A Malling Down
Having evaded me for the last couple of walks, I switched it up and began at Lewes to get Malling Down under my belt. Normally, the lure of Mount Caburn on the hill above, draws you away from the northern side of the golf course and this nature reserve. Another reason why this Down eludes the long distance walker is that, although views extend north around the Ouse, it is quite spare of convenient footways over it. The watery north is more suited to the kayak or paddleboard. Further to the west, working your way back to Burgess Hill is relatively easy, on a choice of trails through farmland and common, on the lower ground to the north of the South Downs. All the climb is done in the first hours but the route home really clocks up the miles and by Plumpton I was out of batteries, water and a little bit done. Thankfully, civilisation is close at hand and the weather was such that it was possible to lie on the grass at many opportunities.
Take a train from Burgess Hill via Brighton or Haywards Heath or from Wivelsfield Station direct and you'll be in Lewes within the hour or sooner. The return is on foot.
From the station, take Pinwell Road into Friars Walk. I took a little detour through the car park and toilets as I needed a wee and emerged onto Railway Lane and Cliffe High Street to cross the Ouse. The hill above is a striking bit of geology and Chapel Hill, at its base, ascends steeply. Just after the welcome bench, a footpath guides you left and eastwards. You could, of course, continue up the road to the club house but this path crosses invisibly over the Culfail Tunnel and emerges a little to the north, on the edge of the golf course. What follows are paths that are often not marked on the OS map but signposted on the ground and some neither. Beyond the golf course is Malling Down itself and it has its own trails. I admit to being a little confused navigating between the three. What I will describe is a doable and legitimate route that I largely walked but be aware that I inadvertently bagged the trig on Cliffe Hill on a less than permitted direction.
Leave the footpath and go left on the edge of the green. You will find the memorial to the Lewes martyrs. Continue to skirt the edge. I missed the path that would have taken me down below into The Combe but joined the signposted path around The Snout. The hill above this little valley is visible through its wooded side. Emerging the trees and continuing round to the west, you find yourself, slightly disconcertingly, descending northwards. Much time trickled away as I crouched and scurried, taking photos of the wildflowers in this chalk grassland. I also met some lovely dogs who were equally enjoying their walks.
Just before the gate, ascend to the east and walk above the chalk and lime pits. These were used from medieval times for farming and are also a draw for fossil hunters. The hulk of Malling hill is topped by a flint cairn of which I can find no information. Views of meandering Ouse can be seen to the north. I took a slightly closer look at one pit by going through a gate. You can see that paths cross the pits themselves below but I stayed on higher ground amongst the orchids and left via another gate. It was here that I made a return loop and bagged Cliffe Hill but you can continue on the path beyond the pits which borders the eastern edge of the golf course. Good views on the flattish gtound below are to the north and you can use the bench for a good many people before continuing through the sheep to the gate with access to Southerham Farm.
Now on the footpath, take it around the wooded slope of Saxon Cross and take Week Lane to cross New Road and reach the Glyndebourne Wind Turbine. As I approached, it took me a moment to equate the sound of the swoosh with the blades in the air. This impressive structure was an unexpected highlight.
Continue on the path slightly to the left and descend in a fairly straight route past Gote Farm and into Ringmer. Take Springett Avenue opposite and Harvard Road. A path between the houses takes you through from here to the Lewes Road, over into Vicarage Way and towards the church. I stopped briefly to record my visit. Church Hill leads into Ham Lane. Take the footpath to the right and leave the traffic to meet Ham Farm. Cross between the house and the barn to go over the A26, the path beyond reaching the tarmac of the Old Uckfield Road. Turn right and you'll reach The Cock The 17th century pub doesn't escape the sound of the road but I was well provided for on my onward journey. I reached it on the dot of twelve and they were immediately busy.
Take the footpath in front of the pub that goes west to Dural Farm. Go south on Wellingham Lane and take the footpath to the right. You will pass large industrial workshop barns at Bridge Farm before reaching the road. If you step into the car park at Barcombe Mills, you'll see the information boards regarding archaeology at this site. This was another surprise, Barcombe once boasting a Roman villa and a substantial industrial settlement.
Follow the river and the Ouse Valley Way, past a 'pill box' and round to the bridge. Once across, continue north then west to join the dismantled Lewes to Uckfield railway line and part of the cycle route no. 2. At the first opportunity. Take the footpath west to be funnelled zig-zag over the Bevern Stream and out on Crink Hill. Follow the road west and then take the path to the right that circuits the barn. You will travel back over the Bevern and through a cow field. I helped a farmer by holding a gate to let his tractor through. This was just after having a slightly hairy moment with the bullocks who began following me. Bear left to join Boast Lane and straight over into the next field. You pass a barn on the left before exiting onto Spithurst Road. Go left then take the concrete track to Knowlands Farm on the right. The stag statue by the pond caught me out. Walk through the farm and into Knowlands Wood. You pass under the dismantled Bluebell Line. The wood is a private nature reserve and they allow walking. Continue on this line as you exit and reach Town Littleworth Road. The bridleway opposite takes you through Harelands Farm. Leave the bridleway and join the footpath at the lake and continue the road at Balneath Manor. At the A275 and Chailey, go south.
Take the footpath on your right. Don't get lost at the Oldbarns Farm but follow the path over the lawn to the left, just before the stable yard. Continue on the edge of the field and cross the bridleway. You are guided along this section until you reach the South Road and go south. Take New Barnes Lane and reach Station Road at Plumpton Green. I popped into the post office for more fluid and snacks. There was a minimum spend of £3. Take Riddens Lane at the corner and on the bend continue in this line on the footpath. At Shergolds Farm, join the bridleway north but take the footpath left after their driveway. Cross the field and go straight over Hortons, through the next field and to The Plantation.
Keep in the same line westward through Blackbrook Wood, awash with bluebells in the spring. When you reach Middleton Common Lane you have choices. You could go through Ditchling Common Country Park to get to Burgess Hill or, as I did, cross Spatham Lane, go over the stile and head south, cross the railway line and continue southwest to Common Lane. Cross and go west. This path can get quite muddy but was dry enough today to merge with Wellhouse Lane. Admire the houses before crossing the Keymer Road and taking the footpath opposite past the water tower and into Batchelors Farm Nature Reserve. At the railway bridge wave and then head north by the tracks or the other side to the road. You can head up Chanctonbury towards the station from here. Got home to dinner on the table. What a treat!
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