My first visit to Black Down was on a bitterly cold and bleak winter’s day one January a couple of years back. I can’t believe it took until last Saturday evening for me to return to explore this beautiful place further, especially now as it’s only a 25 minute drive from the cottage.
Black Down in West Sussex is the highest point in the South Downs National Park. Boasting views across five counties on a clear day, flower-rich meadows, ancient woodland and copses, it truly is a fabulous place to take a walk and probably now more so than ever with the vibrant purple of heather across the heathland.
The land at Black Down is owned and maintained by the National Trust alongside a herd of Belted Galloway cows who roam freely, unfortunately we did not catch a glimpse of any of the Belties our walk this time.
I don’t often plan for walks however on this occasion I went as far as to print a mapped route which I found online at Haslemere.com yet it was not long in to the walk before I veered off tack and found my own walk. Nonetheless, I will be back soon to try this circular walk as I am keen to spend more time here and find my way around.
We really could not have picked a nicer evening to visit, the longer we walked the more stunning the landscape became under the soft light of the setting sun reflecting amazingly across the many different shades of purple from the heather.
The views stretch for miles and remain unspoilt by man.
Bunter was less than impressed when we decided to stop and take in the view.
Both dogs had a fantastic time playing, jumping through the heather, in puddles and charging up and down the narrow paths they found. It was such a pleasure to watch them so full of fun and energy on their evening adventure.
Love for now Emma & the Dals xxx