HIKE 24km - The Devils Dyke valley and Shoreham on Sea, the South Downs

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 15 miles (24km)
• Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
• Ascent: 620m
• Hiking time: 5.5 to 6 hours
• Cost: £31 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Get Tickets” to join.
• Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end vineyard
📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
• Time: Meet 8:10am, leave 8:30am for the 8:46am train
• Return: 6:58pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)
🌟 Highlights
• Hike in the South Downs National Park — one of the finest in England
• Visit the remains of a 3,000-year-old Bronze Age hill fort
• Walk along the ancient Devil's Dyke valley, one of the most famous viewpoints of the Downs
• Enjoy stunning coastal views as we approach the sea
• Finish in the historic seaside town of Shoreham-by-Sea
🥾 Hike Description
We set off from Hassocks, quickly ascending onto the South Downs ridge to follow part of the South Downs Way, Britain’s first bridleway National Trail. Our path takes us across high chalk ridges, passing Wolstonbury Hill, where remnants of a Bronze Age hill fort still remain, and which is also a renowned spot for wild orchids. From here, sweeping panoramas stretch inland toward London and out toward the sea.
Our trail continues along the undulating ridges until we reach Devil’s Dyke, a dramatic dry chalk valley surrounded by steep hills. Famous as one of the finest viewpoints on the South Downs, it was once so popular that a dedicated railway line brought visitors here to admire its beauty. On clear days, the views stretch across the Sussex Weald and even to the Isle of Wight.
Heading onward, we pass Fulking Hill, dotted with ancient bowl barrows, before climbing up to Truleigh Hill, easily recognisable by its masts. Further along, the crown of trees on Chanctonbury Ring marks another site rich with history and legend. Each ridge rewards us with more expansive views as the sea draws ever closer.
Descending toward the coast, our hike brings us past Shoreham Airport, the world’s oldest commercial airport with its iconic 1936 art deco terminal — a backdrop for films including The Da Vinci Code and Agatha Christie’s Poirot. We finish in Shoreham-by-Sea, a historic fishing town, for a well-earned drink by the sea.
Toughness:
This is a hilly hike with 600–650m of ascent — equivalent to climbing the Shard twice. It is not suitable for beginners or anyone who hasn’t been hiking regularly.
🧭 Guide:
• Leader: GRAHAM
• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487
🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)
🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point
⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider
❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)
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