This is a splendid 10 mile walk from Singleton, across the Downs to Heyshott and back. There are plenty of slopes to be tackled, a couple of them extremely steep. This walk is not for the unfit.
We walked the route in January – following a period of heavy rain. The bottom section, which follows the line of the escarpment heading west, was very heavy going – to the point of being unpleasant. I think the track is used by 4WD vehicles and so was severely churned, comprehensively mashed.
The walk kicks off from Singleton, along a path which goes up along the edge of the school playground, past the churchyard then steeply up the open down. Take the chance to look back – Singleton nestles comfortably in the valley. On the horizon pick out the Trundle (see walk here).
Once over the style take an immediate half-right across Levin Down to a fence and style marking the entrance to the nature reserve. Pass through the reserve, leaving only your footprints. The reserve has an ancient air enhanced by the free roaming ancient breed sheep looking quizzically at passers by.
After around half a mile the edge of the reserve is reached. Go over the style, turn right. Walk out to a tee junction and turn right. After about 100 yds take a signposted path to the left, which heads up and over a field. Follow the path to a large field at the summit of the rise. Cross this field toward the woods, when you get about half way you’ll spot the style on the far side of the field. Head for it. Over and into the woods.