BEGINNERS HIKE 18km The Windmills, Sea views and Chalk Hills of the South Downs

📏 Key Info:
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Grading: Beginners with one large hill that we take gently
Ascent: 290m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Cost: £33 (includes guided hike + return train)
Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
Toilet Breaks: On the train, nature (woods/bushes) during hike, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP & PHOTO
Time: Meet 8:40am, leave 9am for the 9:16am train
Return: 5:35pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
Elevated South Downs ridge with far-reaching sea views
The 200-year-old Jack & Jill Clayton windmills
Ditchling Beacon (248m) — Iron Age hill fort and one of the South East’s high points
Follow the River Ouse into historic Lewes
Walk through Lewes Castle Gate (castle origins c.1069, Norman conquest)
Explore one of England’s finest National Parks: the South Downs

🥾 Hike Description
We begin by going from Hassocks up onto the South Downs ridge, passing the 200-year-old Clayton windmills, Jack and Jill. Jill was originally built in Brighton and moved here by horses and oxen, while Jack is the only “male” windmill in England. From the ridge the views open wide, stretching inland across the Weald and southwards to the English Channel.

The trail follows the undulating ridge to Ditchling Beacon (248m) — once an Iron Age hill fort and one of the highest points in South East England. In 1588 it formed part of the beacon chain that warned of the Spanish Armada. Today it rewards us with panoramic views across Sussex and the Downs, with the hills rolling away beautifully in every direction.

We continue over gentle peaks before dropping to the River Ouse, which guides us into Lewes. Our finale is a dramatic entrance through the Castle Gate, part of William the Conqueror’s 11th-century fortress. Finishing in this historic market town, we celebrate our day’s journey with the option of a pub visit.

🧭 Guide:
Leader: GRAHAM
Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487

🍽️ Food:
Bring a packed lunch
Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

🎒What to Bring
Hiking boots/shoes
Water (2 litres minimum)
Packed lunch
Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
Hat and gloves if cold
Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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