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Winter morning view towards Saddlescombe Farm at Devil's Dyke, South Downs
View towards Saddlescombe Farm | © National Trust Images/Laurence Perry
Sussex

Walking in the South Downs: day one

Embark on a two-day walk across the magnificent South Downs – one that's been tried and tested by environment and travel journalist Mark Rowe. On this page, you'll find the route for day one, which takes in sights such as Devil's Dyke and the historic Saddlescombe Farm.

Total steps: 4

Total steps: 4

Start point

Junction of the Downs Link and the South Downs Way, Steyning. Grid ref: TQ197096

Step 1

Starting at the junction of the Downs Link and the South Downs Way, follow the route east from the A283 via Edburton Hill towards Devil's Dyke. (For a longer walk, start at Shoreham-by-Sea train station and walk up the Downs Link to the junction with the South Downs Way.)

Step 2

The South Downs Way sweeps you behind the viewing platform at Devil's Dyke, so you'll need to make a brief diversion here, picking up the path behind woodland by Devil's Dyke Road.

Step 3

Continue along the South Downs Way to the next valley, where you'll find Saddlescombe Farm and its café (grid ref: TQ274115).

Step 4

If you're planning to stay overnight in Ditchling, leave the ridge of the downland by any of the tracks that run steeply downhill. Take care along the side of Ditchling Road as you walk into the village.

End point

Ditchling Beacon Nature Reserve. Grid ref: TQ325134

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the South Downs in Sussex
Walking in the South Downs: day one route map | © Crown copyright and database rights, 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Devil's Dyke, Nr Brighton, West Sussex

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