Open access land National Trail Acorn
Please
recycle me
after use
POINTS OF INTEREST
Byway
Newhaven. After Asham
chalk pit closed in 1967
commercial river traffic
ceased and with it the
need for the bridge to
swing open.
ST LAURENCE
CHURCH
Standing on a slope this
11th century church has
a tower and north arcade
dating back to circa
1200. The tower is built
of flint but has a plinth
made of ironstone.
Restricted byway
Southease Railway Station
is 300m beyond the
bridge and the YHA
South Downs Courtyard
Cafe is a further 200m
after the station.
EGRETS WAY
This multiuser path
alongside the River Ouse
has been formed by a
community project, led
by the South Downs
National Park Authority,
and when completed will
link Lewes to Newhaven.
Bridleway PEACEHAVEN
PE ACEHAVEN
SOUTH DOWNS CYCLE RIDES
ST PETERS CHURCH
Traced back over 1000
years to medieval
times this church was
mentioned in the
Domesday Book. The
irregular conical spire is
one of only three round
towers in Sussex, all of
which are located in the
Ouse Valley. Like the
other two round towers
at Piddinghoe and Lewes,
this one probably dates
back to the first half of the
12th century.
BOGNOR
REGIS
LEWES
PULBOROUGH
National Park
Area
TUNBRIDGE
WELLS
Railway
Station
MONK’S HOUSE
This tranquil 17th century
cottage was inhabited
by the novelist Virginia
Woolf from 1919 and
is now managed by
the National Trust. The
Woolfs bought Monk’s
House for the ‘shape and
fertility and wildness of
the garden’. Today, the
lovely cottage garden
contains a mix of flowers,
vegetables, orchards,
lawns and ponds.
SDNPA/The Way Design/April ‘17. © SDNPA Crown copyright
Details correct at time of going to print. Please be aware that routes are shared
with other users (vehicles, pedestrians, dogs, horses etc.) and users of this route
do so at their own risk. We do not accept any responsibility for loss, damage
or injury, however caused, arising directly or indirectly from use of this leaflet.
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2013.
SOUTHDOWNS.GOV.UK By Bus: Frequent buses to
Peacehaven from Brighton,
Newhaven and Eastbourne.
Visit traveline.info/se
to plan your journey.
All leaflets are available
for free download on the
View Ranger mobile app
– viewranger.com
/SDNPA
@SDNPA
South Downs National
Park Authority:
01730 814810
CONTACT
Footpath
Follow the arrows on waymarkers along the route.
FIND YOUR WAY
PORTSMOUTH
CHICHESTER
SOUTHAMPTON
MIDHURST
PETERSFIELD
WINCHESTER
GODALMING
SOUTHEASE BRIDGE
This Grade 2 Listed
cast iron swing bridge
built in 1880 links
Southease Parish which
was divided by a ‘cut’
in the Ouse created in
1791 to improve the
river’s flow. The bridge
has two cast-iron spans,
one of which rotated
through 90 degrees to
allow sea going barges
access to Lewes from
Enjoy yourself
• Plan ahead, check your bike, take a puncture
repair kit and pump.
• Take your time and enjoy the South Downs scenery.
Protect plants and animals
• Take your litter home, leave no trace.
• Stay safe. Ride within your capabilities and
think of other people’s safety too.
Respect other people
• Be patient and courteous to other people
enjoying the outdoors.
• Consider the local community.
RESPECT. PROTECT. ENJOY.
By Rail: The nearest station
is Newhaven (approx. 2
miles along the National
Cycle Network route 2).
(Southease Station is less
than 1/2 mile from both
routes). Both stations are on
the Lewes to Seaford line.
Visit nationalrail.com/uk
GETTING HERE
For your guide to everything there is to
see and do in the National Park visit
southdowns.gov.uk/discovery-map
From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the
South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover
1,600km² of breathtaking views, hidden gems
and quintessentially English scenery. A rich
tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, tranquillity and
visitor attractions, weave together a story of
people and place in harmony.
