As Stated on the Entry Form OS Maps Landranger 198/199 Or Explorer 122/123 Cover the Entire

SUSSEX STRIDE 2016 - A Very Brief Description.

The OS Landranger 198/199 or Explorer 122/123 maps cover the entire route. The route description, available in late August, provides very little information about the nature of the countryside.

The area of the South Downs containing the route consists mainly of grass covered chalk down with little tree cover except on the lower slopes. The escarpment generally faces north. Much of the land is cultivated, the main crops being grain, rape, some linseed and, more recently, grapes. There are many sheep on the upper slopes and cattle in the lower fields.

The route undulates considerably, ascending in total 7000+ feet, although the highest point is less than 850 feet. Due to the open nature of the Downs the area can be windy. Underfoot there is much chalk and flint which is hard on the soles (and the soul) and plenty of mud. The views from the top are extensive on clear days. While lacking the grandeur of The Lakes or the desolation of the North York Moors the area has a charm and magic which I am sure you will find as appealing as we locals do.

On leaving Longhill School in Rottingdean the route goes north and joins the South Downs Way west of Kingston. It continues north, crossing the A27, to Blackcap, then east to Lewes (CP1 – Offham,10 miles). The route continues through the north east of the town then into its centre and exits thru Cliffe and climbs to the golf club. The route drops into Oxteddle Bottom then climbs, passing north of Mt Caburn to drop again to Glynde (CP2 – 15 miles).

From Glynde the route re-crosses the A27 and heads east to Firle village. The climb to the top of the Downs is rewarded with a splendid ridge walk east on the SDW to Alfriston (CP3 – 21 miles). The SDW is then followed through Jevington to the junction with the Wealdway. Here the route turns south west to East Dean (CP4 – 29 miles). Then south to the coast and west across the Seven Sisters then north (SDW) close to the Cuckmere River via Exceat to Littlington (CP5 – 34 miles).

The route then continues first west, then north then south west to Bishopstone (CP6 -39 miles). Then north via Norton to join the SDW just west of the radio masts, then west to Southease (CP7 – 45 miles). The route continues south west back to Rottingdean.