This is typical downland in so far as there are the flat and leisurely areas below the downs and steep and challenging ascents and descents. When there has been prolonged rain, or if it is frosty then some walkers may prefer to use trekking poles to help their confidence. The signage is very good. On a clear day the views are spectacular.
There is an optional diversion to the village of Small Dole which has a pub, shop and Post Office. This diversion can be used to get to and from the hostel if you are using public transport.
[1] Leave the YHA turning right down the gravel track, noticing the expansive views. Shortly reach a bridle gate on the right and up to Beeding Hill. Below and to the left you notice the vibrant village of Steyning. Continue straight on at the first way mark. Contrary to the direction on the next way mark turn right and take the clearer path round the top of the valley. Below you see the Golding Barn Moto-cross Raceway which, at times disturbs the peace of the setting. As the path begins to descend the grazing land becomes less overgrown. Head diagonally down hill to the left, through a bridle gate and on to a steep down hill fenced track, which might be slippery. Continue until reaching a road.
[2] Carefully cross the road and walk to the right a few yards and pick up the path at Tottington Manor. Shortly turn left beside a wood fence. At the gate turn right on to a road and follow this to Tottington Cottages. Keep straight ahead.a the threee way sign on a grassy track, which inclines for a while. Enter Tottington Wood. Keep straight ahead. Come to a four way junction in the wood. Continue ahead.
[3] Just before Tottington Cottages an alternative route diverts to Small Dole. Just before the cottages is a footpath over a stile and the optional route into the village of Small Dole, about 1.5 miles before joining the route again. Cross the field diagonally to the right and over an foot bridge a the corner of the field, to join a rather littered and uncared for path. Follow the path to a 3-way sign, turn left to reach a factory estate roadway. Turn left, right at T-junction and right on to the main street. nearby is the Fox Pub, which is closed weekday afternoons. Further on is a convenience store and Post Office.
To return to the walk, go back up the road and just past the pub. On the left is a sign saying Tottington Wood, beside a private car park. Find a gate to the left at the entrance to an industrial unit, which says disabled access to Margaret Mackley Trail. Follow the trail to the first way-mark where the trail goes straight ahead, turn right. Cross a road, maintaining your direction. You are now in Tottington Wood. This is a lovely wood which becomes more enjoyable when you leave the smells and noises of the industrial estate behind. The path can be very muddy in places. Bear left at a junction and then take the right hand path at a sign (see picture) Continue to reach a 4-way marker where you join the main route, turn left. (if in doubt follow the footpath signs.)
[4] Leave the woods by a gate and follow an obvious track straight ahead to the farm. At the farm take the route to the right then very shortly turn left towards a bungalow. Turn right just before the bungalow and then left. After about 20 metres go through a gate on your right. The route is now straight ahead. Cross two bridges and a stile. Contunue ahead to reach a made up road at Little Oreham Farm. Turn right and opposite Oreham Manor go left over a stile by a field gate. Follow the path ahead across the field. Enter a second field and walk ahead along the field edge. Cross a stile to walk into a wood. The trees end and you see a signpost on your right. Cross the stile to continue on the main route.
A possible diversion takes you straight ahead for about 20 metres till you meet the road. Turn left and walk along the road for about 600 metres to reach Woods Mill Nature Park on your left. (Buses which call at Small Dole also stop on the main road about 20 metres past the entrance to the park, although there are no bus stops.) Return to point 5 the same way.
[5] Having crossed the stile walk diagonally across the field at about 45 degrees from the field edges. Aim for 3 mature trees. At the other side of the field cross a stile, a track and another stile and follow the fenced path straight ahead. The route is clearly marked. Cross a track and join a further fenced path in the same direction. Cross a further stile and take the path round the edge of the field. The path bears right through hedges and crosses a stile and small bridge. Now go straight ahead. Cross another small bridge and go through a gap in the hedge. Walk diagonally left to a corner in the field. When you reach the corner continue in the same direction aiming for a solitary tree. Cross a bridge and continue in the same direction. Pass through a small, recently planted, wood. The path bears round to the right and joins a concrete track. Follow the track to a bend. The track turns left but you continue straight ahead. You see a barn on your left. Follow the route to the left. By the barn turn right following a finger post and go through metal gates on a track. Follow this track until you reach the road by Aburton Farm House.
[6] Carefully cross the road to the path opposite. At the bridle gate turn left and follow the bridleway steeply up Edburton Hill, stopping to admire the view to the North. Close to the top is a 3 way post. Carry straight on to reach a bridle gate and the South Downs Way (SDW). Turn right and follow the SDW back to the hostel. On the way pass the masts and aerials at Truleigh Hill, which was once an early warning radar station.