SOUTH DOWNS
NATIONAL PARK
SHORTHAND DIRECTIONS
SHORTHAND DIRECTIONS
IFORD HILL LOOP
EGRETS WAY LOOP
DISTANCE
1
11.1
DISTANCE
DIRECTION
TOTAL (KM)
0.0
2
0.5
3
TOTAL (KM)
1
0.0
PLAY
AREA
CAFE
GLYNN ROAD
0.4
0.5
1.8 1.3
4
3.1
5
3.4
6
4.2
7
4.7
8
5.6
9
6.6
10
7.5
11
9.1
12
5
0.3
NO ACCESS
TO C7
6
0.2
0.4
7
1.3
8
STEEP
DESCENT
0.3
9
0.8
0.7
FARM
11
12
C7
DIRECTION
0.0 0.0
REPEAT
EGRETS WAY
INSTRUCTIONS
1– 4
3.4 0.3
3.8 0.4
6.5
STEEP
CLIMB
2.7
8.3 1.8
SOUTH
DOWNS
WAY
9.9 1.6
10
0.5
SOUTH
DOWNS
WAY
0.9
13
14
0.1
15
STEEP
CLIMB
0.5
16
PELHAM
RISE
0.8
17
0.3
CAFE
11.01.1
0.4
PUB
STEEP
DESCENT
C7
0.8
12.41.4
CAR
PARK
1.2
1.0
15.3
2.9
0.2
1.0
EGRETS
WAY
0.9
C7
1.6
10.3
1.2
13
14
11.6
0.5
15
12.91.3
16.9
C7
0.1
1.6
18.11.2
18.90.8
STEEP
CLIMB
0.5
PELHAM
RISE
19.40.5
20.71.3
Guide
PLAY
AREA
0.3
CAFE
PLAY
AREA
Sealed surface
Gravel surface
Post/gate
Building
Cattle grid
House
Enjoy yourself
• Plan ahead, check your bike, take a puncture
repair kit and pump.
• Take your time and enjoy the South Downs scenery.
Protect plants and animals
• Take your litter home, leave no trace.
• Stay safe. Ride within your capabilities and
think of other people’s safety too.
SDNPA/The Way Design/April ‘17. © SDNPA Crown copyright
Details correct at time of going to print. Please be aware that routes are shared
with other users (vehicles, pedestrians, dogs, horses etc.) and users of this route
do so at their own risk. We do not accept any responsibility for loss, damage
or injury, however caused, arising directly or indirectly from use of this leaflet.
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2013.
Please
recycle me
after use
SOUTHDOWNS.GOV.UK By Bus: Frequent buses to
Peacehaven from Brighton,
Newhaven and Eastbourne.
Visit traveline.info/se
to plan your journey.
Respect other people
• Be patient and courteous to other people
enjoying the outdoors.
• Consider the local community.
All leaflets are available
for free download on the
View Ranger mobile app
– viewranger.com
By Rail: The nearest station
is Newhaven (approx. 2
miles along the National
Cycle Network route 2).
(Southease Station is less
than 1/2 mile from both
routes). Both stations are on
the Lewes to Seaford line.
Visit nationalrail.com/uk
RESPECT. PROTECT. ENJOY.
/SDNPA
@SDNPA
South Downs National
Park Authority:
01730 814810
GETTING HERE
For your guide to everything there is to
see and do in the National Park visit
southdowns.gov.uk/discovery-map
CONTACT
National Trail Acorn
Open access land Byway
Restricted byway
Bridleway Footpath
Follow the arrows on waymarkers along the route.
FIND YOUR WAY
From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the
South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover
1,600km² of breathtaking views, hidden gems
and quintessentially English scenery. A rich
tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, tranquillity and
visitor attractions, weave together a story of
people and place in harmony.
BOGNOR
REGIS
PORTSMOUTH
PEACEHAVEN
CHICHESTER
LEWES
SOUTHAMPTON
PULBOROUGH
MIDHURST
WINCHESTER
SOUTH DOWNS
NATIONAL PARK
PETERSFIELD
National Park
Area
TUNBRIDGE
WELLS
Railway
Station
GODALMING
PE ACEHAVEN
SOUTH DOWNS CYCLE RIDES
POINTS OF INTEREST
EGRETS WAY LOOP
IFORD HILL LOOP
ST LAURENCE
CHURCH
Standing on a slope this
11th century church has
a tower and north arcade
dating back to circa
1200. The tower is built
of flint but has a plinth
made of ironstone.
