Ditchling Beacon to Devil’s Dyke

Linear walk between two iconic Iron Age hill forts

Some moderate inclines. Loose surface, uneven and muddy in parts, some gates.

Getting here

By bus: Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beacon are served by the Breeze Buses. Visit brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses for full details.
By rail: The nearest railway station is Brighton. Visit nationalrail.co.uk  to plan your journey

Ditchling Beacon

Ditchling Beacon is located seven miles to the north of Brighton and just south of the  village of Ditchling. At 248 metres above sea-level it is the highest point in East Sussex with fantastic views to the sea, across the Weald and along the South Downs.

Once the site for a warning beacon which was lit in times of imminent invasion, the site is also of archaeological interest with remains of an Iron Age hill fort.

Jack and Jill Windmills

Jill, along with her neighbour Jack, stand atop the scenic South Downs with stunning views over the Weald. When the wind is blowing, Jill may be in operation and a guide  available to explain the mysteries of milling. Jill has been restored by the Jack and Jill Windmills Society. Visit jillwindmill.org.uk for more details.

Saddlescombe Farm

Acquired by the National Trust in 1995, Saddlescombe Farm is a hidden gem on the South Downs Way. Documented in the Domesday Book, this unique example of a
Downland farm recounts what life was really like throughout the last 1,000 years.

Intriguingly, it was even once home to the Knights Templar. One of Saddlescombe’s
most famous buildings is open all year and houses the donkey wheel. This huge wooden wheel, powered by a donkey or small horse, drew water from the 50-metre  deep well and was the only reliable source of water for residents for centuries.#

Directions

1. At the car park, with your back to the sea, turn left onto the South Downs Way (SDW) following the path through the gate.
2. At the top of the rise, after the dew pond continue to follow the SDW.
3. Turn left at the junction to continue to follow the SDW. Divert here to visit the Jack & Jill windmills.
4. Turn right at the crossroads, following the SDW west. Be courteous to golfers as
   the trail passes through Pyecombe Golf Course.
5. Take care crossing the busy A273. If you have time on your hands divert here to visit the National Trust hill fort at Wolstonbury Hill.
6. Turn right onto School Lane into Pyecombe village. Visit the historic church for
   refreshments and toilets, or turn left for the Plough pub and mini-mart shop
   at the garage 200m down Church Lane.
7. Turn left and follow the road over the A23, turning left again immediately after the flyover.
8. Turn right passing Haresdean Farm following the SDW. After 75m, continue up
   through a gate onto a steep chalky trail.
9. Continue up West Hill keeping to the right hand track. Descend the hill and enter a sunken lane which exits into Saddlecombe Farm.
10. Take care crossing the road and follow the SDW signs to continue on the route.
11. At the road, turn right leaving the SDW and follow the path adjacent to the road to Devil’s Dyke for refreshments and the bus stop.