10k Run Southwick: Scenic Loop around Edburton Hill

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the raw beauty of the South Downs on this 11.2km loop starting from Mile Oak. This is a quintessential trail run characterized by rolling chalk hills and expansive ridge views. With 200m of ascent, you'll tackle a steady climb toward Thundersbarrow Hill before navigating the sweeping bridleways over Southwick Hill and Fulking Hill. The terrain is entirely unpaved, offering a mix of compact chalk, grass, and occasional flint—expect a moderate challenge that rewards your effort with 360-degree panoramas of the Sussex coastline and the Weald.

Local runners cherish this area for its deep historical roots; Thundersbarrow Hill is home to a Bronze Age hillfort and a Romano-British village site, reminding you of the centuries of foot traffic these hills have seen. As you traverse Edburton Hill and the surrounding escarpments, keep an eye out for the unique chalk grassland flora and the soaring red kites that frequent the thermals here. This route captures the spirit of the South Downs National Park, providing a perfect escape into the high country just north of Southwick and Shoreham-by-Sea.