The Halnaker Windmill walk is a very popular one and well documented on various websites. People seem to dump their cars all over the place to walk up there, but we recommend parking in the Boxgrove public car park next to the village hall. From there just cross the road at the northern end and follow the windmill trail across the fields and up the hill.

It’s a pretty easy walk of just under 4 miles, suitable for all ages and well behaved dogs. Bear in mind that the site is on top of the hill which means a 128 metre gentle climb, but the views from the top across to the English Channel and The Isle of Wight make it well worthwhile on a clear day.

Halnaker is actually pronounced Ha’naker (silent L), and the Grade 2 Listed windmill has been there since the mid eighteenth century when it was built for the Duke of Richmond. There is also evidence of more modern buildings on the hill which many think are WW2 anti aircraft emplacements but are really part of the ‘Huff-Duff’ radio direction finding station from the war.

Whatever your interests this walk covers a lot, from the vineyard at Tinwood Estate up the ancient track to the top. And when you have had your fill off the views it’s a gentle downhill stroll to where you parked, with a very handy gap in the hedge that leads you into the Anglesey Arms pub garden should you need a spot of refreshment or a bite to eat. The link below is for the pub’s Facebook page as they don’t currently have a website of their own.