Harting Down is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland in the National Trust's care, a stretch of the South Downs above South Harting in West Sussex grazed by sheep for thousands of years. The turf carries pyramidal orchids and wild herbs, one of the best juniper sites in the south, grizzled skipper butterflies and the rare blue carpenter bee. Look out for an Iron Age hill fort, cross-ridge dykes and the remains of a Napoleonic telegraph station on Beacon Hill, the highest point. Reviewers praise the views north over the Weald and south to the Isle of Wight, say the climbs are steep but rewarding, and suggest crossing the road from the car park to the fenced, overgrown ruin of the Vandalian Tower on the Uppark estate. Set up the JustPark app before arriving, as members register there to park free. There are no toilets; the nearest are in South Harting beside the White Hart. Dogs are welcome on leads.
