Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex, and the third-highest point on the South Downs at 248 m above sea level. It is at What3Words:covertly.wiped.published.
The Beacon is just north of Brighton and just south of the village of Ditchling. It’s also on the South Downs Way and is part of the Clayton to Offham Escarpment which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is managed by the National Trust and Sussex Wildlife Trust and was once the site of an Iron Age hill fort.
Parking at Ditchling Beacon
You can park at the top (paid parking). Alternatively, there is a small car park at the foot of the Beacon as you travel south from Ditchling and just before the road starts to climb. Beware, the surface is very uneven.
Ditchling Beacon Walks
There are lots of options if you are looking for walks at Ditchling Beacon. Follow the South Downs Way west until you reach the Jack and Jill windmills at Clayton. It’s about 3 kms to the windmills and you’ll past Keymer Post (where you cross from East to West Sussex). If you walk east, you can walk to Black Cap overlooking Lewes. It’s about 4 kms to Black Cap.
If you’re looking for a circular walk, head south down the footpath from the car park at the top of the Beacon and walk to Lower Standean. Then head west until you meet the Sussex Border Path which will take you back to the South Downs Way at Keymer Post. This loop is about 6.5 kms. If you want to make it just a little longer (8 kms) go south down the Sussex Border Path to the Chattri Memorial and then retrace your steps.
If you’ve parked at the bottom of Ditchling Beacon, don’t forget you’ve got an invigorating climb of about a 1 km up through the Nature Reserve to get to the top.
Things to do and see at Ditchling Beacon
At the top, look out for the trig point and see if you can spot what’s left of the hillfort. Have an ice cream from the van that is nearly always there and look out for wildlife. See if you can find the trees planted in a V shape to commemorate Queen Victoria nearby. Photos of the panoramic views are almost compulsory. After your walk, head into Ditchling or one of the local vineyards for refreshments.
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