Glynde to Lewes Walk
This popular circular walk on the South Downs takes you from the village of Glynde to the town of Lewes. On the way you'll pass Mount Caburn where there are excellent views over the area. The route runs for a distance of just over 6 miles with some moderate climbs on the way.
The walk starts from the pretty village of Glynde located two miles (5 km) east of Lewes. You could start from Glynde railway station which is reachable from Lewes. There's also a public car park near the train station as well.
From the village you can pick up a public footapth heading west toward Mount Caburn. This area is also a designated nature reserve consisting of managed chalk downland and a Bronze Age hill fort. There is a wide variety of flora and fauna to look out for too. At the summit of the 480-feet (146m) high hill you'll find the fort and a splendid view point with far reaching views across the South Downs.
After taking in the views you descend the hill and continue west toward Lewes with views of the River Ouse. You then turn east, following another footpath past the golf course and Saxon Down. The final section turns south to take you back to the village via Glynde Place. This interesting Elizabethan Manor House is the family home of the Viscounts Hampden, whose forebears built the house in 1569. It is a Grade I listed building while the adjacent church was built in the eighteenth century. The house and gardens are open to the public for tours in the spring and early summer.
Glynde to Lewes Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Glynde to Lewes Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Glynde to Lewes Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Glynde to Lewes Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
On the route you'll pass the Little Cottage Tea Rooms near Mount Caburn. The tea rooms are located just to the south of the reserve on Ranscombe Lane. They serve delicious cakes, cream teas, afternoon teas, plus a tasty light lunch using high quality ingredients from local suppliers. With a lovely garden area it's a great place to relax and enjoy refreshments on a fine day. Dog's are welcome in the garden but must be kept on a lead. You can find the tea rooms on Ranscombe Lane with a postcode off BN8 6ST for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking in the area try the climb to Firle Beacon. From the summit there are great views over the Weald towards the south coast. You can also enjoy a stroll through the attractive village of Firle with its three pubs, old church, cricket green and little pond.
Also nearby is the wonderful Barcombe Mills. There's riverside trails, a small reservoir and lovely countryside views to be found here.
Just a couple of miles to the south of Lewes you'll find the interesting village of Iford. The historic settlement includes 18 listed buildings, a 12th century church and a sundial marking the Greenwich meridian which runs through the village. From here you can enjoy a walk up to the viewpoint at Iford Hill on a particularly lovely section of the South Downs. On the Iford walk there's also Rodmell where you can visit the National Trust's Monk's House. The 16th-century weatherboarded cottage was once the home of author Virginia Woolfe and her husband. Next to the village there's also the Castle Hill National Nature Reserve. The significant site includes chalk grassland with ancient settlements and lots of interesting flora and fauna to see.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
A tributary of the Ouse that rises in the Laughton Levels and joins the Ouse south west of Beddingham.
Glynde Place 1
Churchyard of St Mary the Virgin Church, Glynde with Glynde Place
Mount Caburn. Mount Caburn Nr. Lewes East Sussex. This is an Ancient Site with a tumulus on top of it.
View from Mount Caburn Caburn is an isolated part of the South Downs separated from the rest by the valleys of the Ouse and Glynde Reach. This looks across the latter, which can be seen running left to right, towards Beddingham and Itford Hills (Left and right respectively). The main A27 can also be seen running across the picture as well as its junction with the A26 at the small village of Beddingham. Caburn's etymology derives from Calde Burgh or cold fort which lived up to its name with the wind whipping in from the coast.
Cliffe High Street, Lewes