Hassocks-Lewes-Brighton
This is a breath taking scenic walk starting at Hassocks meandering along the meadows and up along the South Downs Way with Brighton, the wind turbines and the sea on our right and the North Downs valley on our left. We will walk on the chalk ridge covered grassland past grazing sheep and cows for four hours (aprox time 12noon -4.30pm up on ridge) and end up in beautiful Lewes where we will have a drink and take the return train around 6pm.
Every time we do the Hassocks to Lewes trail were seem to wish we could nip over to the coast for a bit so this time I have combined a visit to Brighton by train.(Ticket can be purchased at Lewis for £5.50)
On our way we will briefly visit picturesque St John the Baptist church grounds in Clayton and Jack and Jill’s Windmill kiosk that is located on our way up the ridge and serves tea and coffee, at times (Please bring pack lunch) .We will pass a medieval dew pond and an Iron age fort at Ditchling Beacon at which stage we will look for a scenic break.
Mid walk break will be at the top of the ridge so do bring your pack lunches. There is a coffee van stop and toilet mid way for a quick top up but other than that no shops are available on this walk until Lewis.
Once we arrive in Lewes we will have a little stroll in the picturesque village, find a place to rest our legs and have drink finishing around 6pm at Lewis station, after which you can join the group returning to Clapham Junction or stay on in Brighton, especially if the weather is nice.
• Travel and meeting place
We will meet at Clapham Junction platform 13 at 10.00 outside the platform cafe in front of the stairs to the Subway tunnell (Coin de Paris cafe) on Platform 13 and take the 10.23 train (direct) to Hassocks. We will arrive around 11.13am and commence the walk from Hassocks train station arriving on top of the ridge around noon.
Train tickets:
If you get a return to Lewis this will accommodate both your journeys ( Clapham-Hassocks and Lewis -Clapham ). Please have a peruse of the best prices yourself!
If you wish to go on to Brighton after the walk buy a return to Brighton covering all stations/locations that way.
TIP - to get a cheaper ticket purchase a open return.
Length:
• Walk: This walk is approximately 15km (9.2miles) and will takes us around 4-5 hours with at lest one break midway depending on the group speed.
Difficulty: 7 out 10 - as you need the ability to walk up to the ridge. After that it is a pretty linear path all the way to Lewis with light rises and falls. Sun down is at 8.59 pm so we will make it nicely back before that.
• What to bring
Bring your great spirit, trainers/hiking boots, hot and/or cold drink (depending on the weather) and PACK LUNCH whatever you wish to eat on the way.
We will have one lunch break midway. There are two mobile coffee points on the way usually. But No shops until Lewis except these two possible seasonal coffee/snack kiosks on the ridge.
Partake investment is £8 paid in advance via PayPal.
I'm looking forward to meeting you all.
xx Petra xx
