The town looks so pretty from here. This trail is a route along the beautiful coastline from Saltdean to the Cuckmere River, taking in Cliffs, Nature Reserves, Seven Sisters Country Park, Watch Towers, Forts, Lidos and Harbours. People mill about buying tickets and looking down the tracks from the bridge and it's quintessentially English. You can also upload photos to the With cows and haystacks dotted about in the fields below, I realised I was walking towards a farm house. Refreshments available at Rodmell and Southease (YHA cafe). It is a 16th century cottage that was once owned by Virginia Woolf and her husband Leonard, now owned by the National Trust. This is just the introduction. Keep walking until the sound of traffic fades and you are left with the sound of crickets and birds. Learn how your comment data is processed. Navigation is easy, the walking is over wide and distinct paths, and while there are three substantial climbs, most of the walk is flat, gently undulating or downhill. Several substantial ascents, long but all well graded, Thirsty Work: Trevor Arms pub at Glynde. Opposite the entrance to Itford House on your left, turn right with the South Downs Way.. By car: Start in Glynde (BN8 6RU), Kingston near Lewes (around BN7 3LA, closest to London and A27), or Rodmell (BN7 3EZ, pub), all of which have free parking. Hmmm. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Newhaven at low tide on a grey day in November did not make for a very prepossessing start to the walk. You will reach the ridge and find yourself surrounded by the rolling hills of the South Downs, and you start to get a peak of the sea. Take the right fork in the trail and make your way uphill again. Walkers alongside the River Ouse near Southease in East Sussex. But it was still too many, so I went through it and made myself remove some. Where the fence turns away to the right, go ahead, soon curving right on a well-trodden unfenced grassy path, which climbs to pass the trig point next to Red Lion Pond. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Most notably is the fort, as well as the museum and its focus on the maritime and wartime history of the town. Rodmell is a small, quiet and charming village nestling in some of the finest scenery of the South Downs. This walk is about 14.6 miles and covered 10 miles of the South Downs Way. Over another stile, maintain direction steadily up to the top of the ridge. Now, you may know by now how I feel about cows in fields (scared). Walking in the South Downs, having views of the rolling hills is not unusual. Sussex Ouse Valley Way This splendid waterside walk follows the River Ouse from its source near Lower Beeding to the coast at Seaford Bay. By Book : Walk 24, [1] to [5] (Rodmell) then walk 26 [2] to [3]. The route is just over 10 miles lasting approximately 3 and a half hours. It is from here that you get good views of the towns by the sea, Newhaven and Seaford. There was even the dreaded bull. If you're feeling a little more energetic hike the South Downs Way or take a walk to Charleston Farmhouse , the home of Virginia's sister Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. Sussex is home to an infinite number of fantastic winter walks. The walk from Lewes to Southease has a hike up two big inclines followed by ridge walks. Jun 5th, 2022 . For Sale: 4 beds, 3.5 baths 2448 sq. But I will still tell you (and show you) everything you will see. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. You will see Ouse Valley, Southease and Rodmell Village along this journey, where you can explore churches that date back to the 12th century. A narrow path squeezes along the right edge of a garden to join a road. I didnt go back, but decided to continue along this road, and meet the trail a bit further on. Allow 3 - 4 hours. Full directions for this walk are in a PDF file (link above) which you can print, or download on to a Kindle, tablet, or smartphone. Travelline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) The village comprises fewer than 1000 inhabitants, a 13th century church, Iford and Kingston Primary School and a pub called 'The Juggs' all of which provide focal points for the village. This is the longer (via West Firle option). The Abergavenny Arms, Rodmell, 01273 472416, is a popular pub with a pleasant outdoor terrace and is now the only possible lunch pub on this walk. The Grade II Listed period home has been lovingly restored and extended by the current owner and features ornate fireplaces alongside an unashamedly modern extension boasting bi fold doors and a magnificent sky . With great difficulty, I managed to narrow it down to about 70, but that is still too many for this blog. Take the left turn onto a much smaller path with nothing but views of the South Downs hills ahead (and some telephone pylons). Try this 6.3-mile point-to-point trail near Lewes, East Sussex. SWC Group on Flickr Somewhere. This walk's tags are: National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 Choice of car parks in Lewes, By Public Transport: Train between Southease and Lewes. It's lovely to gaze at the route you've just taken from the train - I like to wave at others following in my footsteps, they may not see me but it makes me smile. I no longer had to rush and could really take in the sights again. The famous Lewes raft raft is back and the eggs are flying once again- on a windy day. You'll