FREE HIKE ~16km - Steyning Circular via Cissbury and Chanctonbury Rings

📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾Level 3/5 - with a couple of very steep climbs.

SUMMARY:
🥾 ~16km | Circular Walk | Ascent: ~566m | Duration: ~5 hours
📍 Start: Steyning Clock Tower Car Park (Clock Tower bus stop) at 10:20
🚆 For trains and group/discounted tickets from London, please see below.
🏁 Finish: Steyning Clock Tower Car Park, approx. 15:00-16:00
⚠️ Chalk grassland, wet woodland, gravel tracks, hilly and uneven terrain. The route can be very muddy and slippery during the rainy season, so proper waterproof hiking gear and boots are essential

ABOUT:
Starting from Steyning, a historic market town in West Sussex, this circular walk takes you into the countryside through the attractive woodlands, offering great scenery along the way. There are public toilets at the start and the end of the walk. We begin/finish our walk at Steyning Clock Tower Car Park and conclude at a pub near Shoreham by Sea railway station.

DESCRIPTION:
The walk begins in the picturesque town of Steyning, nestling under the South Downs. We head towards the Steyning Downland. The Steyning Downland features a diverse range of habitats, including ancient chalk grassland, chalk scrub, wet woodland, a chalk stream, ponds, and woodland, which create ideal conditions for South Downs wildlife to thrive. Our route then leads us to Chanctonbury Ring. Some parts of the path to Chanctonbury Ring are very steep and can be muddy and slippery. We stop for a short break to enjoy the panoramic views of the South Downs, the North Downs and the sea to the south at Chanctonbury Ring. We then head towards the Cissbury Ring, where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue our hike through the South Downs Way, taking in the stunning views of the sea and the South Downs. We finish the walk at Steyning Clock Tower bus stop.

We then take bus number 2 back to Shoreham by Sea, where our walk concludes at a welcoming pub close to Shoreham by Sea railway station, and we can relax and reflect on the day’s journey.

🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Town of Steyning – one of the most picturesque towns in West Sussex, located at the north end of the River Adur in the South Downs, only four miles away from the coastal town of Shoreham by Sea.
• Steyning Downland – Steyning Downs features a diverse range of habitats, including ancient chalk grassland, chalk scrub, wet woodland, a chalk stream, ponds, and woodland, which create ideal conditions for South Downs wildlife to thrive.
• Chanctonbury Ring – A prehistoric hill fort on top of Chanctonbury Hill in the South Downs with stunning views over Sussex and the sea. The ring is an Iron Age hill fort, best known for the beech trees that dominate the site. These trees were planted in 1760 by Charles Goring, heir to the large Wiston Estate.
• Cissbury Ring – Cissbury Ring, just north of the coastal town of Worthing, is one of the gems in the South Downs National Park. It’s the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years. From the top on a clear day, you can see for miles, with views to the chalk cliffs beyond Brighton and as far as the Isle of Wight.
• Parts of the South Downs National Park
• Views of the North Downs and the sea

🚂 TRAINS (fastest train from London Victoria)

• Ticket: Return from London Victoria → Shoreham by Sea.

📍First meeting point (if coming from London):

• 07:50 Meet at the London Victoria ticket office
• 08:05 Leave the meeting point and board the train
• Catch the 08:16 train from London Victoria (Clapham Junction 08:23), arrive in Shoreham by sea 09:31
• 🟢 Return ticket from London Victoria is £16 if purchased a couple of weeks in advance.
• 🟢 Optional £13 DaySave group ticket option HERE

📍Second meeting point:

• Shoreham by Sea Railway Station entrance at 09:31 sharp
• We then walk to the Shoreham High Street Bus Stop (~11 mins walk).
• Take bus number 2, scheduled at 09:49, towards Steyning, and get off at Steyning Clock Tower (~17 min ride).
• The bus arrives at Steyning Clock Tower at 10:07 (One-way bus fare: £3)

📍Third (and the main) meeting point:

• Steyning Clock Tower Car Park at 10:20

📍 MEETING POINT AND TIME:

• Walk starts: 10:20 sharp from Steyning Clock Tower Car Park
• Walk finishes: Approx. 15:00 to 16:00 at Steyning Clock Tower Car Park. We will then take the bus back to Shoreham by Sea and finish the day at a pub near the Shoreham by Sea railway station.

⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:

• Total distance: approx. ~16km (~10miles)
• Ascent: ~566m
• Grade: Moderate
• Pace: Approx. 4km/h (~2.5mph)

🎒WHAT TO BRING:

• Packed lunch and snacks
• At least 2 L of water
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Layers and waterproof clothing
• Sun protection/winter gear (as appropriate)
• Any personal medication and a basic first aid kit
• Fully charged phone and power bank
• Head torch

📞 CONTACT:

Message the event host, Saeideh, directly via Meetup with any questions.

SAFETY:

• As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.
• ⚠️Chalk grassland, wet woodland, gravel tracks, hilly and uneven terrain.

NOTES:

• This is a group hike led by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join.
• A few wrong turns? That’s part of the fun!
• While you're free to “hike your own hike,” we encourage group participation, get to know one another, make new friends, and enjoy the journey together.
• Food options are limited en route, bring lunch.

DISCLAIMER:
Event Participation Disclaimer
By signing up for an event we host, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• The organisers are not qualified hiking leaders, certified first aiders, or formally trained in navigation, survival, or any related disciplines.
• These hikes are informal, self-guided gatherings of like-minded individuals.
• The hosts expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability for any injuries, accidents, or safety incidents that may occur during participation.
• Participation is entirely voluntary, and all attendees are solely responsible for their own safety and well-being.
• These events are non-commercial and are organised purely as a recreational hobby, with no business or financial interests involved.
• Hiking and outdoor activities inherently carry risks of personal injury. By choosing to participate, you accept these risks and take full responsibility for your own actions and decisions.

GENERAL GROUP POLICY:

• Voluntary Participation: Attendance is at your own risk. The group and hosts bear no liability.
• No Professional Duty of Care: Hosts are volunteers, not trained guides or medical professionals.
• Insurance Is Your Responsibility: If desired, you must arrange your own personal insurance.
• Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles at all times.
• Emergency Preparedness: You are responsible for organising your own emergency plan.
• Weather and Safety: Events may be cancelled or changed if conditions are deemed unsafe.
• Self-Assessment Required: You must honestly assess your fitness and ability to keep pace with the group.
• No Guaranteed Rescue: While help may be offered, full rescue capabilities should not be expected.
• No Minors Without Guardians: Participants must be over 21.
• Right to Refuse Participation: Hosts may turn away any individual who appears unprepared or poses a safety risk to others.
• First Aid Preparedness Encouraged: It is highly recommended that each participant carry a small first aid kit for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters.

FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
By attending this event, you confirm that you are participating voluntarily and at your own risk. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred.