Stunning views and dew ponds
Distance:
<5 miles. 4-5 miles
Location:
East Sussex
Type:
Moderate
Duration:
2-3 hours
Some moderate inclines. Loose surface, uneven and muddy in parts, some gates.
Getting here
By bus: Ditchling Beacon is served by the Breeze Buses. Visit brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses for full details.
By rail: The nearest railway station is Brighton. Visit nationalrail.co.uk to plan your journey
Ditchling Beacon
Ditchling Beacon is located seven miles to the north of Brighton and just south of the village of Ditchling. At 248 metres above sea-level it is the highest point in East Sussex with fantastic views to the sea, across the Weald and along the South Downs.
Once the site for a warning beacon which was lit in times of imminent invasion, the site is also of archaeological interest with remains of an Iron Age hill fort.
Jack and Jill Windmills
Jill, along with her neighbour Jack, stand atop the scenic South Downs with stunning views over the Weald. When the wind is blowing, Jill may be in operation and a guide available to explain the mysteries of milling. Jill has been restored by the Jack and Jill Windmills Society. Visit jillwindmill.org.uk for more details.
Directions
- At the car park, with your back to the sea, turn left onto the South Downs Way (SDW) following the path through the gate.
- Continue on the SDW passing through three gates. Just after the Keymer post turn left through the gate, following signs to the Chattri, and continue on the Sussex Border Path.
- Pass through another gate, then at the junction of three metal gates, take the public bridleway to your left. Continue along the bridleway as it winds past the small wooded area on your right, then through another gate.
- Continue on the track passing two large barns on your right. Ignore the footpath on your left, then turn left through the gate and up the track to another gate.
- Continue along the grassy track, then pass through the marked bridleway gate on your right. Continue along the bridleway up the hill.
- Pass through the gate in the trees and follow the path uphill to a gate leading to a fenced track.
- Follow the track up to the junction with the SDW.
- On reaching the gate onto the SDW turn right to return to the car park.