North Hill

The walk up North Hill from Henfield is exactly what the South Downs does best - nothing fancy, just proper walking with views that justify the climb. At around 250 metres, it's not a slog, but the path is steep enough that you'll feel you've earned the summit. The real reward is the view west across the weald, rolling farmland stretching away under big skies. On a clear day it's rather lovely.

This is a straightforward peaks-and-views sort of walk, not a destination where you'll spend hours. Most people get to the top, have a sniff around for 20 minutes, then head back down. Families with younger kids might find the ascent a bit much without proper breaks, but it's nothing that would worry a regular walker. The route from Henfield is direct and well-used.

If you're based at one of the local caravan parks - Foot of the Downs and Downsview Park are closest at under two miles away - this works nicely as a morning walk before you settle in for the afternoon. Blacklands Farm and Southdown Way Caravan & Camping Park are further out but still within reasonable striking distance. There's no charge and no formal opening hours; you're simply walking the South Downs Way. Best visited when the weather's settled enough to make those views worthwhile. In heavy rain or fog, you won't see much beyond the grass in front of you.