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Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon loop from Cooksbridge

Routes

Mountain biking trails

Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon loop from Cooksbridge

Moderate

4.7

(3)

riders

Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon loop from Cooksbridge

02:55

36.2km

590m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 13, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 8.42 km for 109 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.07 km

Blackcap Summit and Trig Point

Highlight • Viewpoint

Blackcap is a National Trust owned area of countryside on the peak of the South Downs, just south east of the village of Plumpton in East Sussex, England. It is also mainly part of the Clayton to Offham Escarpment SSSI. The reserve contains the hills of Blackcap 206 metres (676 ft) in the parish of East Chiltington, Mount Harry 196 metres (643 ft) in the parish of Hamsey and the wooded area of Ashcombe Bottom in the parish of St John Without.

Some wonderful views over the Weald to the North and it is also next to a wonderful forested escarpment. You can also see the beacon at Mount Harry to the East and the Downs at the back of Newhaven to Brighton to the South.

Tip by

4.52 km

South Downs Way: Blackcap to Plumpton Bostal

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

5.93 km

View Over Plumpton from Streat Hill

Highlight • Trail

This area of the South Downs saw running battles during the Battle of Lewes in 1264, and in more recent history these hills were used by the army as training grounds during WW2. The hard concrete surface descending the scarp slope at Plumpton Bostall was laid at this time as a tank trap.
This ridge with views across the Weald towards the High Weald and beyond that the North Downs is part of the Clayton to Offham Escarpment. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its woodland and chalk grassland. Here you can find many types or orchid including burnt tip orchids, fragrant orchids and frog orchids.

Tip by

8.47 km

Ditchling Beacon

Highlight • Natural Monument

From the summit of Ditchling Beacon, you're afforded a wonderful panoramic view. Standing at 814 feet (248 m) above sea level, it is the highest point along the Sussex Downs. You can look south to sea, north across the Weald, or east-west across the Downs. The site, which is managed by the National Trust, is also of archaeological interest due to there being an Iron Age hillfort there.

Tip by

9.65 km

Ditchling Beacon Dew Pond

Highlight • Viewpoint

An iconic sight in the South Downs National Park are the dew ponds, made for grazing livestock to drink from.

This one is particularly striking at sunset and features a lone tree which reflects perfectly in the water.

Tip by

18.2 km

Stanmer Tea Rooms

Highlight • Cafe

Stamner Village has a fantastic tea room that's been here since I was a child. Set in a lovely little village with some great freshly cooked food. A wonderful little stop off on your Stamner journeys. There is also Stamner House for a more expensive option.

Tip by

19.0 km

Oldlodge Clump

Forest

19.5 km

Tenantlain Belt

Forest

24.7 km

View from Newmarket Hill Mast

Highlight • Viewpoint

Just below Newmarket Hill on Drove Avenue there is a communications mast. The views of the countryside towards Brighton and beyond to the sea from here are super nice, as they are out over Falmer Road to Ditchling Beacon way in the distance. Drove Avenue is a super good track too, great on a mountain bike, or gravel bike.

Tip by

25.2 km

Newmarket Hill

Highlight • Viewpoint

Lovely views of Kingston ridge and Mount Harry

Tip by

36.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

17.6 km

5.12 km

4.82 km

4.16 km

2.68 km

1.72 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

11.3 km

10.7 km

6.61 km

5.98 km

1.10 km

486 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (240 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Thursday 20 August

22°C

13°C

53 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Blackcap Summit and Trig Point – Ditchling Beacon loop from Cooksbridge

Blackcap Summit and Trig Point

South Downs Way: Blackcap to Plumpton Bostal

View Over Plumpton from Streat Hill

Ditchling Beacon

Ditchling Beacon Dew Pond

Stanmer Tea Rooms

View from Newmarket Hill Mast

Newmarket Hill

Nearby routes

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