South Downs Way Experience

The route leaves Hassocks Train Station along the South Downs link path, passing the village of Clayton and then climbing to the Jack and Jill Windmills to join the South Downs Way.

The path steadily climbs eastward passing Keymer Post and then across open chalk downland to reach Ditchling Beacon (248m), the highest point in East Sussex, rewarding walkers with expansive views across the Weald landscape. This area showcases classic South Downs terrain with sheep-grazed turf and seasonal chalk grassland wildflowers attracting butterflies in summer. The trail continues over undulating hills towards Blackcap, then descends toward Housedean Farm Camp Site, with a water tap at the entrance, where a bridge then crosses the busy A27. Sometimes there is a food van on the north side of A27 layby, about 200 metres heading eastwards (before crossing the bridge) from the farm via the pavement. 400 metres further on is a petrol station with shop.

Leaving Housedean Farm, the trail climbs Castle Hill along Jugg’s Road, once used by fishermen between Brighton and Lewes. The path rises through open chalk downland with sweeping views across Sussex, passing Swanborough, Iford, and Front Hill. A highlight is the Greenwich Meridian cairn, where you can straddle both hemispheres. The route then descends to Southease, home to St Peter’s Church with its rare round tower and public water tap. Nearby Rodmell offers refreshments at the Abergavenny Arms.

After crossing the River Ouse on an 1880 cast-iron bridge, the path passes Southease station and YHA South Downs before climbing steeply from the valley floor. Gaining the ridge, walkers enjoy expansive views, passing Beddingham Hill’s radio masts before reaching Firle Beacon (217m) with its 360-degree panoramas from fields to sea. From here, the trail crosses Bostal Hill and descends into the Cuckmere Valley, ending at Alfriston, with its medieval church, timber-framed buildings, pubs, and tea rooms.

The final stretch of the South Downs Way begins in Alfriston, following the Cuckmere River through meadows and Litlington village before climbing shaded Friston Forest. Emerging from the trees, walkers are rewarded with views of the Cuckmere Meanders winding toward the sea. At Exceat, the trail passes the Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre and Saltmarsh Café, then ascends to Cuckmere Haven, where river meets ocean and the first white cliffs appear.

The iconic Seven Sisters sequence begins, with steep climbs and descents along gleaming chalk cliffs. Midway, Birling Gap offers a National Trust café and beach access, where coastal erosion is starkly visible in retreating cliffs and endangered cottages. Beyond lies Belle Tout lighthouse, moved inland in 1999, and Beachy Head, Britain’s highest chalk sea cliff, crowned with sweeping views over the Channel and its offshore lighthouse. From here the trail descends into Eastbourne, ending at the elegant Victorian promenade and pier.