T=2.25 Length: 16.9km (10.4 miles) or 18.8 km (11.7 miles) with extension.
The proposed walk is an option from the Lewes via West Firle circular walk finishing in Southease. There is an optional extension to Charleston Farmhouse, climbing to the South Downs Way from there to rejoin the published route to Southease.
Difficulty: 6 out of 10
Trains: Catch the 9.54 Ore train from London Victoria (Clapham Junction 10.01, East Croydon 10.10), arriving Lewes 10.56.
Return trains from Southease are at 15.05, 16.06, 17.06, 18.07. Change at Lewes for trains to Victoria. Change again at Hayward’s Heath if going to London Bridge.
Buy a day return to Southease unless you plan to finish somewhere else.
The walk starts in the historic town of Lewes with the early section having fine views over the town and castle. The section along the South Downs Way offers extensive views both inland and towards the port of Newhaven with the Channel beyond.
The extension to Charleston Farmhouse offers a chance to take a guided tour of the farmhouse (see website) or visit the café there. From there, carry on eastward for approximately 200 meters to Tilton farm on your right. There is a wooded path to the left of the farm buildings which leads up onto the South Downs Way. Turn right on the SDW and follow it past Firle Beacon, soon rejoining the published route to Southease.
Lunch: The suggested lunch pub is the Ram Inn (tel 01273 858222) in Firle. The cafe at Charleston also has some lunch options as well as tea and cakes. Picnic in Firle or at Charleston.
Tea: The YHA cafe at Southease or the station cafe at Lewes.
L=2.25
2 comments:
N=17 today - and a dog. The day w=started-cloudy-soon-turned-sunny and stayed that way. A bit of a breeze made for ideal conditions, even up the hard bits (and there were some). Mr Tiger surprised himself by hurtling up the first climb to the golf club, then spoilt it all by following a few rebels up to the ridge and along, rather than the official dip and climb before Glynde. Slightly longer but the others were caught up with using a sophisticated technique (called “cheating”). This involved going straight over the A road instead of using the underpass. Clever, huh?
On to the Ram and Mr Tiger’s one disappointment of the day. The sickly muck they sold him as “cider”. Took a half of Harvey’s to take the taste away. Most picnicked by the cricket pitch.
The group divided here with some going on to Charleston and the majority going straight up the hill. Although Charleston was ‘fully booked” things slackened off in the afternoon and some got inside. The gardens were said to be good.
The up-the-hillers got the 17:06 and broke the journey in Lewes for a visit to the John Harvey. There was talk of a meal after but Mr Tiger had a busy schedule to keep.
Grand day out.
A few of the "up-the-hillers" caught the 16.06 train!
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