Hassocks to Lewes hike

Exit Hassocks station via platform 2 and follow the footpath until you reach another footpath on your right, opposite The Hassocks pub. Follow the path downhill and when you reach Keymer Road (B2116) at the bottom turn right, then cross over to pick up the footpath on the other side, waymarked for the South Downs, just before the bridge. Continue straight ahead on this trail, for 1.0mi, as it follows the path of the railway line heading south.

Soon you hit a road (Brighton Road) and turn left. You immediately come to the B2112 (Clayton Hill), which you must cross over and then turn left down Underhill Lane (signed to Clayton) shortly afterwards. Walk down the lane, past The Church of Saint John the Baptist Clayton, and then right up the public bridleway just after Clayton Court Barn.

Turn left after passing through the gate at the top. The trail curves left then right as it climbs steeply uphill to the Jack and Jill Windmills at the top. Turn around here to enjoy impressive views over Clayton Holt.

At the top of the hill pass through the gate onto a narrow fenced in trail alongside the windmills. When you reach the T-Junction turn left, then left again after about 656ft to join the South Downs Way, in the opposite direction to Devils Dyke.

Continue on the clearly marked South Downs Way for just over 4.0mi. Along the way you’ll pass through six gates and Ditchling Beacon, enjoying continually far reaching views.

The South Downs Way turns right just before gate seven. At this point, leave the South Downs Way behind and pass through the gate, following the trail straight ahead into the Black Cap National Trust site.

The trail forks shortly after the Black Cap trig marker, take the right-hand fork and follow it down-hill, until you reach a gate. Do not pass through the gate, instead turn left, across the field, until you reach another gate on your right.

Pass through this gate and continue on the main grassy trail, straight ahead. Go through the gate when you reach it and follow the narrow trail along the fence line on your right, ignoring all side trails. The trail turns to the right uphill and then to a T-junction shortly afterwards. Turn left and follow the grassy trail with a different fence line now on your right.

Turn right after passing through the gate and follow the trail into the woods and onto another gate. Pass through the gate and continue straight ahead until you reach another trail junction shortly afterwards. Turn left here, into the woods, and follow the narrow trail steeply downhill.

The trail exits the woods on top of a disused chalk pit, which makes for a great contrast in scenery, with views of Lewes ahead to the right. Follow the trail down the embankment and then turn left on the grass below, following the downhill trail all the way until you reach the A275 road at Offham.

Cross the A275 and go left for a short distance. Very quickly go right down The Drove. Just after passing the church look for the wide track directly ahead of you, before the road dips down to the left. Follow this main track for half a mile until another wide track joins from the left. Pass through the gate and walk on the grassy trail until you reach the River Ouse, just after passing under the railway bridge.

Turn right to follow the river for almost 1.5mi, crossing over the bridge along the way and continuing in the same direction on the other side. Pass under the road bridge (A2029) and then up the embankment as the river side trail comes to an end.

Follow Jenners Way to the right, alongside the brewery and straight ahead into the town. Turn right onto Cliffe High Street and follow the pedestrianised street back over the river and uphill until you reach Eastgate Street. The many cafes and shops make this a great place to pause before returning to the station.

Turn left on Eastgate street then over the next road and continue in the same direction on Friars Walk until you reach Station Road. Turn left to access the station or turn right for visitor information and Lewes Castle.