A one way, two and a half hour walk from Plumpton station over the Downs back to Lewes. Distance: 5.6 miles Height gain: 150 Metres.

Take the short train journey to Plumpton Station, Once there, walk south from the far end of Platform 2, to go past the racecourse. It may be neccessary to go out of the station, turn left, left again, then right along the alleyway which takes you over the bridge.

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Walk south at the far end of the station by the bridge and keep Plumpton Racecourse and its main buildings on your left.

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On exiting the grounds of the racecourse, turn right into the lane.

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Very shortly, turn left down into an unmarked lane just before South House and Stables.

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At the end of this lane, just past a small pond, head straight on across the small field towards a gap in the trees. Here you will find a path which will take you through a copse, over a couple of streams and straight on through the grounds of Plumpton Agricultural College.

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At the end of the college buildings, a waymarked deviation to the right will take you to the Church of St Michael and All Angels. This is well worth the effort. Walk back to the college road and turn right.

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A little beyond the path to the church, turn left through a gate to get to the Half Moon free house.

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Across the B2116 from the Half Moon, take the lane which climbs steeply up the scarp slope.

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A little way up, just past an old footpath sign and a lane coming in from the right, go through a small gate on the left. This takes you on to a short footpath climbing the slope, steeply at first, then at a more forgiving 45-degree angle. When the sun is shining, this is a glorious little path. Meadow flowers, including cowslips in spring, are at your feet, larks are overhead and the view over the Weald is a stunner. The route you have walked so far is mapped out below you and trains can be seen pulling in to Plumpton Station.

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At the top of this path through another small gate, turn left onto the wide lane running across the top of the north slope. Carry on straight, past the stables over the lane and descend towards Lewes.

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Over the A275, walk down Spital Road, Western Road (A277) and then Lewes High Street.

 

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