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Chanctonbury Ring hillfort – Cissbury Ring Circular Trail loop from Steyning

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Chanctonbury Ring hillfort – Cissbury Ring Circular Trail loop from Steyning

Hard

5.0

(1)

137

runners

Chanctonbury Ring hillfort – Cissbury Ring Circular Trail loop from Steyning

04:53

41.2km

800m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

South Downs National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

9.42 km

View from Barnsfarm Hill

Highlight • Viewpoint

Lovely nice open views on this section when you're going over Barnsfarm Hill. The views out over the South Downs are a lush carpet of green and you have a quality path to boot.

Tip by

16.8 km

Chanctonbury Ring is a late Bronze or early Iron Age hillfort that boasts sublime views over the South Downs countryside. The ring, which is well-known for its prominent beech trees, is hailed as a place where the supernatural happens. According to legend, if you run backwards around the ring six times on a midsummer's night you can summon the devil. There have been UFO sightings on the hill, too.

Tip by

20.8 km

Cissbury Ring

Highlight • Historical Site

Cissbury Ring is an Iron Age hill fort in the South Downs National Park. It's one of the largest hill forts in Europe, covering an area of around 60 acres (24 hectares). The site has a rich history with evidence of settlement dating back over 5,000 years.

The site is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of orchids and butterflies. The hill fort is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is managed by the National Trust.

From the base of the hill, there's a footpath that leads to a trig point at the top. There are stunning views over the English Channel and as far as The Isle of Wight. It's worth dismounting and walking up the hill, as you'll also see resident ponies from the New Forest grazing across the area.

Tip by

22.1 km

Cissbury Ring Circular Trail

Highlight • Trail

This is the path that goes around Cissbury Ring Iron Age Fort, which is owned by the National Trust. At over 60 acres, it is the second largest Hill Fort in England and also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) famous for its variety of butterflies. There are nice views to be had from here south to Worthing and the sea. It is easily accessible from the Storrington Rise car park.

Tip by

26.8 km

Cissbury Ring Hill Fort

Highlight • Historical Site

Cissbury Ring is the largest hill fort in Sussex and is more than 5,000 years-old. From the summit, which stands at more than 600 feet (184 m) tall, you are afforded breathtaking views over the countryside, all the way to Brighton and the chalk cliffs of the coast. On a clear day, you can even see the Isle of Wight.

During spring and autumn you are able to observe a wide variety of migratory birds here as Cissbury is one of the first coastal landing points. The fort is managed by the National Trust and is accessible at any time, free of charge.

Tip by

27.1 km

Tree at Cissbury Ring

Highlight • Natural Monument

32.2 km

Bench With View of Lancing Ring

Highlight • Viewpoint

38.0 km

South Downs Way Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

With train stations at the start and the finish, and ports that can have you in France in only a few hours, the South Downs Way is easily accessible. If camping out along the route is not your thing there are a few hostels and B&Bs along the way too, or if you’re feeling strong you can tackle it all in one ride!

Another handy point about the South Downs Way is that drinking taps are frequently dotted along the route, which on a summer’s day become essential when out on the ridge; there is little shade in these hills.

Tip by

41.2 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

26.5 km

9.59 km

2.54 km

1.40 km

437 m

429 m

289 m

Surfaces

21.5 km

7.57 km

5.26 km

3.10 km

2.78 km

1.02 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Thursday 9 July

33°C

19°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Chanctonbury Ring hillfort – Cissbury Ring Circular Trail loop from Steyning

View from Barnsfarm Hill