SHORTHAND DIRECTIONS
SHORTHAND DIRECTIONS
ST PETERS CHURCH
Traced back over 1000
years to medieval
times this church was
mentioned in the
Domesday Book. The
irregular conical spire is
one of only three round
towers in Sussex, all of
which are located in the
Ouse Valley. Like the
other two round towers
at Piddinghoe and Lewes,
this one probably dates
back to the first half of the
12th century.
SOUTHEASE BRIDGE
This Grade 2 Listed
cast iron swing bridge
built in 1880 links
Southease Parish which
was divided by a ‘cut’
in the Ouse created in
1791 to improve the
river’s flow. The bridge
has two cast-iron spans,
one of which rotated
through 90 degrees to
allow sea going barges
access to Lewes from
Newhaven. After Asham
chalk pit closed in 1967
commercial river traffic
ceased and with it the
need for the bridge to
swing open.
Southease Railway Station
is 300m beyond the
bridge and the YHA
South Downs Courtyard
Cafe is a further 200m
after the station.
DISTANCE
1
2
3
4
EGRETS WAY
This multiuser path
alongside the River Ouse
has been formed by a
community project, led
by the South Downs
National Park Authority,
and when completed will
link Lewes to Newhaven.
5
MONK’S HOUSE
This tranquil 17th century
cottage was inhabited
by the novelist Virginia
Woolf from 1919 and
is now managed by
the National Trust. The
Woolfs bought Monk’s
House for the ‘shape and
fertility and wildness of
the garden’. Today, the
lovely cottage garden
contains a mix of flowers,
vegetables, orchards,
lawns and ponds.
9
6
7
8
10
11
12
0.0 0.0
0.5
CAFE
GLYNN ROAD
0.4
0.5
3.4
4.2
4.7
7.5
9.1
14
15
8
STEEP
DESCENT
0.3
9
0.8
10
0.5
FARM
SOUTH
DOWNS
WAY
0.7
11
12
C7
13
EGRETS
WAY
0.9
14
C7
1.6
0.1
15
STEEP
CLIMB
0.5
16
PELHAM
RISE
0.8
17
11.60.5
12.91.3
0.3
CAFE
PLAY
AREA
0.0 0.0
REPEAT
EGRETS WAY
INSTRUCTIONS
1– 4
3.4 0.3
3.8 0.4
6.5
STEEP
CLIMB
2.7
SOUTH
DOWNS
WAY
8.3 1.8
9.9 1.6
11.01.1
0.4
PUB
STEEP
DESCENT
C7
0.8
12.41.4
CAR
PARK
1.2
1.0
15.3
2.9
0.2
1.0
10.3
11.1
0.2
1.3
1.2
13
6
7
5.6 0.9
6.6
5
0.3
NO ACCESS
TO C7
0.4
DIRECTION
TOTAL (KM)
1
PLAY
AREA
1.8 1.3
3.1
DISTANCE
DIRECTION
TOTAL (KM)
16.9
C7
0.1
1.6
18.11.2
18.90.8
STEEP
CLIMB
0.5
PELHAM
RISE
19.40.5
20.71.3
Guide
0.3
CAFE
PLAY
AREA
Sealed surface
Gravel surface
Post/gate
Building
Cattle grid
House
IFORD
U
TH
IFORD
HILL
DO
W
N
SW
AY
6
C7
A2
SO
4
THE BROOKS
7
MONK’S
HOUSE
RODMELL
MILL HILL
N
K
AL PAR
NS
W NAT I O
TH D O
SO U
2
1
Footpath
Parking
Bridleway
Bus stop
Woodland
Route point
Buildings
National Park
boundary
Railway station
Egrets Way Loop
ENG
0
N
LISH
0.5 miles
CH
AN
L
M
’S
HA
O
NEL
GRADIENT:
START
CENTENARY PARK
1
NEWHAVEN
PIDDINGHOE
AVENUE
1km
DISTANCE:
2–3 hours (can be walked
in 5–6 hours)
G
A 259
DISTANCE:
ALLOW:
2
PEACEHAVEN
EGRETS WAY LOOP
Bridleways, gravel tracks
and some quiet lanes.
Suitable for mountain bikes
with off-road/knobbly tyres.
