meon group logo

Meon Group

Meon Ramblers welcome people of all ages. Our weekly walks explore the varied countryside and coast of Hampshire and West Sussex.

Email

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

A hilly walk taking us to some of the most scenic parts of the South Downs. From Stoughton Down we will head north via East Marden to reach the main ridge of the downs at Beacon Hill. We will then follow the South Downs Way west past Harting Down before returning south via Ekensfield, Compton and Up Marden.

This can be regarded as a strenuous walk with a number of ascents and descents, some steep. We should be rewarded with some superb views, weather permitting.

Update 5th March. Roads in the area have been affected by recent flooding. If approaching Walderton from the south on the B2146  'Road closed ahead' signs can be ignored as the turn off to Stoughton is before the closure. The road between West Marden and Walderton is closed. There is some surface water on the road past Stoughton but this has receded in the last week and the road is passable with care.

On the walk itself, there was surprisingly little mud or wet conditions underfoot when I pre walked the route last week. With sunny weather forecast for Sunday it should be ideal conditions to enjoy this beautiful part of the world.

Sunday, 8 March 2026
Start time:
9:30 am
Estimated finish time:
4:00 pm
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Distance:
24.1km / 15.0mi
Ascent:
670.6m / 2200ft
Type:
circular

Please bring refreshments for mid morning and lunch breaks.

Features

  • Car parking available

Starting point

Grid reference:
SU 81518 12606
Nearest postcode:
PO18 9JG
what3words:
tucked.causes.regime
Start time:
9:30 am

Stoughton Down car park*. 1 mile east of Stoughton village.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking