Shottermill to Marley Common and Cognor Wood walk, Black Down

A circular walk from the ancient millponds to Marley Common. See beech trees, vibrant heath grazed by belted Galloway, heathland birds & insects. Descend into a sweet chestnut coppice & up to a butterfly rich meadow. 1 steep incline & loose surfaces.

Covering 6.9 km, this is a satisfying walk that most reasonably fit hikers will complete in about 1 hour and 31 minutes.

This linear trail moves from one end to the other without looping back. A return journey by transport — or retracing the path — is needed to get back to the start.

Part of the Local Walking Network (LWN), this trail is ideal for exploring the neighbourhood landscape. It is typically well-known to local walkers and offers an authentic sense of place.