Woolbeding Common, Nr Midhurst, West Sussex

by John Trueman
(Henley)

Woolbeding Common is part of the National Trust. The car park on Older Hill takes about 12 cars - but rarely gets completely full.

Take the main road from Midhurst to Petersfield and after a mile turn right - going north-west - towards Woolbeding. Cross the River Rother and keep going towards Liphook and after circa three miles and a gentle climb turn right to Older Hill, after an S-bend. You are now on a single track road with passing places. Take care as there are several blind bends.

Immediately opposite Older Hill car park (about half a mile down on the right) - signed as Woolbeding Common - there is to the west a broad open grassy space surrounded by heather, gorse, bracken and shrubby trees. This is typical upland sandstone heath country. You are on the top of a bowl.

The views west are spectacular. It's possible to see about 300 degrees here, the only part of the horizon not visible is the south east. The wooded countryside stretches as far as the eye can see with the South Downs clearly visible to the south-west.

On the edge of the bowl - about 50 yards from the car park - is a bench facing westwards; but all this grassy area is ideal for spreading out your picnic rug.

The common is huge and it is easy for a newbie to get lost. Bring a map if you intend to walk far. There are lots of paths. It is ideal mountain bike country. Also ideal for off-lead dog walks - if they're obedient!