Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon Climb loop from Lewes

Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon Climb loop from Lewes

Hard

4.0

(1)

riders

Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon Climb loop from Lewes

03:02

36.1km

630m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Includes a very steep uphill segment

You may need to push your bike.

After 30.2 km for 496 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

3.94 km

Cuckoo Bottom Track

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a wonderful stretch of track running just below Mount Harry, and it continues below Black Cap too before it joins the South Down Way at the Beeches. A great biking section overall.

Tip by

5.66 km

Blackcap Summit and Trig Point

Highlight • Viewpoint

Blackcap is a National Trust owned area of countryside on the peak of the South Downs, just south east of the village of Plumpton in East Sussex, England. It is …

Tip by

6.11 km

South Downs Way: Blackcap to Plumpton Bostal

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

7.52 km

View from Plumpton Bostal

Highlight • Climb

Plumpton Bostal is a particularly tough climb and descent, as the road surface is a mixture of broken tarmac, concrete and some areas of just rubble. This, combined with its …

Tip by

7.52 km

View Over Plumpton from Streat Hill

Highlight • Trail

This area of the South Downs saw running battles during the Battle of Lewes in 1264, and in more recent history these hills were used by the army as training …

Tip by

9.78 km

Ditchling Beacon Climb

Highlight • Climb

Ditchling Beacon is the third-highest point on the South Downs, with spectacular views - it's a great climb to test the legs on.

Tip by

11.1 km

An iconic sight in the South Downs National Park are the dew ponds, made for grazing livestock to drink from.

This one is particularly striking at sunset and features a lone tree which reflects perfectly in the water.

Tip by

20.8 km

Tenantlain Belt

Forest

30.7 km

View of Lewes and the Ouse Valley

Highlight • Natural Monument

The escarpment here and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The steeply sloping chalk grassland is rich in minibeasts, such as Adonis Blue and Small Blue butterflies, and the …

Tip by

36.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types