Car free walk, catch the bus from Brighton
Distance:
<10 miles. 8-9 miles
Location:
East Sussex
Type:
Moderate. South Downs Way
Duration:
4-5 hours
After a long climb you can enjoy stunning views across fields and villages from the top of Ditchling Beacon. Visit on a Sunday afternoon in summer and you may find the Jill Windmill open to visitors.
Look out for chalk grassland flowers and butterflies, Ditchling Beacon, Jack and Jill windmills and Pyecombe Church with its unusual lead font which dates back to the 12th century.
Print or download the guide for full details of the route
Getting here
The journey out: Hop on the number 28/29/29B bus at Churchill Square (stop G) in Brighton – the journey takes 23 minutes. Listen out for the Housedean Farm stop about one minute after Falmer Village.
The journey back: Metrobus 270/271/272/273 will take you back to Brighton. They run about every 30 minutes (only a few on Sundays).
Useful information
Refreshments: Take a picnic as, other than an ice cream van at Ditchling in summer, there’s nothing until Pyecombe. At Pyecombe you’ll find self-service tea in the church (donations welcomed), the Plough Inn and a shop at the garage.
Toilets: Pyecombe Church.
Maps: OS Explorer OL11, or South Downs Way Guide (available from nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way).
Directions
Start: From Housedean Farm and Campsite, turn right along the South Downs Way where the Trail is then well signposted.
Finish: At Pyecombe Church, turn left onto Church Lane and left again at the bottom to the BP Garage – the bus shelter is on the far side of the garage.
For more information about the South Downs Way and inspiration on future routes please visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way