FREE HIKE 17km - South Downs Highs - Lewes to Stanmer via Ditchling Beacon

SUMMARY:
🥾 17 km | Linear Walk | Ascent: 366 m | Duration: ~ 5 hours
📍 Start: Lewes Station at 10:30
🚆 Direct train from: London Victoria ( 1hr 10minutes)
🚆 Direct train from Brighton (20 minutes)
🚆 Direct train from Eastbourne (20 minutes)
🏁 Finish: Falmer Station approx. 16:00-17:00
⚠️ Uneven gravel terrain
📈 Grade: Easy/Moderate

ABOUT:
This linear walk offers stunning views across the South Downs, the Weald, and towards the sea. There are cafés and toilets available at both the start and end points. We begin at Lewes railway station and finish at Falmer railway station, next to the University of Sussex.

DESCRIPTION:
Our walk begins in the historic town of Lewes, heading uphill towards Mount Harry, part of the South Downs ridge. Along the way, we pass near Blackcap, a prominent hill and nature reserve located west of Lewes and south-east of Plumpton. This stretch of the walk is part of the South Downs Way, a long-distance national trail offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

We continue westward along the ridge towards Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex. At the summit, we enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view: the English Channel to the south, the Weald to the north, and rolling Downland to the east and west. As its name suggests, Ditchling Beacon was once part of a historic network of signal beacons. We stop here for lunch, taking in the views and the open landscape.

After lunch, we descend gradually through the South Downs towards Stanmer Park. Our route takes us into Stanmer Great Wood, especially beautiful in spring when carpets of English bluebells and wild garlic are in bloom.

The final stretch leads us through Stanmer Village and into the University of Sussex campus. We end our walk at Falmer railway station, which provides easy onward connections.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏞️ Stunning panoramic views from the South Downs Way, including the sea, the Weald, and open Downland.
• ⛰️ Ditchling Beacon – the highest point in East Sussex, with breathtaking 360° vistas.
• 🌸 Stanmer Great Wood – a springtime haven for English bluebells and wild garlic.
• 🧭 Historic route from Lewes to Falmer via Mount Harry, Blackcap, and Ditchling Beacon.
• 🚆 Easy access via public transport – start at Lewes station, finish at Falmer station.
• 🍃 A mix of open ridge walking and peaceful woodland trails through the South Downs.

COST:

• Free

TRAINS:

• 🚆 Direct train from: London Victoria ( 1hr 10minutes)
  🚆 Direct train from Brighton (20 minutes)
  🚆 Direct train from Eastbourne (20 minutes)
• Check National Rail for train times and prices

MEETING POINT & TIME:

• Walk begins: 10:30 from the main entrance to Lewes railway station
• Walk finishes: Falmer Station approx. 16:00-17:00

DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY

• Total distance: approx 17 km (10 miles)
• Ascent: 366 m
• Max elevation: 199 m | Min elevation: 3 m
• Grading: EASY/MODERATE
• Time: Approx. 5 hours (with breaks)
• Pace: 4–5 km/h (~3 mph)

GUIDE:

• See attendee list

WHAT TO BRING:

• Water (2 litres recommended)
• Snacks and packed lunch
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots

⚠️ SAFETY :

• Take extra care on rougher sections, especially during or after rain, and be mindful of livestock in active farmland. Sturdy, appropriate footwear is essential.
• As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.

NOTES:

• This is a group hike led by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join.
• A few wrong turns in the woods? That’s part of the fun!
• While you're free to “hike your own hike,” we encourage group participation, get to know one another, make new friends, and enjoy the journey together.
• The steepest ascents are between Westdean and Beachy Head.
• Food options are limited en route, bring lunch.
• Be prepared for strong coastal winds and sudden changes in weather. Check forecasts in advance.

DISCLAIMER:
Event Participation Disclaimer
By signing up for an event we host, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• The organisers are not qualified hiking leaders, certified first aiders, or formally trained in navigation, survival, or any related disciplines.
• These hikes are informal, self-guided gatherings of like-minded individuals.
• The hosts expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability for any injuries, accidents, or safety incidents that may occur during participation.
• Participation is entirely voluntary, and all attendees are solely responsible for their own safety and well-being.
• These events are non-commercial and are organised purely as a recreational hobby, with no business or financial interests involved.
• Hiking and outdoor activities inherently carry risks of personal injury. By choosing to participate, you accept these risks and take full responsibility for your own actions and decisions.

General Group Policy

• Voluntary Participation: Attendance is at your own risk. The group and hosts bear no liability.
• No Professional Duty of Care: Hosts are volunteers, not trained guides or medical professionals.
• Insurance Is Your Responsibility: If desired, you must arrange your own personal insurance.
• Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles at all times.
• Emergency Preparedness: You are responsible for organising your own emergency plan.
• Weather and Safety: Events may be cancelled or changed if conditions are deemed unsafe.
• Self-Assessment Required: You must honestly assess your fitness and ability to keep pace with the group.
• No Guaranteed Rescue: While help may be offered, full rescue capabilities should not be expected.
• No Minors Without Guardians: Participants must be over 21.
• Right to Refuse Participation: Hosts may turn away any individual who appears unprepared or poses a safety risk to others.
• First Aid Preparedness Encouraged: It is highly recommended that each participant carries a small first aid kit for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters.

Final Acknowledgement
By attending this event, you confirm that you are participating voluntarily and at your own risk. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred.