Hassocks to Upper Beeding Walk

10.4 miles (16.7 km)

This walk takes you from Hassocks to Upper Beeding across the South Downs. The route runs for just over 10 miles, following the The South Downs Way for most of the route.... You can pick up the long distance trail just south of Hassocks near the Jack and Jill Windmills. Then follow it west across the Downs to the Devil's Dyke and Truleigh Hill before finishing at Upper Beeding.
The early stages of the trail pass close to the deep chalk cutting of the Clayton Tunnel before climbing onto the high ridge, where the working nineteenth-century windmills stand as prominent maritime navigation markers visible for miles. Progressing westward, the path reaches the famous deep chalk landslip valley at Devil's Dyke, which holds the title of the longest, deepest, and widest dry valley in the UK, formed during the last ice age. The landscape then leads over the elevated plateau of Truleigh Hill, characterised by its modern radio masts and panoramic views that reach out across the coastal towns of Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing. The journey draws to a close with a steady descent into the Adur Valley, entering the historic village of Upper Beeding which grew around a medieval priory along the banks of the River Adur.
The open chalk downland and steep coombes along this linear trail are managed as a protected nature reserve, providing a sanctuary for specialized British wildlife and unique flora. The short-cropped turf is blanketed with wild marjoram, horseshoe vetch, and several varieties of rare wild orchids, which attract large populations of adonis blue and chalkhill blue butterflies during the summer months. Walkers can regularly spot yellowhammers and skylarks singing above the open fields, whilst birds of prey, including kestrels and red kites, can be observed utilizing the strong thermal currents along the northern scarp face.