Cissbury Ring and the Findon Valley
West Sussex
Cissbury Ring is the largest Iron Age hillfort in Sussex, a massive oval earthwork sitting on the chalk escarpment above Worthing. The 8.2 km circuit from the Storrington Rise car park climbs to the fort via the South Downs Way, circles the inside and outside of the enormous ramparts, and returns via the Findon Valley on a quieter chalk grassland path. The interior of the fort is an extraordinary enclosed space — a wide, slightly bowl-shaped plateau of grazed turf where Norman-era flint mines create hummocky ground that dogs investigate with serious interest.
Sheep graze the interior for much of the year, so leads are essential inside the fort and on the ramparts. The valley return is usually quieter with more relaxed off-lead walking between the grazed sections. The dry chalk turf carries a distinctive mineral smell cut through with lanolin from the sheep and wild marjoram in summer. No facilities on site; Worthing is 5 km south for a post-walk stop.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.2 km (5.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on site; Worthing town centre 5 km south
- Parking
- Cissbury Ring National Trust car park, BN14 0HU
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cissbury Ring and the Findon Valley dog friendly?
Yes, Cissbury Ring is a great spot for dogs , the 8.2 km circuit from the Storrington Rise car park offers a really satisfying mix of open chalk escarpment, ancient earthworks and quieter valley paths. The interior of the Iron Age hillfort is a broad, hummocky plateau that most dogs find absolutely fascinating, and the valley return tends to be calm and unhurried.
Can dogs be off lead at Cissbury Ring and the Findon Valley?
Sheep graze the interior of the fort and the ramparts for much of the year, so dogs need to be kept on leads in those areas. The valley return path is generally quieter and offers more relaxed off-lead walking between the grazed sections, making it a good reward for well-behaved dogs after the hillfort circuit.
What should I know before visiting Cissbury Ring and the Findon Valley with my dog?
There are no facilities on site, so bring plenty of water for you and your dog, especially on warmer days when the open chalk grassland offers little shade. Parking is at the Cissbury Ring National Trust car park (BN14 0HU), and if you fancy a post-walk stop, Worthing town centre is around 5 km south. Keep leads handy throughout , livestock can appear in several sections of the route.
Cissbury Ring National Trust car park, Storrington Rise, Worthing, BN14 0HU
50.8850, -0.4835
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