RD
14
59
IFORD HILL LOOP
ROUTE:
SE
Toilets
A2
NN
OU
Long Distance Path
13 miles (21 km)
GLY
HALCOMB
FARM
ER
3
PIDDINGHOE
C7
Refreshments
13
TELSCOMBE TYE
Iford Hill Loop
Road
12
TELSCOMBE
SALTDEAN
YHA SOUTH
DOWNS
11
ST LAURENCE
CHURCH
5
SOUTHEASE
BRIDGE
RIV
KEY:
Pub
E
6
4
Point of interest
N
ST PETERS
CHURCH
RS
7
A
10
C7
8
SOUTH
FARM
Explore chalk downland,
picturesque villages, stunning views
and the meandering River Ouse.
8
AY
3
H
UT S W
O
S N
W
DO
EG RE T S WAY
5
ITFORD
HILL
SOUTHEASE
STATION
9
6
8 miles (13 km)
ALLOW:
1.5–2 hours
(can be walked in 2–3 hours)
ROUTE:
GRADIENT:
6
10
Bridleways, gravel tracks and
some quiet lanes. Suitable
for mountain bikes with
off-road/knobbly tyres.
Gently undulating with one
moderate descent on gravel
and one steep descent and
two ascents on tarmac.
Quite undulating with one
steep descent on gravel.
Follow instructions 1–4 from
the Egret’s Way loop
1
After joining the tarmac
road for 20m, turn left
along the gravel track
across open farmland.
2
After a cattle grid, turn right
and through a gate after
50m onto farmland (passing
a white house to the left). Follow
the bridleway for approximately
1 3/4 miles. Take care as the
track is rutted for 500m and
can be quite muddy.
3
Turn right and stay on the
wider gravel track up the
steep hill that ascends for 1/2
a mile. Take care as the track is
steep with loose material and
some gullies.
4
Stay on the concrete track,
turning right to join the South
Downs Way. Enjoy the glorious
views over the Lower Ouse valley
towards Mount Caburn and Itford
Hill to the east. Take care and
watch your speed descending
the hill for 1 mile.
5
Continue through the
gates, crossing a couple
of farm tracks staying on the
South Downs Way. Take care
descending the farmland as the
trail can be slippery and muddy.
6
Turn left at Mill Lane
signposted to Rodmell and
descend towards the village.
Take care turning left (on the ‘C7’
Lewes Road) and immediately
right onto The Street by the pub
signposted to Monk’s House.
7
After Monk’s House continue
straight ahead onto a gravel
bridleway, passing a car park to
the right. By the River Ouse turn
right and pass through a gate
onto the Egrets Way signposted
to Southease and Piddinghoe.
The bridleway is unsurfaced for
1/2 mile and can be rough and
muddy. Pass through the next
gate joining the surfaced path
of the Egrets Way.
8
Pass through two gates near
Southease Bridge crossing
the lane and continue along
the Egrets Way surfaced path.
Now follow instructions
11–14 of the Egret’s Way
route to finish your ride.
1
Start from Gateway Cafe at
Centenary Park, passing to the
right of the play area. Proceed
down the hill, crossing a small road
and continue uphill following the
gravel path.
2
Turn left following the uneven
bridleway, then turn left at the
concrete road, passing the houses
and business units. Take care
crossing Pelham Rise road and
proceed along Glynn Road for
approximately 1/2 mile.
3
Continue through the bollards
along Glynn Road West then
turn left at the T junction onto
Telscombe Road for approximately
200m. Turn right onto a gravel
road, note the sign saying ‘No
Access to C7’. Follow the gravel
road for 1/2 mile to Telscombe Tye.
4
Proceed through the gate
and follow the track uphill.
Take care – the surface is quite
loose with small gullies.
5
Join the tarmac road, pause and
enjoy the view before crossing the
cattle grid and descending through
Telscombe village. Take care on the
steep descent. The road climbs steeply
from the village for 400m.
At the top of the hill, on the left,
take the right hand gate and
descend the gravel bridleway across
farmland. Take care as the surface
can be quite loose and slippery when
wet. (Alternative Route – you can
follow the road descending to the
C7 at Southease and rejoin the
route towards point 10.
