TOUGH HIKE 24k Challenge - Hike to Brighton Beach

🌳 Large Group Social Hike
One of our bigger, more sociable hikes.
Prefer a smaller group? See our standard-size hikes.

📏 Key Info:
Distance: 14 miles (24km)
Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
Ascent: 510m
Hiking time: 6 to 6.5 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, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP & PHOTO
Time: Meet 8:10am, leave 8:30am for the 8:46am train
Return: 7:28pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
Traverse the chalk highlands of the South Downs
Summit Ditchling Beacon for far-reaching sea and Weald views
Pass through historic Stanmer village and parkland (Stanmer House)
Cross the species-rich grassland of Whitehawk Hill above Kemptown
Finish on Brighton’s colourful seafront — Lanes, pier, zip wire & fish and chips
Time to enjoy Brighton at the end - around 1 hour
A serious physical challenge for fit and fast hikers

🥾 Hike Description
We begin from Hassocks and head south, leaving the valley to climb onto the chalk heights of the South Downs. Quiet lanes and green byways lead us to the quaint village of Ditchling, before the trail steepens toward Ditchling Beacon — one of the South East’s loftiest points. From here, the panorama opens wide: the Weald to the north and the English Channel growing larger to the south.

From the high ground we thread through rolling downs and woodland pockets, turning toward Stanmer Park. We pass Stanmer House and the historic village, then continue via the University of Sussex at Falmer. Cresting the ridgeline by Brighton Racecourse and Whitehawk Hill, we traverse species-rich grassland with sweeping views over the city and sea.

Our finale is a descent into Brighton, finishing on the lively seafront. We’ll have around 50–70 minutes to explore: wander the Lanes with live buskers, dip a toe in the sea, try the zip wire, or round things off with classic fish and chips on the beach.

TOUGHNESS WARNING - this is a tough and hilly hike and is also long. You need to be an experienced and fit hiker. It is not for beginners or anyone who has only done intermediate hikes.

To be fair to those attending, if you are unable to keep up with the group or finish the hike, you will need to leave the hike and get a taxi at your own expense. Our pace will average 4 to 4.2kmph.
At over 500m ascent, it is 2/3 of the ascent of Mount Snowdon from Pen Y Pass - the most popular start point.
If you have any doubts at all then this is not a hike to join, please choose one of our less tough hikes. If you are unsure, email us, but anyone who cannot keep up with the group will need to leave the hike and no refund will be due - only sign up if you are happy with this.

🧭 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

❓ Want to Know More?
New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
FAQs (covers common queries)

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