⛰️ FREE SUNDAY HIKE – Conquer East Sussex’s Highest Point: Ditchling Beacon

Join us for a rewarding approx. 15 kms circular pre-lunch Sunday hike from Hassocks, taking us through woodland, open countryside and across the beautiful rolling landscape of the South Downs. We’ll meet outside Hassocks Railway Station at 10:00am and head out into the countryside at sharp 10:15am, gradually making our way towards one of the major highlights of the day — Ditchling Beacon, at around 248 metres and the highest point in East Sussex. Expect a varied day of woodland trails, open downland, hills and far-reaching countryside views. Once we reach the higher ground, we should be rewarded with those classic South Downs landscapes — rolling green hills, huge skies and views stretching well beyond the surrounding villages. This is a moderately challenging hike, particularly because of the distance and some uphill sections, so a reasonable level of fitness is required but as I always say - where there is a will there is a way. All are welcome. It should nevertheless be a very enjoyable Sunday outing for anyone who enjoys a good walking challenge, beautiful countryside and spending the day outdoors. 📍 EVENT DETAILS 📍 Meeting point: Outside Hassocks Railway Station 🕥 Meeting time: 10 am 🥾 Distance: Approx. 15 kms 🔄 Route: Circular – finishing back at Hassocks Station ⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate 🌿 Terrain: Woodland, countryside footpaths, open downland and hills This is a pre-lunch hike, we will finish before lunch around 2pm max. 🎒 WHAT TO BRING Please come properly prepared for a full countryside hike: 🥤 1–2 litres of water 🥪 Snacks 🥾 Walking boots or suitable hiking shoes 🧥 Waterproof jacket 👕 Clothing suitable for the weather 🧢 Sun protection if required Please check the weather before travelling and dress accordingly. ⚠️ Important Group Rules Please stay with or behind the hike leader — this keeps the group together. We take regular catch-up pauses, especially after hills. This is a voluntary group; you are responsible for your own safety. No risk or liability is inferred or assumed. Be respectful to wildlife, land, and other trail users (cyclists/horse riders). Read our About Us section before joining: https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities ⚠️ TERRAIN Although this is not a technical hike, 15 kms is still a substantial distance which we will finish before lunch in 3 and 1/2 hours approx, and there will be hills and uneven countryside terrain. Paths may be muddy, slippery or uneven depending on the weather, so appropriate footwear is strongly recommended. ✅ YOU MUST RSVP You must be signed up for this specific Meetup event in order to attend. Please do not simply turn up without registering. This is a free group and there is no charge to RSVP for the event. Anyone arriving without being signed up may be asked not to join the hike. ⏰ PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME Please allow enough time for your journey and aim to arrive a few minutes before the meeting time. 📅 CANCELLATIONS & NO-SHOWS If your plans change, please update your RSVP as early as possible so that another member has an opportunity to attend. Repeated last-minute cancellations or no-shows may result in being waitlisted for future events or removed from the group. We value members who follow the rules and etiquette of the group. 📌 IMPORTANT This is a free, volunteer-organised social hiking activity and not a commercial guided service. By attending, you remain responsible for your own fitness, safety, clothing, equipment and personal belongings. 🌿 Come and spend your Sunday exploring woodland, climbing onto the South Downs and taking in the views from Ditchling Beacon — 15 kms of beautiful countryside, hills and good company! 🥪 Lunch This is a pre-lunch hike. The plan is to finish by 2 pm max and go to a pub near the station to socialise and have drinks/lunch. 📱 Contact / If Late/lost Message me on WhatsApp (no calls please) – I’ll be leading/navigating from the front once the hike starts: 07830 374 629