7
Proceed through the gate and
turn right onto the gravel track
passing through Cricketing Bottom
and South Farm. Follow the gravel
track for 1.5 miles. Beware of farm
vehicle movements.
8
Continue straight, following the
South Downs Way National Trail
along the valley.
9
Turn right onto a narrow
gravel path, following the
South Downs Way and proceed
through the gate to ascend the
very steep hill for 50m – most
cyclists push their bikes here! Cross
farmland for 100m and through
a second gate onto Gorham’s
Lane. Turn right onto the C7 and
immediately left after 20m onto a
narrow lane to Southease village
following the South Downs Way.
Pass through the gate joining
the Egrets Way following the
River Ouse, signposted to Piddinghoe
and Peacehaven. (Continue for 500m
to visit the YHA South Downs café.)
11
Pass through the gate and
follow the tarmac path adjacent
to the ‘C7’ Lewes Road for 100m.
Carefully cross the ‘C7’ and follow
the bridleway gravel track, passing to
the left of the ornamental gates. Stay
on the gravel track for 3/4 mile.
12
Follow the bridleway through
Halcombe Farm onto a tarmac
surface, ascending a fairly steep hill
for 300m. Beware of moving vehicles
for 1/2 mile particularly near the
buildings. Join Telscombe Road at
the edge of Peacehaven village and
follow the road for 400m.
13
Turn left onto Pelham Rise at
the T junction and follow the
road for 400m.
14
Turn left off Pelham Rise
and retrace the earlier route
via Lower Hoddern Farm turning
right onto a gravel bridleway after
the houses to Centenary Park,
Peacehaven, to finish at the
Gateway Cafe.
IFORD
U
TH
IFORD
HILL
DO
W
N
SW
AY
6
C7
A2
SO
4
THE BROOKS
7
MONK’S
HOUSE
RODMELL
MILL HILL
N
K
AL PAR
NS
W NAT I O
TH D O
SO U
2
1
Footpath
Parking
Bridleway
Bus stop
Woodland
Route point
Buildings
National Park
boundary
Railway station
Egrets Way Loop
ENG
0
N
LISH
0.5 miles
CH
AN
L
M
’S
HA
O
NEL
GRADIENT:
START
CENTENARY PARK
1
NEWHAVEN
PIDDINGHOE
AVENUE
1km
DISTANCE:
2–3 hours (can be walked
in 5–6 hours)
G
A 259
DISTANCE:
ALLOW:
2
PEACEHAVEN
EGRETS WAY LOOP
Bridleways, gravel tracks
and some quiet lanes.
Suitable for mountain bikes
with off-road/knobbly tyres.
RD
14
59
IFORD HILL LOOP
ROUTE:
SE
Toilets
A2
NN
OU
Long Distance Path
13 miles (21 km)
GLY
HALCOMB
FARM
ER
3
PIDDINGHOE
C7
Refreshments
13
TELSCOMBE TYE
Iford Hill Loop
Road
12
TELSCOMBE
SALTDEAN
YHA SOUTH
DOWNS
11
ST LAURENCE
CHURCH
5
SOUTHEASE
BRIDGE
RIV
KEY:
Pub
E
6
4
Point of interest
N
ST PETERS
CHURCH
RS
7
A
10
C7
8
SOUTH
FARM
Explore chalk downland,
picturesque villages, stunning views
and the meandering River Ouse.
8
AY
3
H
UT S W
O
S N
W
DO
EG RE T S WAY
5
ITFORD
HILL
SOUTHEASE
STATION
9
6
8 miles (13 km)
ALLOW:
1.5–2 hours
(can be walked in 2–3 hours)
ROUTE:
GRADIENT:
6
10
Bridleways, gravel tracks and
some quiet lanes. Suitable
for mountain bikes with
off-road/knobbly tyres.
Gently undulating with one
moderate descent on gravel
and one steep descent and
two ascents on tarmac.
Quite undulating with one
steep descent on gravel.
Follow instructions 1–4 from
the Egret’s Way loop
1
After joining the tarmac
road for 20m, turn left
along the gravel track
across open farmland.
2
After a cattle grid, turn right
and through a gate after
50m onto farmland (passing
a white house to the left). Follow
the bridleway for approximately
1 3/4 miles. Take care as the
track is rutted for 500m and
can be quite muddy.
