South Downs National Park: Stunning Views, Windmills, Picturesque Villages

We start the walk at Hassocks station and quickly head into the rolling countryside. We pass the impressive Danny House stately home, which was used by the Imperial War Cabinet during WW1.

Following this we head up Wolstonbury Hill, which has been an important landmark for thousands of years. Iron Age farmers grazed animals on its summit and at 206m high there are spectacular views of the rolling Sussex countryside to the north and English Channel to the south.

We then descend to the village of Clayton before a shorter climb up to Jack and Jill windmills. It is often possible to go inside Jill Windmill, which we have done on previous hikes, where you can learn about how stoneground flour is produced.

From here we join the South Downs Way and trek past the 248m Ditchling Beacon, before descending to Westmeston and taking a country path to the picturesque village of Ditchling, where we stop for a drink before making the short walk back to Hassocks station.

*Please note that we will keep it flexible whether we go up the South Downs once or twice, depending on weather conditions, mud and the speed of the group. There are very nice routes at the foot of the downs if we need to alter the route

THE WALK IN A NUTSHELL:

MEETING POINT: We will meet at Victoria train station near Upper Crust (platform 13) at 09:45. The train leaves at 10:25 and gets in to Hassocks at 11.20. We will purchase a return ticket to Hassocks. The Group Saver ticket should cost £15.85. Please bring this in cash.

DISTANCE: 12 miles. We will allow approximately 5-6 hours for walking, depending upon the speed of the group and excluding any breaks.

RETURN JOURNEY: Return trains leave twice an hour past 11 and 41 minutes from Hassocks.

WHAT TO WEAR: Appropriate walking clothes and footwear - waterproof hiking boots as the path could be muddy in places. Weather can be unpredictable, please bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain. In cold weather, it is advisable to wear several layers and hat, gloves. No trainers or jeans, please.

LUNCH: Please bring packed lunches and at least 1,5 litre of water.

TOUGHNESS: 6.5 out of 10

COST: the hike cost £7.50 this covers the hike and Paypal fee. (Train ticket is not included).

PLEASE NOTE: It is impossible to state a specific return time as it depends on weather conditions, the general pace of the group and other unplanned factors. Those who decide to join the hike, please consider yourself committed for the entire day.

IMPORTANT:

By signing up for this meetup with Fun Hikes you agree and acknowledge that you are personally responsible for your own fitness, safety and welfare and will be equipped accordingly. You further confirm that you have read, understood and agree to the Participation Statement (found here https://www.meetup.com/funhikes/about/ ) and to our Release and Waiver Terms and Conditions (found here https://www.meetup.com/funhikes/pages/21954149/Release_and_Waiver_Form/ ) together with any further reasonable instructions you are given before, during and after the Event.

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