Ditchling Beacon to Devil's Dyke, South Downs walk
This walk takes in one of the most stunning sections of the South Downs Way long-distance trail. Spring and summer bring an abundance of wild flowers into bloom; the richness of the plant life is thanks to the chalk soil which forms a unique grassland habitat. With great bus links from Brighton, why not make this a green day out and leave your car at home?
Near to
Devil's DykeStart point
Ditchling Beacon, grid ref: TQ333129Trail information
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Ditchling Beacon, grid ref: TQ333129
Stage 1
Take the chalk and flint path leading out of the back of the car park in a westerly direction and continue on along the chalk ridge. After around 250m you'll see a trig point on the left.
Stage 2
Continue west along the South Downs Way. 1.27km from Ditchling Beacon you will come across a dew pond and 250m further on another pond with access over a stile. Keep going west until you reach a junction signposted left for Devil's Dyke and right for Clayton windmills.
Stage 3
If you wish, take a detour to view the windmills. To continue your walk, take the path leading south and signposted to Devil's Dyke.
Stage 4
Continue on the South Downs Way past New Barn Farm, now a riding stables. Just past the farm turn right where indicated by the signpost. Go past Pycombe golf course on your left and through the club entrance gate. Cross the road and take the path to Pyecombe which goes left and runs parallel with the road. Turn right where the path ends and go along School Lane. At the junction with Church Lane go straight on into Church Hill.
Stage 5
Go past the church and at the end of the road turn left and cross the A23. On the other side turn left and walk in a southerly direction parallel to the main road. After 230m turn right along a path marked South Downs Way. (Look carefully for the waymarker because it could be obscured by undergrowth.) Follow the track up to the top of the hill, down the other side, and through a metal farm gate leading to Saddlescombe Farm. From here you can take a short detour (signposted) to see Saddlescombe's donkey wheel. This can be found by going over a stile on your left and along a grassy track.
Stage 6
Continue past the farm cottages and when you get to the end of the farm buildings on your left, turn left. Here you will find the Wildflour Café (not National Trust). Turn right past the café and in front of you is our information barn where you can learn about the farm's history. Follow the track out of the farm past a dew pond on your left and continue through the farm entrance. Cross the road and turn left. Walk through a small car park and go through the gate at the bottom of the hill.
Stage 7
Walk up the hill and continue around the edge of Devil's Dyke. Turn right at the head of the valley and continue uphill until you reach the car park.
End point
Devil's Dyke, grid ref: TQ258110
Trail map
Ditchling Beacon to Devil's Dyke South Downs walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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