South Downs ridge walk from Hassocks to Lewes (via Brighton)

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 in grassland,grazing sheep and cows for four hours and end up in beautiful Lewes.

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 that is located on our way up the ridge and serves tea and coffee at times. We will pass a medieval dew pond and an Iron age fort at Ditchling Beacon at which stage we will look for a scenic pack-lunch 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.

Once we arrive in Lewes we will take the train (20min) to Brighton and head for a after stroll & drink/snack by the seaside finishing around 6pm 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 at 09.00 outside Coin de Paris on Platform 13 and take the 09.23 train to Hassocks. We will arrive around 10.13am and commence the walk from Hassocks train station.

Length:
• Walk: This walk is approximately 15km (9.2miles) and will takes us around 4-5 hours with at lest one break midway.
Brighton train trip: 20minutes
Time in Brighton: 2 hours. (And more if you wish to stay on)
Difficulty: 5 out 10 with ability to walk up to the ridge. Sun down is at 8.56 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 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.

Partake investment is £8 paid in advance via PayPal.

I'm looking forward to meeting you all.

See you all there! x