Hassocks to Lewes - A South Downs Ridge Adventure
Details
Step into the heart of the South Downs for one of its most iconic hikes, from Hassocks to the historic market town of Lewes. This high ridge route offers a constant feast for the eyes - rolling emerald hills, glittering sea, and a tapestry of fields fading into the horizon.
DESCRIPTION
We begin through quiet meadows towards the ‘Jack and Jill’ windmills, before climbing to Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex. Here, panoramic views stretch from the Seven Sisters cliffs to the distant hills of the Weald.
We’ll then take a poignant detour to the Chattri Memorial, standing silent among the hills in honour of Hindu and Sikh soldiers who served in WWI.
Our path will then wind across chalk grasslands alive with wildflowers and butterflies, past Iron Age barrows and tranquil dew ponds. Black Cap will then offer us one final breathtaking vista before we descend into Lewes, with its Norman Castle cobbled streets, medieval high street, riverside pubs, and centuries of history.
We’ll end at Lewes Station, with an option to join us for a celebratory drink in a local pub. With big skies, big views, and stories carved into the land, this will be a journey through nature, heritage, and time.
SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)
Distance: c 19km/12miles circular route
Ascent: 335 metres
Duration: 5 hours walking
Grade: Moderate, along good paths with one short steep climb.
COST AND LOGISTICS
Cost: £10
Hike start: 10.15am Hassocks Station
Hike finish: 5.30pm Lewes Station / Local pub
Recommended morning trains from London
09:18 Dep: London Bridge
10:13 Arr: Hassocks
Recommended train ticket
Off-Peak Day Return to Lewes*
*Although we'll start from Hassocks in the morning, we will travel back from Lewes. A return ticket to Lewes will cover you for both journeys.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid.
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel costs
- Lunch, drinks or any refreshments
- PayPal fees
RECOMMENDED KIT LIST (complete list)
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Suitable hiking shoes or boots
- Water - 2 litres recommended
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!)
- Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece
- Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino
REVIEWS
Trip Advisor | Facebook | MeetUp
CANCELLING/REFUNDS
If you can no longer make the hike, please update your RSVP to say 'No', to allow others to buy your place. If the hike is full, we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com after the event, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund.
QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions, please check visit our FAQ page. If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page.
We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted.
Sponsors
Hassocks to Lewes - A South Downs Ridge Adventure