Black Down and the Temple of the Winds
West Sussex
Black Down is the highest point in Sussex at 280 metres, a heather and pine covered sandstone hill on the Surrey border grazed by livestock year round, so dogs stay on a lead across the site. Alfred, Lord Tennyson loved it so much he built his last home nearby and walked its paths daily wrapped in a black cloak. Flint tools found here show people were using the hill as far back as Mesolithic times, some 8,000 years ago. The National Trust's Temple of the Winds trail is a 3.2km circular walk from the car park on Tennyson's Lane, climbing through a sunken track onto the open heath, then crossing to the Temple of the Winds, a Bronze Age circular bank with a curved stone seat and one of the best views over the South Downs National Park, before returning north through a beech hanger, one of Black Down's most photographed corners in autumn.
This dog friendly walk asks for a lead throughout, since livestock graze Black Down all year round to keep the heath in good condition for its wildlife. Even on a lead, dogs get plenty to enjoy: the heather and bilberry underfoot carry rich scent, and the beech hanger gives shade in summer. There are no water sources up on the open heath, so bring some for your dog, especially in summer. Dog waste bins are provided at the main car park, so there is no need to carry bags all the way round. Haslemere, a short drive away, has dog friendly cafes and pubs for afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.2 km (2.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Heathland, Peak, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Dog waste bins at the main car park; no cafe or toilets on site, though Haslemere nearby has dog friendly options.
- Parking
- National Trust car park, Tennyson's Lane, Haslemere GU27 3BJ.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Black Down and the Temple of the Winds, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Down and the Temple of the Winds dog friendly?
Black Down is a great day out for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The 3.2km Temple of the Winds trail offers heather and bilberry underfoot, woodland shade through the beech hanger, and a spectacular viewpoint over the South Downs — all of which dogs tend to find pretty engaging even on a lead. Dog waste bins are provided at the main car park, which makes things straightforward from the off.
Can dogs be off lead at Black Down and the Temple of the Winds?
Dogs need to stay on a lead throughout the entire walk, as livestock graze Black Down all year round to help maintain the heath for its wildlife. This applies across the whole site, not just in specific areas, so it's worth knowing before you go. That said, the varied terrain and rich scents of the heather and woodland give dogs plenty to enjoy despite the lead.
What should I know before visiting Black Down and the Temple of the Winds with my dog?
The most important thing to pack is water for your dog — there are no water sources on the open heath, which can make things uncomfortable in warmer months. Leads are required throughout due to year-round livestock grazing, so leave the long line at home. After the walk, Haslemere is a short drive away and has dog friendly cafes and pubs if you and your dog need a well-earned rest.
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