Hassocks to Lewes via the South Downs Way

This 11 mile walk forms a classic part of the South Downs Way. Ditchling Beacon, at 248 metres above sea level, is the highest point in East Sussex and the second on the whole of the South Downs and where we shall hopefully be rewarded with great views in all directions.

From the walk start, we will climb the Downs to reach the Jack and Jill windmills which stand next to one another. One of the Clayton Windmills ('Jill') is a working post mill, with its 1852 'Sussex Tailpole' on wheels for changing direction.

We will then continue to Ditchling Beacon, once an Iron Age fort, with traces of ramparts still visible, which was was a site for one of the beacons that gave warning of the Spanish Armada.

We continue along the Downs until reaching the historic town of Lewes. Lewes Castle, and the Barbican House Museum nearby, are normally open to visitors (subject to Covid restrictions) until 5.30pm daily (last entrance 5pm); admission around £6.00. The castle was built by William de Warenne, who fought alongside William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. Its towers were added about the time of the Battle of Lewes. In this battle in 1264, the rebel earl, Simon de Montfort, with an army of Londoners and 5,000 barons, defeated Henry III, who had two horses killed under him and was forced to seek refuge in Lewes Priory. The Mise of Lewes was signed next day and led to England's first parliamentary meeting at Westminster in 1265.

We will end the walk in the centre of Lewes. There are regular trains from Lewes to either London Victoria or Brighton.

Photo credits: With permission of C Holt (ODL Member) and M Bates (Event Leader)

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