A short walk for the whole family around The Trundle, near Chichester

Children will love racing around the circular chalk track on this walk and spotting what is going on at Goodwood below.

The Basics

Time: 30 minutes to get to the top and loop around

Distance: 1.8 km

Terrain: Gradual incline up a lightly stony track

Pushchair: You might find the track bumpy, but it is probably possible

Dogs: Yes

Refreshments: The T Box trailer selling hot drinks and bites is usually in attendance and we love a picnic on the grassy hilltop

Parking: Chalk Pits Car Park, free (Postcode: PO18 0SP - W3W: reactions/vented/bright)

This short and easy walk allows families to explore the ancient monument that is the Iron Age hillfort of The Trundle. At the same time you can enjoy fantastic views across the landscape as far as The English Channel and directly over Goodwood Race Course.

I am going to add a bit of a disclaimer to this walk to say that the poppy photos were taken in the summer of 2021, when they were planted as a crop by the landowner. In 2022, there were no poppies in quite such abundance, but some had self seeded, so there was a scattering. Time will tell if the farmer ever choses to replant the crop in the same location, but The Trundle still deserves a place in our library of walks in its own right.

There is an obvious path from the car park that takes you up the hill via a stony track to The Trundle, an Iron Age hill fort. At the top, you can follow the chalky path in a circle and you will find fabulous views across the landscape of West Sussex and the English Channel beyond. At one point, you will have a commanding view over Goodwood Racecourse. This is a favourite spot to come a nab yourself a free ‘grandstand’ view on race days.
You can make a simple circuit of this walk by following The Monarch’s Way as it exits The Trundle in the direction of Goodwood and then taking the bridle path on your right, just past some trees. This will allow you to return to the car park across the large field/downland at the side of the hill. The bridle path will join the stony track you started on just before the car park.