sussex Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 400 Sussex walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Plumpton Walk 1, a 2.5 mile circular walk in Sussex