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Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon loop from Hamsey

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Hiking trails & Routes

Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon loop from Hamsey

Hard

4.8

(8)

hikers

Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon loop from Hamsey

05:21

19.3km

340m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 20, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

South Downs National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.13 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 also mainly part of the Clayton to Offham Escarpment SSSI. The reserve contains the hills of Blackcap 206 metres (676 ft) in the parish of East Chiltington, Mount Harry 196 metres (643 ft) in the parish of Hamsey and the wooded area of Ashcombe Bottom in the parish of St John Without.

Some wonderful views over the Weald to the North and it is also next to a wonderful forested escarpment. You can also see the beacon at Mount Harry to the East and the Downs at the back of Newhaven to Brighton to the South.

Tip by

3.58 km

Blackcap

Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument

From this viewpoint on the South Downs Way ridge, you can enjoy soaring views across the National Park all the way to New Haven.

Tip by

7.52 km

Ditchling Beacon

Highlight • Natural Monument

From the summit of Ditchling Beacon, you're afforded a wonderful panoramic view. Standing at 814 feet (248 m) above sea level, it is the highest point along the Sussex Downs. You can look south to sea, north across the Weald, or east-west across the Downs. The site, which is managed by the National Trust, is also of archaeological interest due to there being an Iron Age hillfort there.

Tip by

7.96 km

View of the Weald from Ditchling Beacon Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

Ditchling Beacon Nature Reserve is owned by the National Trust but managed by the Wildlife Trust. It's an important area of chalk downland with rare species of plant and insect.

The views from this ridge, below Ditchling Beacon are far-reaching, across the Weald.

The South Downs Way long distance footpath walks across the hill above this point.

Tip by

8.90 km

Dew Pond with Lone Tree

Highlight • Structure

Before it was possible to channel a water supply to farmland, dew ponds were dug as a way to collect rain water for the animals. Sometimes known as mist ponds or cloud ponds, they are usually high up on hills so are often accompanied by beautiful views.

Tip by

9.55 km

Keymer Post Viewpoint

Highlight • Summit

Ex Commonwealth March 100K

Tip by

15.5 km

Bronze Age Burial Mounds at Blackcap

Highlight • Historical Site

One of the area's Bronze Age burial mounds, up to 4,000 years old

Tip by

17.1 km

Lewes Beacon on Mount Harry

Highlight • Historical Site

The locally well-known Lewes Beacon stands on top of Mount Harry and commands beautiful views over the town and surrounding countryside.

Historically, the beacon was used as a signal point during times of conflict and also as a place for locals to gather and celebrate. Today, the landmark is a popular spot for walkers and anyone looking for a refreshing nature fix.

Tip by

19.3 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

11.5 km

7.83 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

10.9 km

5.93 km

1.84 km

599 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 8 July

31°C

17°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

April 8, 2023,Hassocks to Lewes walk

Easy walk to do with public transport. Train from London to Hassocks, then walk to Lewes. Bus from Lewes to Brighton, then back on the train.

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Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon loop from Hamsey

Blackcap Summit and Trig Point

Blackcap

Ditchling Beacon

View of the Weald from Ditchling Beacon Nature Reserve

Dew Pond with Lone Tree

Keymer Post Viewpoint

Bronze Age Burial Mounds at Blackcap

Lewes Beacon on Mount Harry

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