Ditchling Beacon and Stanmer Park Day Hike - see travel update
24 people attending
6 places left
IMPORTANT INFO PLEASE READ WHOLE MESSAGE: Most trains from London Victoria leaving before 10am are cancelled. So for those affected, please plan your travel to take account of this. I suggest catching the 09:52 Thameslink service from Blackfriars.
This also means that we will be starting the walk a little later than planned, at 11:10. All other details the same as previously advised.
A scenic, reviving, fairly strenuous walk across the iconic South Downs near Brighton, taking in some of the highlights of the area around Ditchling Beacon and Stanmer Park. From the walk start at Hassocks, we will head past Jack and Jill windmills (stars of that well-known 1973 film 'The Black Windmill' starring Michael Caine) which look out from the scarp slope of the Downs back towards the Sussex countryside. From here, we follow the South Downs Way along the ridge of the Downs to Ditchling Beacon, with excellent views along the way. The Beacon is the third highest point on the South Downs, and provides superb views.
We continue across Stanmer Down and descend to Stanmer Park. The Park is an historic country estate which is now owned by Brighton & Hove City Council, and provides a country park and local nature reserve that welcomes visitors. We may have time to pause at the tea shop for refreshments, before continuing up across the Downs via Granny's Belt and North Bottom, eventually reaching Pyecombe village. Finally we will climb Wolstonbury Hill for more wonderful panoramic views, before dropping back down to the walk start.
It should be noted that there are lots of hilly bits on this 15 mile walk, and we will be walking at a reasonable pace. So if you are thinking of coming, please make sure that your fitness levels are appropriate for the activity.
What to bring
This will be a full day's walk on footpaths and tracks that may be muddy and wet, so wear good-fitting, comfortable and waterproof walking boots. It is strongly advised to bring waterproofs - jacket and trousers. If the weather is chilly and/or windy, you may want to bring a warm hat and gloves. But also the sun is strong at this point in late spring so a hat to keep the sun off your head may be the order of the day. Also you may need sunscreen. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, and food and snacks including a packed lunch.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, plenty of energy rich snacks and plenty of water. There are limited options for buying food at the station itself; a Sainsbury's Local is 10 minutes or so walk from the station.