Offham Chalk Pit and Old Lewes Racecourse for magnificent views (6 miles approx)

MEET at front entrance of LEWES STATION to set off 10.30am. I'll be on the 10.05am train from Eastbourne. I suggest you catch same train as Alison's recent Lewes/Mount Caburn walk, for those travelling on the Hastings /Eastbourne line.

PLEASE NOTE This walk is weather dependent on a fine day. If it is misty or raining I will change for an easier walk. Please dont buy train ticket til I give the go ahead on Thursday.

SUGGESTED TRAINS: 9.25 HASTINGS, 9.29 St L Warrior Sq, 9.36 Bexhill, 9.38 Collington, 9.41 Cooden Beach, 9.49 Pev & Westham, 9.54 HAMPDEN PARK, 10:05 EASTBOURNE, 10. 12 POLEGATE, 10.25am LEWES. (train times subject to change by Southern Rail so please check on the day)

WALK ROUTE: steep road up & thro Lewes castle, then an Autumn Ouse river walk, woodland, steep wooded Offham Hill to our 1st break at Offham Chalk Pit Plateau SSSI with far reaching views of Mount Caburn, the Ouse river valley and Lewes. This is part of the Lewes great chalk pit and lime industrial past of 18th & 19th centuries which shaped todays landscape. Hiking on to views of chalk pit from above and info board. More wooded paths, some narrow and some broader, followed by wide open magnificent vistas around Old Lewes Racecourse and Battle of Lewes 1264, 2nd break for your byo lunch. Long gentle downwards incline admiring the views of the South Downs & Ashcombe Windmill. Past HMP & Southover Grange, finish at Lewes station, with the option of drinks at The Depot.

PATH AND GRADIENT: Station to Lewes Castle is steep. There is 1 short steep incline from Offham (approx 10 mins), uneven paths, some narrow woodland sections which broaden out quickly. Its quite an adventure! Reasonable fitness required. All rewarded with wonderful views. 260m ascent