Long Man of Wilmington and Windover Hill
East Sussex
The Long Man of Wilmington is the tallest chalk hill figure in Britain, a 72 metre outline cut into the steep north face of Windover Hill above Wilmington, where dogs go on a lead past the sheep and cattle that graze the ridge. Its origins are debated: a 2003 investigation suggested it may date from the 16th or 17th century rather than being prehistoric, and the Sussex Archaeological Society has owned and managed the site since 1925. This 10.1km circular walk climbs from the free car park by Wilmington Priory onto the South Downs Way, follows the ridge east past Windover Hill's Bronze Age burial mounds and the chalk grassland of Lullington Heath National Nature Reserve, then drops to Litlington and the Cuckmere valley before looping back, with around 307 metres of climbing on grass tracks and chalk paths.
This dog friendly walk covers proper distance across classic open downland, with sheep and cattle grazing Windover Hill and the surrounding farmland, so dogs need to be kept on a lead around livestock, and local folklore even claims the hill is haunted by a ghostly black dog. Away from grazing animals, the wide grass tracks of the South Downs Way give a dog room to walk, and Lullington Heath's chalk grassland is a good spot to let your dog take in the scent of wild thyme and rock rose. There is no water or shade on the open ridge, so carry enough for a long day, and Wilmington village has a pub for afterwards, with more choice in nearby Alfriston.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.1 km (6.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on the route; a pub in Wilmington village near the start and finish, more choice in Alfriston.
- Parking
- Free car park by Wilmington Priory (height limit applies), Wilmington village.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Long Man of Wilmington and Windover Hill, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Man of Wilmington and Windover Hill dog friendly?
Long Man of Wilmington and Windover Hill is a solid choice for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. It's a proper 10.1km circular walk across open downland with wide grass tracks and chalk paths, giving dogs plenty of space to stretch their legs. The main consideration is livestock — sheep and cattle graze Windover Hill and the surrounding farmland, so leads are essential around animals.
Can dogs be off lead at Long Man of Wilmington and Windover Hill?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead when passing the sheep and cattle that graze the ridge around Windover Hill and the surrounding farmland. Away from grazing areas, the wide grass tracks of the South Downs Way offer more room, and Lullington Heath's chalk grassland is a good spot for dogs to explore the scents of wild thyme and rock rose. It's worth keeping a close eye on conditions as you go, since livestock can be present across much of the route.
What should I know before visiting Long Man of Wilmington and Windover Hill with my dog?
This is a full day's walk with around 307 metres of climbing, so come prepared — there's no water or shade on the open ridge, so carry plenty for both you and your dog. Parking is free at the car park by Wilmington Priory, though a height limit applies, so check that before you set off. After the walk, there's a pub in Wilmington village, and more options in nearby Alfriston if you fancy something to eat.
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