Southease to Ditchling Beacon – South Downs Way

This route follows a gentle and quiet part of the South Downs Way, making for 4 hours of easy hiking despite the exposed nature of the Downs. As is the way with this elevated path, there are a couple of ups and downs but these are gently sloping compared to some of the steep climbs at other points on the South Downs Way. As such we’ve marked this route as easy, but you should prepare yourself for 4+ hours of hiking and wear sturdy shoes to account for the mix of grass and dirt track underfoot – the only level footing being a brief stint of pavement-walking adjacent to the A27 near Falmer.

There are limited parking options for this section of the South Downs Way. The only option near the trail is at the National Trust-owned car park at Ditchling Beacon, where this route ends. For this reason, we recommend using public transport by either catching a train to Southease station, where the route begins, or taking the 123 bus to Rodmell from Newhaven or Lewes and beginning the route there.

The panoramic views along the Downs make for a stunning hike. As you walk this route you’ll pass the quaint village of Kingston-Near-Lewes, with the gleaming white Ashcombe windmill providing a recognisable waypoint. Close to Northease there’s a signpost denoting passage over the Meridian Line, marked with white rocks. The fields all along this route are bursting with wildflowers during the Summer, and sheep graze in their herds, only popping their heads up when hikers approach. Dog owners need to be aware of the many sheep on this rural route – especially the cows that graze along the path near Ditchling Beacon. Keep everyone safe by putting your dog on lead around any livestock, and take your poo bags with you as the only poo bins are at Oscar’s (see below) or at Ditchling Beacon car park.

It’s important to fuel up for a long hike, and ensure you carry enough water for yourself and any four-legged friends, no matter the weather! As this route passes through populated areas, there are a few options for both food and drink that don’t require deviating from the trail. St. Peter’s Church at Southease has a free water tap for those on the South Downs Way, if you need to top up your supply at the start of this route. Housedean Farm Campsite, near Falmer, has a coffee stop and shop for passersby as well as a free water tap outside, or there’s Oscar’s snack van just along the road for a no-fuss bite to eat during the week. It’s difficult to miss The Pink Pitstop in Hassocks – a pink horse box on the horizon on the final stretch of the hike, selling a variety of items from hot drinks to homemade cakes. If you need to reward yourself with an ice cream at the end of this route in the Summer, there’s a van in the Ditchling Beacon car park during high season.