3
Turn right and stay on the
wider gravel track up the
steep hill that ascends for 1/2
a mile. Take care as the track is
steep with loose material and
some gullies.
4
Stay on the concrete track,
turning right to join the South
Downs Way. Enjoy the glorious
views over the Lower Ouse valley
towards Mount Caburn and Itford
Hill to the east. Take care and
watch your speed descending
the hill for 1 mile.
5
Continue through the
gates, crossing a couple
of farm tracks staying on the
South Downs Way. Take care
descending the farmland as the
trail can be slippery and muddy.
6
Turn left at Mill Lane
signposted to Rodmell and
descend towards the village.
Take care turning left (on the ‘C7’
Lewes Road) and immediately
right onto The Street by the pub
signposted to Monk’s House.
7
After Monk’s House continue
straight ahead onto a gravel
bridleway, passing a car park to
the right. By the River Ouse turn
right and pass through a gate
onto the Egrets Way signposted
to Southease and Piddinghoe.
The bridleway is unsurfaced for
1/2 mile and can be rough and
muddy. Pass through the next
gate joining the surfaced path
of the Egrets Way.
8
Pass through two gates near
Southease Bridge crossing
the lane and continue along
the Egrets Way surfaced path.
Now follow instructions
11–14 of the Egret’s Way
route to finish your ride.
1
Start from Gateway Cafe at
Centenary Park, passing to the
right of the play area. Proceed
down the hill, crossing a small road
and continue uphill following the
gravel path.
2
Turn left following the uneven
bridleway, then turn left at the
concrete road, passing the houses
and business units. Take care
crossing Pelham Rise road and
proceed along Glynn Road for
approximately 1/2 mile.
3
Continue through the bollards
along Glynn Road West then
turn left at the T junction onto
Telscombe Road for approximately
200m. Turn right onto a gravel
road, note the sign saying ‘No
Access to C7’. Follow the gravel
road for 1/2 mile to Telscombe Tye.
4
Proceed through the gate
and follow the track uphill.
Take care – the surface is quite
loose with small gullies.
5
Join the tarmac road, pause and
enjoy the view before crossing the
cattle grid and descending through
Telscombe village. Take care on the
steep descent. The road climbs steeply
from the village for 400m.
At the top of the hill, on the left,
take the right hand gate and
descend the gravel bridleway across
farmland. Take care as the surface
can be quite loose and slippery when
wet. (Alternative Route – you can
follow the road descending to the
C7 at Southease and rejoin the
route towards point 10.
7
Proceed through the gate and
turn right onto the gravel track
passing through Cricketing Bottom
and South Farm. Follow the gravel
track for 1.5 miles. Beware of farm
vehicle movements.
8
Continue straight, following the
South Downs Way National Trail
along the valley.
9
Turn right onto a narrow
gravel path, following the
South Downs Way and proceed
through the gate to ascend the
very steep hill for 50m – most
cyclists push their bikes here! Cross
farmland for 100m and through
a second gate onto Gorham’s
Lane. Turn right onto the C7 and
immediately left after 20m onto a
narrow lane to Southease village
following the South Downs Way.
Pass through the gate joining
the Egrets Way following the
River Ouse, signposted to Piddinghoe
and Peacehaven. (Continue for 500m
to visit the YHA South Downs café.)
11
Pass through the gate and
follow the tarmac path adjacent
to the ‘C7’ Lewes Road for 100m.
Carefully cross the ‘C7’ and follow
the bridleway gravel track, passing to
the left of the ornamental gates. Stay
on the gravel track for 3/4 mile.
12
Follow the bridleway through
Halcombe Farm onto a tarmac
surface, ascending a fairly steep hill
for 300m. Beware of moving vehicles
for 1/2 mile particularly near the
buildings. Join Telscombe Road at
the edge of Peacehaven village and
follow the road for 400m.
13
Turn left onto Pelham Rise at
the T junction and follow the
road for 400m.
14
Turn left off Pelham Rise
and retrace the earlier route
via Lower Hoddern Farm turning
right onto a gravel bridleway after
the houses to Centenary Park,
Peacehaven, to finish at the
Gateway Cafe.