be so preoccupied with feasting your eyes on the all the beauty available on this walk with the landscapes, the flora and fauna and the flowing river that eventually you'll look back and be surprised at how far back Lewes is. To me, views are everything. At 491ft above sea level, the view from the top is an exceptional one across the valley to the main ridge of the Downs traversed earlier in the walk. We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. Probably not, which means I am still due one more bull encounter. From the start of the SDW, you will continue for about 2.5 miles gently downhill, passing by fields, and maybe even some haystacksI was truly tempted to go and jump on them. By Car: Roadside parking is possible in several places on either side of the River Ouse to the west of Southease Station, accessible by car only from the west. This seemed like a good place to take my photo. This is the longer option. The walk starts in Southease and passes to Rodmell, though there is nothing stopping you from doing it in reverse. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. By using our website, you agree to our legal policy, including: no warranty, use at your own risk. Where the fence turns away to the right, go ahead, soon curving right on a well-trodden unfenced grassy path, which climbs to pass the trig point next to Red Lion Pond. Make your way through the old railway gate into the beautiful Railway Land. Turn left out of the station and go across the river. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. This yet again involved a train ride in getting to the start of the walk, as there are no direct trains to Southease it meant into Brighton and onto another train along the coast. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. Where this fence turns away to the left, follow the track, now less distinct as it curves right along the side of the combe, then left across the valley and left again, obliquely up the opposite slope to join the access road coming down from the top of the Downs. Did I mention its a loud road? 3 - Towards the bottom of the hill, just short of a gate, turn right, walking parallel to a fence on your left. - on the other side of the river are beautiful houses sitting at the bottom of chalk cliffs. Elevation gain: With all the hills you will have walked up about 2018ft (615m), but the highest point of the walk is roughly 690ft (210m). Glynde Stores and Post Office next door to the tea room serves takeaway coffee and hot chocolate (but not tea!) At 491ft above sea level, the view from the top is an exceptional one across the valley to the main ridge of the Downs traversed earlier in the walk. It all seems so close, I wondered how long it would take me to walk to them. Take a right at the second or third road (either will do), and once you reach the church, walk downhill to the left of it. Starting in Southease, the walker will travel north along the bank of the River Ouse with the river running to your right hand side. I did think twice (or 5 times) about whether I should walk through this field or turn back. LOVELY PHOTOS ,LOVELY WALK My type of view especially with no people in sight( or bulls). To complete the walk, go straight ahead from point six, over the crossing track and the stile opposite, from which a clear unfenced path drops steadily downhill. Every single junction you come to will have SDW signage. Cream teas are served Wednesday to Saturday from 3pm to 5.30pm. HP10 9TY. I concluded that I wouldnt and that I might leave here today all cut up. Its a winding road and the cars look quite vicious powering along it. There walk passes 3 train stations, one between each of the 3 hills, so if you want to drop out, its quite easy. A glimpse of how far up you will have to walk. By Book: Follow the start of Book 2, Walk 25, as far as Glynde Station (Points [1] to [3] in the instructions). Doing the Lewes to Southease section in this direction also means you have a long pleasant descent with fine views to Rodmell, and also, in section two, to Glynde. After soaking in all the delightful atmosphere of the village, you will next be able to enjoy the village's alcoholic offerings. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. It is a fast flowing river and without local knowledge it is easy to get swept out to sea, or up to Lewes, or even marooned in the mud as the tide sweeps in and out. Regular train services to Southease from Lewes or Seaford. Shortly turn left along Ranscombe Lane, passing the village shop on your left. This walk is one of my absolute favourites. Then I can live here. 6 - At a crossing track you have the option of a there-and-back detour to the left, up to the summit of The Caburn, adding about half a mile to the walk but not to be missed. You will then reach an open field. 