Walk 3120 - Alfriston to Rodmell by the South Downs Way

      
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This is a pleasant walk between two attractive villages set within the South Downs in East Sussex. Whilst most of the walk follows the gentle undulations on the crest of the slope over typical grassed downsland, there is a fairly long ascent to be undertaken near the start to get from the bottom of the Cuckmere Valley, and then at the end, a steep descent into the Ouse Valley. Look out for the SDW waymarkers along the walk, these will be the acorn symbol, and as this section is a bridleway, they are generally coloured blue.

 
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Starting from the village of Alfriston at the Market Cross (grid ref TQ520031), go south along the High Street to reach the Star Inn on the right. Immediately past the inn, turn right into Star Lane, and continue along King’s Ride steadily gaining height. Maintain this westerly direction now on a rough flint track, still ascending the slope to grid ref TQ512029. Here the waymarker directs you initially on a north/northwest bearing then easing northwest, to the brow of Bostal Hill. From here, at 624ft high, you get a last good look at the Cuckmere Haven to the southeast. Move on from here across the open grassed slope to reach the highest part of this walk, Firle Beacon (716ft) and its trig point. This hill is something of a rarity, being one of only fifteen in Southeast England to have the status of a Marilyn (see footnote). The views from this (relatively) lofty height are excellent, particularly looking north over the High Weald of East Sussex.

This is essentially the “flatlands” or plains between the foot of the northern slope of the South Downs that then stretch north to reach the North Downs some 25-30 miles away. The Weald is a constant companion to your right for much of this section, and the simplest and most accurate way to describe this scenery is mesmerising. From here the way heads west and in the distance are two radio masts on Beddingham Hill. Head towards these masts, and pass them just to the right side. Once past this point, the route soon starts to veer southwest and another trig point is passed at the dry Red Lion Pond.

Continue west to reach the summit of Itford Hill and some marvellous views across the Ouse Valley and the port of Newhaven to your left. The direct route down the slope of this hill is extremely steep, making a straight descent quite awkward. However there are waymarkers and signs here that direct you to the left, allowing you to take a more gradual route off the hill. Do this and then pick up the deep eroded track (not visible from the summit) that sweeps back to the right and brings you safely to the foot of the hill, near to Itford Farm. Here at grid ref TQ433056, there should be a tap where you can refill your water bottles, but we were neither in need nor noticed it as we passed through.

Cross over the A26 trunk road, using the footbridge, to reach Southease railway station and continue along the lane, crossing the River Ouse to reach the road and the hamlet of Southease. Do have a look at the church here with its round tower; apparently there are only three like it in the county and all are within the Ouse Valley. Turn right at the road, and less than a kilometre away, arrive at Rodmell and the finish of this walk.

Transport - There are various options depending on where you need to get to. If, like us, you decided to walk from the start of the trail at Eastbourne, using Walk 3516, then take the train from Southease to Eastbourne changing at Lewes. To get back to Alfriston, then the easiest way will be from the bus stop near Itford Farm on the A26. Alternatively there is a bus route from Rodmell, adjacent to the Abergervenny Arms, but this will take longer and is more intermittent.

Footnote - A Marilyn is a hill of any height with a drop of 150m or more on all sides. In other words, a relatively high hill to its surrounding area

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet 123
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 198
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 199

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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