✨ FREE HIKE 24k | Brighton festive hike via Jack and Jill windmills ✨

📈 Grade: 🥾🥾 🥾🥾 Level 4/5

Join us for a South Downs adventure from Hassocks to Brighton, complete with rolling hills, iconic windmills and a magical Christmas lights finale on the seafront.

We will journey along one of the most scenic and uplifting stretches of the South Downs Way, a route that is considered challenging thanks to its mileage, steady elevation changes and exposed ridgelines where wide skies and gusty winds add extra drama to the day.

With the Christmas season approaching, this walk offers a perfect blend of fresh winter air, open landscapes and a festive finish by the coast. Expect a few hills that will warm the legs nicely, plus the occasional gust that might steal your hat if you are not careful.

We begin with a bold climb out of Hassocks, which sits just below the famous Jack and Jill Windmills. Jill is a restored white post mill that originally stood in Brighton before being taken apart, hauled uphill by horses and oxen and rebuilt at Clayton. She still grinds flour on special open days. Jack stands beside her as a tall brick tower mill that is privately owned. Together they create an iconic landmark often seen on film and TV, and on a clear day they perfectly frame the sweeping views over the South Downs. The climb to reach them is the first leg tester of the day, but the views at the top tend to make everyone forget how much they were questioning their life choices five minutes earlier.

A little further along the ridge we reach Ditchling Beacon, one of the highest points on the South Downs. The climb is steady but rewarding, offering wide open views across the Sussex Weald and out toward the coast. It is a classic landmark on the South Downs Way and a perfect spot to catch your breath and take in the sweeping landscape.

From there the trail winds across classic chalk downland, past wind shaped hawthorn trees and wildflower grasslands, before dipping into the shady calm of Stanmer Park. This peaceful stretch through ancient woodland and the flint built village offers an ideal stop for a relaxed lunch.

After lunch we continue towards Brighton, briefly skirting the University of Sussex where pockets of modern architecture and student life contrast with the timeless rural landscape.

Soon after, the countryside opens up again as we turn toward the coast. Expect more rolling hills, the kind that look innocent from a distance but somehow grow taller as you approach. Nothing too dramatic, just enough to keep things interesting and remind you that snacks are important.

The final descent flows through open farmland and gentle hills until you reach Brighton Beach where chalk cliffs, rolling waves and the lively energy of the city greet you.

Once we reach the seafront we will stroll toward the pier, soaking up the Brighton Christmas lights, festive displays and seaside sparkle. With Christmas approaching and it being the last Saturday before the holiday, Brighton will be buzzing with life. The city comes alive with festive energy, colourful shop fronts and seasonal lights that give the pier and promenade an extra magical glow. After enjoying the atmosphere we will make our way back to the station, with the option to stop at a cosy pub for a cheerful pre Christmas drink before catching the train back to London.

🛑 Important: This hike is rated moderate to strenuous and is not suitable for beginners. Since we are close to the shortest day of the year, a head torch is essential.

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 1 - (London departure):
Buy a return from London Bridge to Brighton: £12.10 with Network Railcard, valid on Thameslink only.

• 08:00 Meet at London Bridge ticket office
• 08:20 Leave meeting point and board the train
• 08:35 Train departs London Bridge
• 09:32 Arrive at Hassocks

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2 - (Join at Hassocks):

• 09:30 Hassocks railway station car park

🚶 WALK STARTS:

• 09:45 Walk begins from Hassocks railway station car park

🏁 WALK FINISHES:

• About 16:00 to 17:00 at Brighton Pier

🍔 LUNCH:

• Bring a packed lunch and some snacks. We will stop at Stanmer village for about 30 minutes.
• There is a shop that sells tea, coffee, cake and has outdoor seating.

↩️ RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON BRIDGE:

• Regulare trains run from Brighton railway station
• 17:28 → Arrive London Bridge 18:35
• 17:44 → Arrive London Bridge 18:45
• 18:14 → Arrive London Bridge 19:15
• 18:28 → Arrive London Bridge 19:35

🚻 TOILETS:

• Nature facilities, Stanmer village and garden centre, Brighton

🏞️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY

• Distance: approx. 24 km (15 miles)
• Difficulty: moderate to challenging
• Ascent and descent: 537 m and 531 m
• Max and min elevation: 242 m and 9 m
• Average pace: 4.2 km per hour
• Walking time: around 6 hours
• Total duration (including breaks): about 7 hours
• Expect a mix of very steep ascents, exposed open plains, peaceful woodland trails and uneven gravel tracks that keep the terrain varied throughout the day.

🎒 WHAT TO BRING:

• Packed lunch and snacks
• Water (at least 2L)
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Layers and wind and waterproof clothing
• Extra clothing to change into (for example a fleece) in case you finish sweaty or wet
• Spare socks
• Sun or winter protection
• Medication and basic first aid (Compeed for blisters)
• Optional walking poles
• Fully charged phone
• A small wish list for Santa for extra festive spirit

📞 CONTACT:

• Please message the event host AdrianB directly via Meetup with any questions.

⚠️DISCLAIMER:
By joining, you confirm you’ve read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.