Ditchling Beacon to Devil’s Dyke, 23 May

IT’S GOING TO BE HOT! BRING EXTRA LIQUIDS, HAT, SUNSCREEN.

Trains: 9.18  Thameslink train from London Bridge arriving Brighton 10.18 ( East Croydon 9.30). Buy a return ticket to Brighton.  We will walk to the B4 stop outside the station to catch the  hourly 79 Breeze bus at 10.42 up to Ditchling Beacon. If anyone is arriving on a different train please meet us at the bus stop. Anyone with a bus pass can use it on the bus.

The Walk: This 8 mile walk follows the South Downs Way from Ditchling Beacon to Devil’s Dyke, offering wonderful views.

What to expect: The walk mostly follows the South Downs Way. It is strenuous in places with two stops for refreshment. Although there is no easy  break-off point a  taxi or Uber would be possible from Pyecombe (4 – 5 miles). The track gets steep descending into Pyecombe and ascending out of it. We will take it steadily.  Two busy main roads must be crossed, so care and patience are required. 

The Wildflower cafe at Saddlescombe Farm offers a reward before the final section of the walk in and around the spectacular Devil’s Dyke. 

Lunch: Please bring a picnic. We will stop for a snack or early lunch near the Church of the Good Shepherd at Pyecombe. We plan to spend more time later at the Wildflower Cafe, which serves savories, cakes and ice cream before heading toward Devil’s Dyke. There is also a pub at the top of the Dyke. The main walk ends here.

The 77 Breeze bus takes us back into Brighton, so you can head back into town or linger and explore the Site for longer. The buses go at 17.15, 18.00 and 18.45. Please bring plenty of fluids to drink, and a packed lunch snack.  Poles would be useful if you use them and if we get rain this week the path may be slippery in places.

Toilets: Brighton Station (may be busy), Pyecombe and Devils Dyke.

Extra notes:If you have time and are definitely planning to come on the walk, please let Sue C know. The cafe owner is going away for the Bank Holiday Weekend. If we can give her an idea of the expected number of walkers before the weekend, she can inform her team.  

Given that it is a Bank Holiday Weekend, book your return ticket to Brighton as soon as you can.

Leader: Sue C