Cissbury Ring, just to the east of the village of Findon, is one of the jewels in the crown of the South Downs National Park.
The Ring is the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years. Managed by the National Trust, it is set high up on a chalk promontory, its ditch and ramparts enclosing about sixty-five acres. From the top on a clear day you can see east to the chalk cliffs beyond Brighton and west as far as the Isle of Wight.
Centuries of continuous grazing have produced a wonderful habitat for butterflies and flowers. Rare plants such as the Round-headed Rampion, known as the ‘Pride of Sussex’, thrive here. During spring and autumn you can see a wide variety of migratory birds as Cissbury is one of the first coastal landing points after their long flight across the channel.
The walk around the hill fort itself is approximately one mile.
Chanctonbury Ring, another iron age hill fort, lies approximately 3 miles to the north of Cissbury Ring along public footpaths. Route 23 can be picked up at nearby Washington Village.
Getting to Cissbury Ring
The May Tree Avenue bus stops on the A24 are the nearest for the Ring. Walk along May Tree Avenue and then Storrington Rise. You will see the National Trust car park on your left leading to the footpath up to the Ring.
Route 23