BEGINNERS HIKE 18km The Windmills, Sea views and Chalk Hills of the South Downs
About the event
📏 Key Info: • Distance: 11 miles (18km) • Grading: [Beginners](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) with one large hill that we take gently • Ascent: 290m • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours • Cost: £33 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet Breaks: On the train, nature (woods/bushes) during hike, and at the end pub 📍 Meeting Point • Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg) • Time: Meet 8:40am, leave 9am for the 9:16am train • Return: 5:33pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) 🌟 Highlights • Elevated South Downs ridge with far-reaching sea views • The 200-year-old Jack & Jill Clayton windmills • Ditchling Beacon (248m) — Iron Age hill fort and one of the South East’s high points • Follow the River Ouse into historic Lewes • Walk through Lewes Castle Gate (castle origins c.1069, Norman conquest) • Explore one of England’s finest National Parks: the South Downs 🥾 Hike Description We begin by going from Hassocks up onto the South Downs ridge, passing the 200-year-old Clayton windmills, Jack and Jill. Jill was originally built in Brighton and moved here by horses and oxen, while Jack is the only “male” windmill in England. From the ridge the views open wide, stretching inland across the Weald and southwards to the English Channel. The trail follows the undulating ridge to Ditchling Beacon (248m) — once an Iron Age hill fort and one of the highest points in South East England. In 1588 it formed part of the beacon chain that warned of the Spanish Armada. Today it rewards us with panoramic views across Sussex and the Downs, with the hills rolling away beautifully in every direction. We continue over gentle peaks before dropping to the River Ouse, which guides us into Lewes. Our finale is a dramatic entrance through the Castle Gate, part of William the Conqueror’s 11th-century fortress. Finishing in this historic market town, we celebrate our day’s journey with the option of a pub visit. 🧭 Guide: • Leader: [GRAHAM](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487 🍽️ Food: • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) 🎒What to Bring • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ Safety Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ Want to Know More? • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) 📲 Explore More & Stay Connected [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) 📄 Terms and Conditions By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf) © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE
