Levin Down: A Short Walk in the Beautiful South Downs
Rolling green countryside, beautiful wildlife, quaint towns, a tranquil nature reserve and picturesque hilltop views. Continue reading for our detailed guide on the Levin Down Walk; one of the top walks in the South Downs National Park.
The South Downs National Park is an area of incredible natural beauty. Verdant rolling countryside, ancient woodland, river valleys, magnificent white cliffs and a rich variety of wildlife characterise most of the 1,600 square kilometres that make up the National Park.
In addition, you can also expect to find a rich cultural heritage, lively villages, picturesque market towns, large estates, well-preserved historical features and an environment shaped by centuries of farming and embracing new enterprises.
The South Downs National Park boasts over 3,300 kilometres of footpaths, bridleways and byways making it a fantastic place to explore on foot.
There are walks for everyone; from old railway lines converted into trails and country pubs connected by footpaths to coastal walks overlooking the shimmering English Channel and winding paths through heathlands.
One of the best full-day walks we’ve done as a day trip from London is from Seaford to Eastbourne over the monumental Seven Sisters Cliffs.
In this guide, we’ll share with you one of the top walks in the South Downs National Park; the Levin Down Walk. This is a gorgeous short stroll encompassing rolling green countryside, a sheltered nature reserve, wildlife and hilltop views.
Our top tip: for one of the most unique places to stay near the Levin Down Walk, check out our review on the Old Railway Station in Petworth. A historic station house converted into a beautiful guest house where you can even sleep in restored train carriages!
The name Levin Down comes from the meaning ‘Leave Alone Hill’ as the land was too steep for the plough or other intensive agriculture.
On the Levin Down Walk, you’ll pass through Levin Down Nature Reserve which is a Site of Scientific Special Interest as it’s home to very rare chalk heath and grazed by native Herdwick sheep.
The Levin Down Walk
The Levin Down Walk is a fairly easy 4.3-kilometre loop with one short steep climb to the top of the hill at the start. The path’s uneven and can get quite muddy at times so make sure you’re wearing trainers at least. Allow for 1 – 1.5 hours.
You begin the walk in the quaint village of Singleton. It’s a very small and quiet village and we found somewhere to park along the road very easily.
The trailhead starts to the left of Singleton C of E Primary School where there is a gate a little way along a footpath. Go through the gate and head up the hill straight ahead.
Pass through another gate and follow the bridleway towards the top of the hill. After approximately 400 metres, you’ll reach a stock fence. Keeping this fence to your left, turn right and the route runs parallel.
Our top tip: make sure to turn around for some lovely views across the picturesque village of Singleton.
Once through the gate, follow the narrow footpath through the woods further into Levin Down Nature Reserve.
At the metal water troughs, turn slightly right and head over the brow of the hill and go through the wooden gate at the edge of the field.
Continue on the footpath for a little while through the nature reserve until you reach a set of gates on the boundary. Continue downhill until you reach the road.
When you reach the road, turn left for 100 metres then right for 100 metres. You’ll see a signposted footpath on your right which will take you back to Singleton Village.
This short Levin Down Walk took us an hour to complete with a couple of stops for water and to take photos. There are some benches along the route which are nice to sit at and enjoy the view over Singleton village.
Everything Else You Need to Know for the Levin Down Walk
Can I take my dog?
Yes, but as always, be responsible and make sure they’re on a lead when around any wildlife. Also, remember to clean up after them!
Getting to the Levin Down Walk Trailhead
The easiest way to reach the trailhead is by car. Use the postcode PO18 0HP which will take you to the school and the start of the trail.
Alternatively, the closest train station is Chichester. From here, take the number 60 bus to Singleton which goes every 30 minutes.
Is there anywhere to eat?
In Singleton, there’s a traditional countryside pub, The Partridge Inn, serving delicious homemade meals. There’s also The Gallery Tea Rooms if you’re craving a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the Levin Down Walk; one of the best walks in the South Downs National Park. If you have any other walking recommendations in The South Downs National Park, leave a comment or get in contact as we’d love to hear them!
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