Ordnance Survey Map 2015

Visitors should first make their way to Bepton Village which is set at the foot of Bepton Down under the north side of the South Downs.  Bepton Village is situated some 2 miles (just over 3 km)  south west of Midhurst and can be reached from there along a country road.  Visitors coming from Chichester should take the Midhurst road and turn left at the Bluebell Inn in Cocking along Bell Lane.  Bepton Village is set in a beautiful location and the visitor would also be able to visit the thirteenth century St. Mary’s Church and possibly seek refreshments at Park House Hotel.

At the T junction at the foot of Bepton Down (SU860181) a restricted byway leads the walker towards Bepton Down.  This is initially fairly flat before bearing left (SU859176)  and setting the visitor on a gentle uphill climb.  After a bit another T junction (SU862173)  is reached.  At this point it is possible to bear left and begin a slow descent towards the village of Cocking or to bear right and ascend towards the top of the South Downs where one is able to join the South Downs Way.

However on the right  at this T junction the visitor will notice a field gate as well as a kissing gate leading onto the Access Ares of Bepton Down SSSI. The visitor choosing to go through the kissing gate will find a track in the field climbing upwards towards the top of the down which is  parallel to the restricted byway.  At the top end of this inner track the visitor will find another kissing gate which allows access back onto the restricted byway (SU857173).  At that point there is an escarpment, a field gate and a water trough.   These mark the top end of Bepton Down Access Area.

The chalk grassland area of this SSSI is bounded by a fence line partially blocked by brambles and other vegetation.  The fence itself is constructed of sheep wire topped with two strands of barbed wire.  The area within this fencing is grass, chalk downland meadow with a myriad of beautiful flora and fauna.