⛰️ 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