This glorious hill is the highest point in East Sussex and lies within the majestic South Downs National Park. The beacon sits amongst ancient landscapes with Roman Roads, medieval field …

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South Downs National Park

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Location: Ditchling, Lewes, East Sussex, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Ditchling Beacon

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368

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1. Ditchling Beacon loop from Jack and Jill Windmills — South Downs National Park

9.06km

02:31

160m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.5

(31)

120

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2. Jack and Jill Windmills and Ditchling Beacon loop from Hassocks — South Downs National Park

14.7km

04:11

320m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.5

(14)

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3. Wolstonbury Hill, Ditchling Beacon and the Jack & Jill Windmills loop from Hassocks — South Downs National Park

16.4km

04:40

360m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

Dan Hobson

July 19, 2019

From the summit of Ditchling Beacon, you're afforded a wonderful panoramic view. Standing at 814 feet (248 m) above sea level, it is the highest point along the Sussex Downs. You can look south to sea, north across the Weald, or east-west across the Downs. The site, which is managed by the National Trust, is also of archaeological interest due to there being an Iron Age hillfort there.

David Howells

July 5, 2023

Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex, England, with an elevation of 248 m (814 ft). It is south of Ditchling and to the north-east of Brighton. It is a large chalk hill with a particularly steep northern face, covered with open grassland and sheep-grazing areas. It is the third-highest point on the South Downs, behind Butser Hill (270 m (890 ft) and Crown Tegleaze (253 m (830 ft).

Peter Sheridan

July 4, 2020

There is an OS Trig point here and a flat concrete slap nearby, not sure if this is where they light the beacon.

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Elevation 240 m

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Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

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See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Ditchling, Lewes, East Sussex, South East England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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Ditchling Village

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Technical Descent to Ditchling, South Downs National Park

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Lower Bridleway in South Downs National Park

Blackcap

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View from Plumpton Bostal

South Downs Way Trail near Jack and Jill

Ditchling Beacon

1. Ditchling Beacon loop from Jack and Jill Windmills — South Downs National Park

2. Jack and Jill Windmills and Ditchling Beacon loop from Hassocks — South Downs National Park

3. Wolstonbury Hill, Ditchling Beacon and the Jack & Jill Windmills loop from Hassocks — South Downs National Park

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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