Burgess Hill to Hassocks Walk

26.7km (16.8miles) approximately. For a shorter walk, see Walk options below

Time: 7 hours. For the whole outing including trains, sights and meals allow at least 11 hours.

Burgess Hill, W.Sussex, GR TQ317188; Hassocks, W.Sussex, GR TQ304155

8 out of 10 (less for the shorter options)

This walk takes in Sussex landmarks including three windmills, two golf courses, ponds, a water tower, picturesque villages and The Sussex Downs with panoramic views of surrounding countryside and the South coast. Initially following the railway track south towards Hassocks, the walk goes east through a local rural park area and climbs up to a distinctive water tower visible for miles around. Continuing on with constant views of the Downs to the south, passing stables, farms etc, it joins the Sussex Border Path, which divides east and west Sussex, and travels south towards Ditchling (the recommended lunch stop for the short walk, and a possible early lunch stop for the main walk). Later, the path steeply ascends near Ditchling Beacon. After a descent for lunch at the Plough at Pyecombe, there is a gentler climb up Wolstonbury Hill. There follows a descent to Hurstpierpoint (and its College); the route almost coming full circle -just skirting Burgess Hill on the way to Hassocks.

The walk can be shortened by;

1. Missing out Hurspierpoint College and travelling East along the B2116 to Hassocks. You could use footpaths to the North of Hurstpierpoint travelling parallel to the the B2116 which in fact rejoin the main walk at Hurst Wickham about a mile from Hassocks. This shortens the walk by approximately 2 miles.

2. Diverting to Burgess Hill after Hurstpierpoint College at map reference TQ299174 where the main walk turns a sharp South South West towards West Wickham. Travel North East along footpath for 150m until you hit a path where you go right for 500m towards the A273. Cross and turn left to walk North. After 400m following the A273 turn right along a footpath which after 300m leads over the railway to the point at which we left the footpath parallel to the railway line near the start of the walk! Turn left and follow path back to Burgess Hill Station. Not much of a walk shortener but handy if you prefer to make a complete circle or have left a car there! Also, trains back to London may be more frequent.

3. Start the walk at Hassocks and walk due East, straight along the B2116 to Ditchling where you join the Sussex Border Path going South. This reduces the walk distance by around 2.5 miles and 1Hr. This could be an option for late-risers who wish to reach the recommended pub stop at Pyecombe by 1.30 but check frequency of trains to Hassocks. If you go northwards from Hassocks you can pick up paths that lead via Keymer to the Roman Road that goes straight into Ditchling.

4. After lunch at Pyecombe, follow footpath North towards Clayton (parallel to the A273) which skirts to the east of Wolstonbury Hill and takes you to a minor road where you turn right to go east for 200m towards a road junction near the Jack and Jill Public House. Cross the A273 and follow well-trod footpath northwards via Butcher's Wood and parallel to (same!) railway track back to Hassocks Station. This probably reduces the walk distance by a quarter.

5. Instead of diverting to Pyecombe, follow the Sussex Border Path south to the Indian War Memorial (ideal picnic spot) and follow till you cross the A27 and find yourself on the outskirts of Brighton and Hove.

6. Begin the walk as in the main directions from Burgess Hill allowing approximately 2 hours to reach the recommended lunch stop at Ditchling. It will take another hour approximately at an average pace to get to the top of the Downs at point [5]. From here, as usual you continue for 50m to the signpost marked with '17' and a blue arrow. But, instead of carrying on along the Sussex Border Path from stay on the South Downs Way until you reach the black and white windmills (Jack & Jill) and descend northwards towards Hasssocks. This is in effect, Book 1 Walk 29 Hassocks to Lewes in reverse from just before [4] of the book directions back to [1]. Because you can see the windmills from Keymer Point and soon after, Hassocks, (your desination) you are unlikely to get lost even if you don't have the book or the map. Walking time probably around 4 hours not including a lunch break. Distance around 8.5-9 miles.

