Sussex

A walk at Blackcap

Blackcap bostal white against the dusk on the South Downs — Blackcap bostal, an ancient drove way on the South Downs | © National Trust/ Hannah Pickard

Enjoy a circular walk around this secluded gem with sunken bostals, a hidden woodland, views over the Weald and fascinating history. 'Bostal' is a Sussex term for a way up a hill on the South Downs.

Near to

Blackcap

Start point

Layby on B2116, grid ref: TQ381129

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)

Duration2 hours 30 mins

Dog friendly**

*Uneven ground, muddy in wet weather. One stile on route. For further information visit the section marked Terrain.
**Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome. For further information visit the section marked Facilities.

Address
Blackcap, Lewes, BN7 3QN
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Lewes 4 miles (6.5km); Cooksbridge 2 miles (3.2km). Good rail links from London to Haywards Heath and London to Lewes.
On foot
The South Downs Way runs alongside the site and will bring you out at the top of the bostal.
By bus
Service 166, Lewes to Haywards Heath; service 824, Lewes to Burgess Hill. Alight at The Blacksmith's Arms at Offham then, with the pub directly on your right, walk along main road until you reach the public access sign, then follow path to Blackcap. Alternatively, alight at the Half Moon at Plumpton then walk to crossroads, cross main road and go along track opposite Plumpton Lane. Bear left at top of ridge and follow straight to Blackcap.
Cycling
The South Downs Way passes Blackcap, which then links to a network of bridleways and country lanes.
By road
Follow B2116 west of Lewes (post code: BN7 3QN). Small lay-by below on B2116 for parking (free, open 24 hours), entrance to Blackcap opposite lay-by.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome. No dog bins in area so please take home all rubbish and dog waste.
Car park
Parking: Small lay-by on B2116 for parking (free, open 24 hours), entrance to Blackcap opposite lay-by.
Pub
Half Moon pub in nearby Plumpton: parking, food, toilets and baby change available (not National Trust).
Restaurant
Lewes is the nearest town (3 miles/5km): wide variety of coffee shops, restaurants, toilets and parking.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Layby on B2116, grid ref: TQ381129
Stage 1
Cross the road from the lay-by, go through the gate and straight up the main chalk track slightly to the right.
Stage 2
Stay on the main track until until you get to the top of hill. At top the bostal leads into open downland. Turn left and follow the path to the viewpoint (this is the OS trig point) on the ridge.
Stage 3
From the viewpoint, continue on the main track as it starts to head downhill.
Stage 4
Continue down the hill, taking the track to the right of the crest of the ridge.
Stage 5
Turn right at a waymark sign 110yd (100m) from the bridle gate. Follow the path down into a valley, turning right where it meets the main track. Follow straight on along the shady track.
Wildlife in the woods
You now enter a more secluded world from the open downs, peaceful yet rich in wildlife. Small sunny glades are blanketed with yellow rock rose in the spring and the purple of devil's bit scabious in late summer; red campion and rosebay willowherb form pink borders along the path. At dusk in summer the air is perfumed with the sweet scent of honeysuckle. If you are quiet, you might spot badgers, foxes or roe deer.
Stage 6
Stay on the main track, which becomes steep and narrow. Go through the gate at the top, then straight on up the field. From the top of the bostal follow your steps back to the start.
End point
Layby on B2116, grid ref: TQ381129
Trail map
Map route for a walk at Blackcap | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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