HIKE 16km The Windmills, Sea views and Chalk Hills of the South Downs

Come and join us for a gorgeous hike across the elevated chalk ridge of the South Downs hills on a route from Hassocks to Lewes. We are travelling so far from London, we are able to see the coast from parts of this ridge hike.

If you enjoy rolling hills, panoramic views stretching to the sea, rivers, windmills, Iron Age hill forts, and picturesque trails through beautiful rural Sussex, you have just found the perfect hike. We triumphantly finish our hike by passing through the striking gateway of Lewes Castle as we enter the ancient market town. To complete the day, we visit a pub for our usual end of hike refreshments.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a superb elevated ridge hike with far reaching panoramic views
• See the 200 year old Clayton windmills Jack and Jill
• Conquer Ditchling Beacon (248m) - the third highest point in south east England that was the site of an Iron Age hill fort
• Visit the ancient and well preserved market town of Lewes
• Hike through the Castle Gate in Lewes - the castle originally built by William the Conqueror in 1069 after his invasion of Britain
• Hike in the South Downs - one of the best National Parks in the south of England

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Our route takes us up onto the South Downs ridge past Jack and Jill - two well preserved windmills. Jack is the only "male" windmill in the UK (all others being considered female) and Jill was originally built in Brighton and moved by a team of horses and oxen and is still used to grind corn. Step by step we reach a dramatic panoramic view stretching to the English Channel, with Brighton perching gently in the foreground on the coast.

Our adventure continues further along the northern edge of the South Downs with superb views inland until we reach Ditchling Beacon. The latter was the site of an Iron Age hill fort and is the third highest point in the South East of England at 248m and consequently has fabulous views across the Weald up to the North Downs Way and the edge of London. It was also the location of one of the Beacons that warned of the Spanish Armada in 1588. After a couple more peaks we drop down to follow the River Ouse into Lewes. We are welcomed into the old part of the town by a dramatic hike through the Castle Gate - the castle originally built by William the Conqueror in 1069 after his invasion of Britain.

MEETING POINT

Victoria station 8:40am, leave at 9am for the 9:16am train. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 5:36pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - GRAHAM 07796 098487 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Grading: Beginners
Ascent: 290m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Convenience Breaks (WC): Train, only woods/bushes during hike , pub at end or train back

COST & PAYMENT

£32 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Check out” to join.

Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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