7. After your descent to the bottom of Wolstonbury Hill, instead of turning left go right for a few metres then left to go north for 100m. At the lane junction, instead of going straight on to Little Danny, go right along the bridleway for 300m. At the junction with New Way Lane turn left. In 300m at the next junction leave the lane by a red letter box just after the driveway entrance to Little Danny Stables to find a footpath, your bearing 310 degrees. Follow this into a wood for 30m. Cross a 2-plank bridge and stile on emerging from wood to enter a field. Walk on a bearing of 310 degrees on the left-hand side of the field for 200m, alongside a fence, passing alpacas etc in fields to the left. Continue straight ahead towards a gate ahead; a large house over to the left, for 150m. Cross a stile to the right of a gate. Continue on a bearing of 330 degrees towards a gate by small trees ahead. After 70m, cross a stile to the left of a gate at a crossroads by a driveway to Danny Country House apartments. Go directly across, following the driveway with a hedge in the middle!. Take the right fork after 60m. After another 25m at a footpath sign go right over a stile into fields. Bear right on 330 degrees and walk 100m, following a fence around to the left. At the corner of the field go over a stile, a 2-plank footbridge and a squeeze stile into the next field at a 3-cornered signpost. Take the right-hand footpath, bearing 350 degrees. After 200m cross a squeeze stile into the next field. Continue towards a line of trees, bearing 360 degrees. In 200m, cross a squeeze stile to enter woods on the same bearing for 50m, to emerge over a squeeze stile, and a 3-plank footbridge where you turn immediately right into the next field over a stile by a 3-armed signpost. Continue on same bearing as before for 90m along the left-hand side of a field, the houses of Hurstpierpoint visible over to the right. Cross a squeeze stile to the right of a metal fieldgate. [!] Immediately ahead another stile leads into an enclosed pathway. If it's too muddy avoid it by following the arrow on the tree indicating right! After 70m pass a tree and in a further 5m go over a squeeze stile to continue as before; a fence and a field to the left, a hedge to the right. After 130m the path turns left by by a fence. Follow this for 15m, go over a stile and (by a fieldgate) turn right to follow a hedge towards a gate at the top of a narrow field. After 80m cross a stile to the right of a fieldgate to exit into Little Washbrook Farm road/driveway. Continue past a wooden building at 325 degrees for about 110m. At a yellow arrow sign on a post turn right to descend a few steps and go over a footbridge. Immediately after this bridge cross a gravelly drive path. In the grass 5m beyond is a wooden post with a yellow footpath arrow - follow indicated footpath towards a hedge with houses behind bearing 30 degrees. In 35m cross a 2-plank footbridge over a stream then a squeeze gate, to follow a path uphill towards houses, between fences, then walls and fences to emerge after 200 by Hillbrow Bungalow. Continue up the a driveway for a further 30m to emerge into a public park area by a 4-armed signpost. Carry on along Pit Lane towards the main road just visible 50m away.

8. Turn left into High Street (towards the church). There is a cafe opposite, just a few metres along the road to the left that is the recommended tea stop if open. Do not mistake it for an antique shop! In 190m opposite the bus shelter is Vinyard Lodge, another possible tea stop. After a further 25m is the roundabout by the church at the junction of High Street and Cuckfield Road where you turn right to resume the main walk at point [9]. This should reduce the distance by around 2 miles.

9. Nb. There is a bus service 33 which goes through Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks and Ditchling but fairly infrequently as you might expect: M-F hourly from Hurstpierpoint inc 1639 1729 1814 (Sats 1354 1554 1754 only). Not Sundays!

Trains go from London Victoria or from London Bridge to Burgess Hill (some involving a change at East Croydon) on the Brighton line; journey time, just over an hour. Trains back to London from Hassocks are around three an hour on Saturdays and also on Sundays.

Trains back from Hassocks are 3 per hour; there is a pub right by the station.

Suggested train: Take the train nearest to 08.45 from Victoria to Hassocks - or London Bridge (change at East Croydon 09.07). Trains usually every 30 mins. CDR to Hassocks approx. £11 with a Network card.

For those driving, park at either Burgess Hill or Hassocks; stations are only 4 minutes apart by train but check train times and parking costs.

• The Bull Ditchling. Lunchtime food (dining room or bar). Very busy Sunday lunchtimes but there are large outdoor areas in good weather. Tel 01273 843147
• The Plough, Pyecombe. Lunchtime bar food or restaurant This may be at time of writing in danger of closing so phone ahead 01273 842796
• The New Inn 74 High St. Hurstpierpoint. Restaurant. Tel 01273 834608
• The Jack and Jill Brighton Road Clayton Tel 01273 843595
• The Horse Inn Hurst Albourne Road Hurstpierpoint (trad village inn) 01273 834717
• The Poacher 139 High St. Hurstpierpoint Tel 01273 834202
• Vinyard Lodge High Street Hurspierpoint (Restaurant, bar, en-suite accommodation) 01273 835000
• Morleys Bistro 42 High St., Hurstpierpoint., BN6 9RG. Tel 01273 835000

• The Hassocks pub, Station Approach Hassocks. Food noon-3 Tel 01273 842113
• Carol's Cafe 50m from The Hassocks pub. Not usually open evenings 01273 841155
• The Station Hotel - Station Road Burgess Hill Food until 10pm.

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Apr-22 David Allen