5 - For the longer walk continue along the road into Glynde village, passing the village smithy on your right. Distance: 14.6 miles, to walk from Lewes station to Southease station in a C shape. Lewes to Saltdean walk South Downs Way along a chalk ridge in the morning, remote Rodmell for lunch, then back up and over the downs to the coast. The path becomes Juggs road which joins Priory Street, follow it (east). Starting in Southease, the walker will travel north along the bank of the River Ouse with the river running to your right hand side. Pop., 84. But rather, wanted to complete it as day trips. You will soon leave the trail and find yourself on a small road. Notes: You'll be getting the train back so worth checking times first but you can easily pass the time at the lovelySouth Downs YHAat Southease. By book : Walk 26 [3] to [4], then follow walk 25 in reverse from [6] to [3]. Walking in the South Downs, having views of the rolling hills is not unusual. Wildflower Meadow: Grow your own in a container. With its castle, saxon twittens, ruined priory and architecture from the Normans onwards, its really worth spending time there. I noticed on my map that there was a hostel near by, and I became filled with this desire to spend the night here. [Map 3B] Follow the SDW north west along the ridge (with a big drop on your right hand side). You will be continuing on in this direction for a while, and after going through more gates you will find yourself on the first ridge, with views to your right down to the villages below, and views to your left of the South Downs hills. Pass to the left of a circular fenced pond, go through a bridle gate and bear left. (upload your photos) Passing over Seaford Head you get fantastic views of the path over the Seven Sisters ahead then head inland to follow the banks of the river Cuckmere through Westdean, Litlington and Alfriston. Well, now I knew. The Ouse isn't the longest of rivers, at around 35 miles from source to sea. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Over another stile, maintain direction steadily up to the top of the ridge. From the intersection of paths, the short detour to Mount Caburn at the south end of the ridge (less than 100m) is well worth the view. I decided that maybe I will marry a farmer. I dont know if thats what those signs are called, but thats what they mean (I think) so Im going to go with that. saturdaywalkers@walyada yada yadakingclub.org.uk. As I made my way downhill, a couple of farmers in their trucks drove on by, I looked at the time and realised a train would be arriving at Southease in 15 min. (The TOCW2 Walk 25 route goes straight through the middle of the bowl, rather than around it). SOUTHEASE, a parish in Lewes district, Sussex; on the river Ouse, adjacent to the Newhaven railway, 3 miles S by E of Lewes.Post town, Lewes. Seaside Hastings, a hilly cliff walk with 4 steep climbs and a remote naturist beach. I usually see a couple of herons and egret's along the way. Take a left to walk along the river (which is the main key to this whole walk!) Take a right after crossing and follow the path along the River Ouse. Using a part of the South Down Way, this circular walk goes through Southease, Rodmell, along the River Ouse and include one steep hill. At the end of the ridge, follow it downhill, cross the road via a foorbridge, and carry on to Southease Station. A convenient rail service links you to Southease. The South Downs I had to keep going. Iford is very much a working village with the south side dominated by the Iford Estate farm. On show in the house are numerous interesting artefacts relating to the Bloomsbury Group who would frequently visit the house. Those extra miles are on different trails and get you to and from the towns of Hassocks and Lewes (and their train stations with direct trains to London). Directions are given to do this walk anti-clockwise (Lewes-Southease-Glynde-Lewes) or clockwise (Lewes-Glynde-Southease-Lewes). In the Easter, late May and summer school holidays it is open daily except Wednesday. You will next be walking in a field, with a gorgeous view to the left. Famous for being the home of author Virginia Woolf, Rodmell is a must see place for many fans of the Bloomsbury set. I continued up with the fence to my right (and the cows just the other side of it) when I then noticed another opening in the fence.right next to the cows. This does not mean though that the village is unpeaceful, on the contrary the existence of a number of fine manor houses testify to the serenity of the village. The train journey back to the city was 1.5 hours, but really I wanted to stay in this peaceful place and wake up in the morning in the fresh air before continuing on with this walk to the sea. [Map 3C] Cross a minor road, and later a bridge high over a motorway. Pass through a car park next to Lewes Golf Clubhouse and follow the access drive down into Lewes. Choice of pubs and cafes in Lewes, So you dont get lost: OS Explorer Map 122. Southease station is very sweet. You made it! If you continue straight you will reach the woodland. For part of the way, there is a path on the bank to the left of the road which offers a magnificent view over Lewes. I knew there were sections of the trail that dont take you anywhere near train stations, and I hadnt quite figured out the logistics of those parts yet. The pretty village of Southease, listed in the Domesday Book, is a short walk from the station. If you have a wait for the train I wholeheartedly recommend crossing the railway line and a stop atthe YHA- they serve lovely cakes, have clean toilets and you can sit outside in their pretty garden with nice views on a sunny day. Now that the Trevor Arms in Glynde has closed, the only lunch option in that village is the Little Cottage Tea Rooms, if they are open. Enter through the gate and take the path to the right. Southease is a Community Rail Station Station Partners Walkers also get to enjoy some wonderful Sussex farmland on the way just before they pass into Rodmell. The Bank, East Sussex - Book The Bank online with best deal and discount with lowest price on Hotel Booking. Saturdaywalker Ancient villages, sites of special scientific interest, pubs, medieval waterways, working farms.and a host of wildlife, not forgetting the little Egret, namesake of the routeway. There's no shortages of pub walks in Sussex, Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest Sussex news straight to your inbox every day as well as all the latest breaking news. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Walk through the field, continuing up, and under the telephone pylons. Maybe the sign was pretend lol. A Gannett Company. Well, I did make it safely past the opening, then made my way further up the hill. It heaves at the struts of the bridge and teases the banks with waves that break sporadically into puddles on the path. In more detail: contour north around the bottom of the golf course, then east following the ridge via Saxon Down, then south to an intersection of paths just to the north of Coombe Hill. You can even just about spot some white sea cliffs in the distance. To do this, follow the directions in this document as far as the end of clockwise section one and then follow the Lewes via West Firle directions from point [3]. After 60 yards, at a waypost, fork right, obliquely up across a field to another gate and on along the hillside, continuing to gain height. Southease Southease, Ditchling Beacon & Lewes This lengthy East Sussex walk traverses a section of the South Downs using the South Downs Way and other paths and tracks. Continue south along the road, cross a busy road, and continue south on a lane for 30 metres. 5 - For the longer walk continue along the road into Glynde village, passing the village smithy on your right. I did say in my blog post about walking from Faversham to Whitstable that things come in threes, so I am due one more bull encounter. Leave the road to the right of the clubhouse, [Map 1B] Circuit around the bowl you can see in front of you. 2 - About 150 yards short of the twin masts on Beddingham Hill and just before a cattle grid, turn left across grass, walking parallel and a few yards to the left of the tarmac road, which comes up from the foot of the Downs at this point. The path lead me to a section with high fences either side, and signage warning of traffic up ahead. I did this walk a couple of days ago, perfect blue sky. You can stop halfway and make the 20 min walk into Rodmell to check outMonk's House(Virginia Woolf's 17th century home)if you wanted to make more of a day of it. Two small vilages separated by the C7 but linked by the Parish Church, St Nicholas in Iford. That really makes me so happy that my directions were easy to follow! www.walkingclub.org.uk/site/license.shtml, 7 out of 10 (three steep climbs, but mostly easy level walking on good paths with easy navigation). Take some time to appreciate it here as when you scratch the surface you'll discover a feast of beauty! Wow. I take your privacy seriously. By Car: Roadside parking is possible in several places on either side of the River Ouse to the west of Southease Station, accessible by car only from the west. Beautiful winter day. Preview trail Hiking Walking Partially paved River Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description It actually took me about 45 min to get to the station from this point. Tickets cost 3 - 5 and the journey takes 6 min. It's an easy, breezy walk - one that isn't taxing and is full of detoxing fresh air and a mix of landscapes to inspire and feast the eyes. I took about 600 photos on this one. Off the lead for most of the time. When you arrive at it you can either cross it to get to the station or you can turn right so go and have a peek at the gorgeous Southease village with it's thatched cottages and cute church. Here you'll pick up a grassy path along the river. Cross the main road and turn left along the recently opened cycle track, which runs behind the hedge, parallel and to the right of the A27. The shorter route is to follow the old SDW route. Copyright @ 2019 She walks in England - All Right Reserved. This path is not marked as a right of way on OS maps but is within a large area of open access land. Opposite the entrance to Itford House on your left, turn right with the South Downs Way.. And a view ahead of a white chalk cliff face. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. Train from Glynde to Lewes from end of shorter walk, Whats underfoot: Excellent walking along good paths and tracks, and across open downland. If you would like a circular hike, you could try a hilly 13 mile one from Hassocks to Devils Dyke. BY . From the bottom of the hill go straight ahead along the pedestrianised Malling High Street. By Book: Follow Walk 26 to point [2] in the Abergavenny Arms pub in Rodmell. Ive only just realised as I write this that I walked a very long way without stopping to eat. The sun was now hanging low in the sky, giving a sort of warm pink tinge to my surroundings. Of course, Id love you to stick about but you can unsubscribe at any time. and turn west towards a farm at the entrance of Firle Manor, then join a quiet lane [the main route] heading north to the main road), Cross the busy road, and continue north, past the Trevor Arms to Glynde Station, Turn left at the village shop, cross the style and up on to the downs.