Date: TBC
Start: The Trundle
Start Time: 10.00
Distance: 5.5 miles
Terrain: One climb
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This walk, both literally and metaphorically, unearths the story of flint, otherwise known as ‘Hampshire/Sussex Diamonds’. More than just a physical journey, it is an interpretive exploration into one of the South Downs’ most overlooked yet ever-present materials. You won’t just see flint—you’ll come to understand its deep-rooted significance through time.
Fred and Wilma Flintstone would have felt right at home in the Western Weald. Around here, it’s impossible to take a walk without tripping over flint—whether it’s scattered in the soil, stacked into walls, or shaping the very houses we live in. At times, it even looks like it’s being cultivated as a crop. Yet despite its abundance and importance, flint rarely features in our local story.
That changes on this walk.
Our exploration begins at The Trundle. This ancient Neolithic causeway enclosure, later reused as an Iron Age fort, is an ideal setting to delve into the layered history of flint. As we make our way gently through the landscape, we’ll explore not only its geological origins, but also how it has been used across centuries in local tools, construction, and culture.
Expect to look at flint (and the land beneath your feet) in a whole new light. After this walk, flint walls won’t just catch your eye; they’ll speak volumes.
This is a slow-paced “walk and talk,” designed for thoughtful wandering rather than speed. The route is around five miles, but do expect it to take longer than you would expectl, especially as we’ll pause for a break at West Dean café.
No dogs please
Google Reviews
“Highly recommend Malinka’s Flint Stones walk it might sound a bit geeky but so informative and interesting. Tremendous views as well.”
“Very interesting and informative walk 5 mile from the Trundle down to West Dean with a focus on flint. It’s formation and uses. Included glorious views across the Downs and the Solent towards the Isle of Wight plus a very nice coffee shop stop !!”
“A very pleasant and interesting walk which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Flint theme was really fascinating – I shall certainly look out for more of your walks, and won’t look at flint walls in the same way again.”
Read more about the Western Weald here
Find other walks here
