Lewes Castle, Jack & Jill windmill, Ditchling Beacon and South downs Ridge

Highlights
The Saxon Church of St John the Baptist in Clayton

• Jack and Jill Windmills
• Medieval dew ponds
• Ditchling Beacon
• Plumpton village
• Lewes Castle & Lewes High Street
• Description
  This exhilarating hike from Hassocks to Lewes along the South Downs Way, a chalk grassland ridge offering panoramic views inland and out to the sea near Brighton.
  We’ll start by passing through Butcher’s Wood, visit the historic Clayton Church, and admire the iconic Jack and Jill Windmills, still in working order.
  Once on the ridge, enjoy sweeping scenery as we walk past medieval dew ponds and the Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex (248 m), once a hillfort and later a beacon site for coastal defense that gave warning of the Spanish Armada.
  After descending into Plumpton, we climb back onto the downs for more stunning scenery before finishing in Lewes, following the Historic Lewes High Street into town and ending at the Norman castle, built shortly after the Battle of Hastings by William de Warenne. Lewes Castle is unique for having two mottes, and its barbican gate still impresses visitors today.
• Hike Details
• Distance: 18 km
• Duration: 5.5–6 hours
• Grade: Moderate, some steep climbs onto the downs
• Ascent: 420 m
• Pace: Steady social pace with regular breaks for views and photos

Meeting Point & Time
📍 Meeting Point: London Bridge Rail Station at 08:45 AM (near ticket office)

🚆 Train: 09:05 from London Bridge, Arrives Hassocks 10:02.
Buy a day return ticket to Hassocks and ( a supplementary ticket from Lewes to Hassocks) on the day or in advance. (1/3rd off on Group Save & Railcard).

🏁 Hike Starts: Hassocks at 10:02

⏳ Hike Finishes: Lewes approx. at ~16:30

📞 Hike Guide: Raj – 07788839784

🎒 What to Bring

• 👟 Comfortable hiking boots
• 💧 Water & packed lunch/snacks
• 🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing
• ☀️🌧️ Sun/Rain/Wind protection (hat, sunscreen, raincoat)
• 📷 Optional: camera, walking poles

📌 Additional Info

• 🍻 Optional social drinks (BYOD) after the hike at a local pub near the station
• 🌱 Some paths may be muddy after rain
• 👥 Let’s keep the group together so we can all enjoy the views and finish safely
• 🔗 This event is posted on multiple platforms

Cost & What’s Included

• 💵 Cost: £10 per person
• ✅ Includes: Guided hike/meetup fee only
• ❌ Not included: Train tickets, food, drinks, or other personal expenses
• ⚠️ Note: Participants who purchase train tickets through the organiser must stay with the group until the end of the hike (London).

✅ How to Join
RSVP by Wednesday to secure your spot for this Saturday hike!
We’d love to have you join us on the trail!
Click Join to RSVP

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Host or Publisher TRAILHIKERS UK