Hassocks to Lewes- a Lofty South Downs Ridgewalk

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Join us for a spectacular stroll on chalk grassland across the stately ridge of the South Downs. We start at Hassocks Station, where we climb up Wolstonbury Hill to the Jack and Jill windmills. Thankfully, after one big climb the rest of the hike is along a ridge, with just gentle undulations to 248m. We will be on the lookout for beautiful chalkhill blue butterflies and rare downland orchids. With lofty views above Brighton, we will pass Ditchling Beacon before following the spine of the hill to Black Cap, a hilltop that was denuded of trees during the 1987 hurricane. From there, we will descend to the pretty village of Lewes, with its Norman Castle, Medieval high street and ties to Virginia Wolf.

If the day is hot, we can take a 20 minute train ride down to Seaford from Lewes station at the end of the hike. A dip in the sea to refresh you for your journey home is a lovely way to end a hike.

Grade: Beginner/Intermediate 10 miles/15 km on good footpaths. One steep climb up the hill, then more gentle undulating terrain. 5 hours total walking time. This is a linear walk that ends in Lewes, where you can get a train back to Hassocks if you’ve left your car there.

Meeting Point: Due to Covid, we can not travel together and organise group train tickets at this time. Meet me outside Hassocks Station at 10:13 am. I’ll be dressed for hiking and wearing a day-glo yellow shirt. There is a train that leaves Victoria at 9:15 that will get you there in time. Best ticket to buy would be an off peak return to Lewes, as we will be returning from Lewes station.

If you wish to drive, you can park at Hassocks station and get back from Lewes on the train (change at Wivelsfield).

Cost £10 organiser fee payable on RSVP. We have temporarily raised the price of walks to be able to accommodate smaller groups. As soon as it is safe to take larger groups, we will re-asses our pricing. For this hike, I will be taking a maximum of 18.

What to bring: PPE, Lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing and hiking footwear. We will not be stopping at a shop or a pub so have everything you need for the day! Click here-https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FLjSAczjgbZ26OKE4Iy_zX2IFqkybdXCmK9AkVfqI1w/edit?usp=sharing

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