Tree Tunnel Walk to a Sussex Windmill
Duration: Two and a half hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
What to bring
- Water
- Hat
- Wet weather gear
- Sun cream
- Money for refreshments
- Camera
- Sensible walking shoes (part of the path is quite rough and can be muddy)
- Hand sanitiser
From £22 per person
Join Kathryn on a leisurely two-hour guided walk through the Sussex countryside into the South Downs National Park, starting just a 10-minute drive north-west of Chichester.
All bookings are made through Airbnb Experiences. If you do not see a date or time that suits you, please do get in touch, KathrynSussexWalks@gmail.com.
Dogs are welcome but advanced notice is appreciated.
Halnaker Tree Tunnel and Windmill Walk
Join me on a leisurely 3-mile walk through the beautiful Sussex countryside, vineyards and an ancient hollow way following in the footsteps of Romans, commoners and a king fleeing for his life!
We’ll start our walk in a village just a ten-minute drive (20-minute by bus) north of Chichester, passing through vineyards, farmland and a beautiful tunnel of trees.
After a short walk uphill, we’ll see the restored windmill built in 1740 and have time to admire the 360° views of the Sussex countryside. The Isle of Wight can be seen from here on a clear day.
Learn about Boxgrove Man, the oldest human remains ever found in England, a Neolithic settlement and see WWII radio direction-finding structures. Hear local folktales and learn a little Sussex dialect.
Depending on the time of year, we may see a range of butterflies and birds including buzzards, swifts and skylarks.
The walk starts and ends at a traditional country pub that’s over 200 years old. the pub has a large beer garden with plenty of shade-giving trees and plenty of free parking. Refreshments not included.
Usually, the tree tunnel walk occurs in the morning starting at 11 am but just get in touch via my email KathrynSusseWalks@gmail.com, if you’d like a walk on a different day or time shown in my booking calendar above.
The perfect day out in West Sussex
Why not make a day of it and follow my Tree Tunnel and Windmill Walk with this shorter Sussex Villages Walk. A one hour break for lunch between the two walks allows you to enjoy lunch (not included) in the 200-year-old pub where both walks start and end. This village walk is all on the flat and takes us around two ancient villages, both pre-dating the Doomsday Book written in 1086.
Alternatively, spend the afternoon exploring a beautiful historic town on my guided walk through Arundel and the surrounding countryside or download my self-guided Arundel Treasure Trail.
Where to stay in West Sussex
Hello, I’m the writer, photographer, and walking guide, behind Sussex Walks. I was born in West sussex and have lived here all my life (apart from a few years in Bristol while at university studying Zoology, Botany and Psychology).
As well as leading guided walks, I am a complimentary therapist, art teacher and travel blogger. I love having this variety in my work and being able to share all my passions with others.
Definitely a great day in spite of the drizzly weather! We could not have chosen such a pleasant trail and known such interesting historical stories without you, Kathryn! You are a fountain of knowledge and your easy going friendly manner is a breath of fresh air! Many thanks for the lovely time! We will definitely recommend this walk to others!
Thank you, Shelley. It was a lovely morning, as you say, despite the drizzle! I hope you both can join me for another walk one day. Take care and enjoy the rest of your holiday. And do let me know if you’d like any more tips about things to do or where to eat and such.
I have seen images of the Halnaker tree tunnel over the years and always wanted to see it for myself. I was not disappointed (and I learnt how to pronounce Halnaker properly!). But the tree tunnel is not the only highlight of this walk. Kathryn leads you through the beautiful Sussex countryside passing by the local vineyard, through the tree tunnel and up to the windmill for panoramic views of the Goodwood estate below and the Isle of Wight in the distance. Kathryn shares her local knowledge and tales of folklore throughout the walk and ensures there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the beautiful surroundings. If you are looking for a leisurely, fun and informative walk through the countryside with a great host, then look no further. This is one I would definitely recommend.
Thank you, Caroline. It was a lovely morning, spent in great company. I thoroughly enjoyed it too!