Plumpton - Streat - Ditchling Beacon and Village - Plumpton

Graham Hooker

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

This circular walk sets out from the railway station (or adjacent car park) at Plumpton. Initially the route skirts the edge of Plumpton Races, a small and picturesque National Hunt course with the stunning backdrop of the South Downs. Next a stony bridleway heads west across the Weald to reach Streat Place, a magnificent Grade 2-listed manor-house still in private ownership. Then it's south through woods and meadows to Westmeston and the short, steep ascent to Ditching Beacon. Ditching summit is host to an Iron Age fort, dew pond and in season, Chalkhill Blue butterflies, wild marjoram, thyme and the rare spider orchid. Its beacon was one of a chain of fires along the south coast which could be lit to warn of the Spanish Armada and the impending invasion.

Next, a steep descent through Ditchling Nature Reserve leads on through fields and a newly planted vineyard to historic Ditchling Village, which boasts two excellent pubs for mid-walk refreshment. The final leg sets a beeline back to Plumpton using easy byways and bridleways through classic East Sussex countryside. Allow around two hours thirty minutes for the moderate route out and over Ditchling Beacon as far as the pubs. The final stretch back to Plumpton Station is an easy stroll needing a little over one hour.

England - South England - East Sussex - South Downs