Plumpton to Blackcap to the Jolly Sportsman- a Sussex downland dip.

For those of us who are unable to go to Manchester for the Celebration weekend, I thought an early Autumn stroll up the Downs might be a nice alternative.

I spent most of my childhood with a view directly across this countryside to the patch of trees known as Blackcap on the South Downs just a little to the East of Ditchling Beacon. It is possible to ascend the Downs from directly below this landmark, but we shall be descending from a little way beyond it instead.

The walk starts near to Plumpton racecourse and crosses through gently undulating fields and woods to the village of Streat, with its impressive manor house which we can view through its securely locked gates! After that down paths and bridle ways to the foot of the Downs. A fairly steep ascent from Westmeston will take us up to the South Downs Way and an area known as Plumpton Plain.

We shall go along here for a bit, looking down on Plumpton Agricultural College, where I studied a long time ago, until we reach Blackcap. This is the centre of an area of the South Downs which belongs to the National Trust. The area is of historical interest with burial mounds, battle grounds and ancient tracks.

After this we descend to more lowland countryside, making our way to East Chiltington where there is a nice pub and then a bit more of a wander back to the station.