Cissbury Ring history and nature trail
Walk along an ancient road and see where flint mining provided tools for our Neolithic ancestors. On the route look out for varied wildlife in this important chalk downland site and enjoy panoramic views from the second largest Iron Age hillfort in the south of England.
Total steps: 11
Total steps: 11
Start point
Storrington Rise car park, Findon Valley, grid ref: TQ129076
Step 1
Leave the car park at the south-east corner and take the left-hand path where the track splits. Walk straight up the hill and look for a gap in the trees.
Step 2
Go through the gap in the trees turning right past a bench. When you come out of the woods turn left and walk uphill by the edge of the field until you come to a kissing gate in the corner.
Step 3
Go through the kissing gate. Continue climbing on another grassy path just to the right of the trees up ahead, until you reach the fence at the foot of Cissbury Ring.
Step 4
Go through the kissing gate near the bench and turn right onto the lower of the two embankments.
Step 5
Walk round the fort towards the south taking in the views as you go.
Step 6
When you reach a gravel footpath crossing your track in front of a wooded area turn left and go through the gap in the inner embankment. This is the southern entrance to Cissbury.
Step 7
Take the grassy uphill path, which goes diagonally to the right across the hillfort. Continue walking uphill until you reach the triangulation point.
Step 8
Turn right at the triangulation point and walk down towards the eastern entrance to Cissbury Ring, which is the obvious gap in the earthworks.
Step 9
Climb the steps on your left and continue along the upper embankment until you get to a lone tree and a bench where you can sit and admire the views.
Step 10
Continue following the path around the north-east side of Cissbury Ring until you arrive at the steps at the south-west corner. These are just above the kissing gate you came through earlier to access the hillfort.
Step 11
Go down the steps, back through the kissing gate, and follow the route back down to the car park.
End point
Storrington Rise car park, Findon Valley, grid ref: TQ129076
Trail map
More near here
Cissbury Ring butterfly walk
Take a circular walk around one of the very best butterfly sites in Sussex, exploring the South Downs.
Devil's Dyke histories and mysteries walk
A good three mile walk which takes you to the alleged burial site of the Devil and beyond to Saddlescombe Farm and the donkey wheel.
Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber walk
Fresh air, spectacular views and an ancient landscape will accompany you along this scenic downland walk near Devil's Dyke.
Slindon medieval park pale and village walk
Discover this circular walk at the Slindon Estate in West Sussex and wander through a medieval deer park and enjoy village views.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking in Sussex
Explore coastal paths, open parkland and countryside teeming with wildlife on these top walks in Sussex.
Things to see and do at Cissbury Ring
Discover what to see and do at Cissbury Ring. Take a walk around the largest hillfort in the county and admire the wonderful views.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
History of Cissbury Ring
Explore the past at Cissbury Ring. From Neolithic flint mining to leading Victorian archaeologists and Second World War machine guns, uncover Cissbury's long history.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.