A large traditional cache near the trig point on Blackdown common
Enjoy the spectacular views over Surrey and West Sussex from this and other parts of from Blackdown!
LOCAL INFORMATION
Blackdown is the highest hill in Sussex at 280 metres (919 feet). In southeastern England it is exceeded only by Walbury Hill and Leith Hill. It is also the highest point in the South Downs National Park. The pine- and heather-covered slopes are owned by the National Trust and are a favourite walking spot, where you can still get a true sense of 'wild'.
The flanks of Black Down have old flower-rich meadows, ancient woodland and copses. The meadows are cut for hay, which is used to feed the cows over the winter. Today, the National Trust look after Black Down for its internationally important heathland. You might come across one of the cows - they help to control the scrub, which encourages the heather to flourish.
Blackdown has strong literary associations with the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The views have inspired many for years and none so renowned as Tennyson himself: ‘You came and looked and loved the view, long known and loved by me, Green Sussex fading into blue with one grey glimpse of sea.’
The secluded sunken lane that runs from Haslemere past Aldworth is named Tennyson's Lane in memory of the poet. As you amble down some of the ancient sunken lanes and drove ways, you can feel a sense of timelessness. Traders, shepherds and chert quarrymen have been using these tracks for thousands of years. It is little changed from Arthur Paterson's description in 1905: “Trees meet overhead, copsewood surrounds it, and later, it is hedged by high sandy banks thickly overgrown with plant and scrub; squirrels and rabbits, and all other small woodland creatures, disport themselves over it. It twists and turns, and to the stranger appears to lead nowhere in particular.”
Aside from its height and its wild beauty, Blackdown is best known as the site of the poet's house, Aldworth. Keen to escape the summer 'trippers' who came to his Isle of Wight home, Farringford, Tennyson purchased Blackdown, and built Aldworth in 1869. The French-style Gothic house was designed by Sir James Knowles and is built of local sandstone. It stands on a ridge overlooking the Weald, with magnificent views. Lord Tennyson used Aldworth as his summer residence, taking long walks over Blackdown. He died in the house on 6 October 1892.
Geologically Blackdown is part of the Greensand Ridge and lying on the western margins of the Weald. A geological relief model of Blackdown, and much information on its natural history, can be found in the Haslemere Educational Museum.
DISCOVERING MORE
50 things to do before you are 11 3/4
There're plenty of family fun for everyone at Blackdown. Why not come and try one of the fantastic 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ activities? If you can't decide which one to do first, here are our favourite things to do: Climb a tree, Fly a kite, Go on a really long bike ride, Catch a falling leaf. If you find this geocache you can tick it off the list!
Walk to the Temple of the Winds
Alfred Lord Tennyson fell in love with the Black Down Hills and would stride out through the heather, wrapped in his cloak. Follow in his footsteps and walk through the Black Down's beautiful woodland and heathland.
The walk goes to the Temple of the Winds, named after a Bronze Age circular bank. Here you can find one of the best views of the South Downs National Park. This little-known spot has a secret feel and a charming curved stone seat to rest on.
Rare Silver-studded Blue Butterfly
One of Britain’s rarest butterflies, the Silver-studded Blue, is being reintroduced on land at Black Down, West Sussex, in a bid to help safeguard its future. Black Down was identified as a suitable habitat for the Silver-studded Blue following a heathland restoration project by National Trust rangers and volunteers, which took 12 years to complete. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one.
PERMISSION
Cache placed with kind permission from the National Trust