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Whether a gentle stroll from Petersfield to Sky Park Farm on a weekend afternoon, or a determined march during school holidays to burn off some energy, the Serpent Trail provides a delightful route as it snakes its way through glorious countryside where the three counties of Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex meet. 

The 64 mile long Serpent Trail was designed to showcase the rare habitats and heathlands of the South Downs National Park. The Heathland that embodies the trail was created thousands of years ago by exhausted soil following the clearing of trees and working the land – with local lifestyles subsequently shaped by their environment. 

Walkers will pass through purple heather, green woods, golden valleys of Hampshire and Surrey and the Sussex greensand hills. The Serpent Trail starts with the serpent’s ‘tongue’  in Haslemere High Street, Surrey, leads to the ‘head’ at Black Down, West Sussex, turns west, east and west again along the greensand ridges. Following the eponymous snake shaped marker discs as the trail snakes through Liphook, Milland, Fernhurst, Petworth, Fittleworth, Duncton, Heyshott, Midhurst, Stedham and Nyewood to finally reach the serpent’s ‘tail’ at Petersfield Heath in Hampshire. 

If starting the trail from Petersfield, the 40 minute walk from the Heath to Sky Park Farm offers some quintessentially English scenery. Criss-crossing the River Rother on several occasions you will see smiles all round as the offer of a competitive game of Pooh Sticks tempts across one of the bridges. As you get closer to Sky Park Farm, you will soon spot herds of red, white and sika deer. Sky Park Farm is located a few paces off the trail just before the final leg to Petersfield Heath. Visitors can access the farm via the main entrance just off Durford Road. 

From 16th July, Sky Park Farm is open 6 days a week from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.  Entry to the Farm is through the Visitor Centre. The Grazing Rooms café, Farm Shop and Butcher will be opening soon.