Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee Plantation, Ditchling

This varied walk is one of our favourites for a dog walk when we’re pet sitting in East Sussex as dogs can roam off lead, and we love to admire the gorgeous surroundings! The instantly recognisable ‘V’ shape of the Jubilee Plantation, which was planted to honour Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, is a beautiful and interesting highlight along the South Downs. Our route takes you along the countryside footpaths from Ditchling towards Streat to get the best view of the ‘V’ from below, before ascending the South Downs to view it from above as you travel along the Downs, eventually returning to Ditchling village. The steep ascent up the Downs, as well as the chalky pathway you’ll follow to descend, are not for the faint hearted but the panoramic views at the top make all those steps worth your efforts! Make sure you’re prepared for the varied terrain with appropriate, sturdy footwear.

There is free parking at Ditchling Recreation Ground where this route begins. If you’d like to start this loop walk on top of the Downs, or simply amend the route to only visit the V and avoid the steep climb, there is a National Trust car park at Ditchling Beacon where there’s a small parking fee for non-members. You’ll find dog waste bins here and at Ditchling Recreation Ground, but no others en route – be sure to pick up after your dog along the way and take your bags with you.

We’ve marked this route as difficult for two reasons – the first is due to the varied terrain. You’ll begin this walk on the flat grass of Ditchling Recreation Ground before heading into woodland where tree roots cross the path, and it can get muddy here after a few days of rain. Out the other side of the woods you’ll follow a road towards Streat which is quiet, though be aware of intermittent traffic and horse riders. Be sure to look to the South along this road as this is your opportunity to get the best view of the ‘V’ trees on top of the Downs! It really makes you appreciate the care that went into planting the trees in such a recognisable shape in homage to Queen Victoria. Following the road to the right you’ll pass through more woodland (also muddy after inclement weather!) before arriving at the base of the Downs.

This brings us to our second reason why this walk is difficult – the climb to the top of the Downs is a challenging one due to the steep ascent. The terrain underfoot is mostly chalky with some grass and, again, this makes for slippery footing after days of rainfall. If you’re bringing your four-legged friends along for the walk, be aware that livestock graze on the Downs at various points – be vigilant and put your dogs on lead where necessary. The pathway off the Downs is also steep so take your time! Once you reach the base of the Downs it’s a simple walk through woodland that brings you out almost opposite Ditchling Recreation Ground where you began.

There’s a seasonal drinks and ice cream van at Ditchling Beacon in the Summer, but otherwise there are no facilities on this route. Once you’re nearing the end of this walk you could divert into Ditchling village where you’ll find a handful of quintessential countryside pubs and cafes. We highly recommend The Bull for high quality food, and a friendly atmosphere where dogs are welcome too!