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Ditchling Beacon Road Climb – Ditchling Beacon Climb loop from Aldrington

Ditchling Beacon Road Climb – Ditchling Beacon Climb loop from Aldrington

Moderate

4.4

(19)

362

riders

Ditchling Beacon Road Climb – Ditchling Beacon Climb loop from Aldrington

02:43

57.9km

600m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 19.4 km for 55 m

After 46.0 km for 51 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

3.38 km

Hove Lawns Promenade

Highlight • Viewpoint

Two one directional cycle paths along Hove Lawns - unfortunately cycling discouraged along the main beachfront.

Tip by

4.93 km

Brighton Pier, also known as the Brighton Palace Pier or the Palace Pier, is a historic pier on Brighton seafront.

It was originally constructed in 1823 as a simple promenade pier, but was extensively rebuilt and expanded in 1899 to its current length of 1,722 feet (525 m).

The much-loved landmark features a wide range of attractions including rides, restaurants, bars and arcades.

The pier was damaged by a fire in 2003, but was subsequently restored and reopened to the public. Today, it remains a vibrant and bustling hub of activity, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Tip by

19.4 km

Valley Ponds

Nature Reserve

36.2 km

Watershoot Shaw

Forest

36.7 km

Plumpton Village Fields

Highlight • Viewpoint

If you decide not to take the beacon you willingly find two other options. The road to Lewes through Westmeston and Plumpton is equally picturesque and less noisy or busy.

Tip by

42.7 km

Ditchling Village

Highlight • Settlement

Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft has an excellent cafe serving delicious cakes

Tip by

43.8 km

Jointer Copse

Forest

44.4 km

Ditchling Beacon Road

Highlight • Viewpoint

Marvel at the lump of land you're about to climb before you take a deep breath and start the suffering/KOM/QOM attempt.

Tip by

44.6 km

Ditchling Beacon Road Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This scenic climb is the highest road in Sussex, reaching an elevation of 814 feet (248 m). It offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Sussex Weald to the north and the English Channel to the south. There's a car park at the top which sometimes has an ice cream van.

The Ditchling Beacon Road Climb is a well-known segment on various cycling routes and is often included in events like sportives and races. The top also intersects with the South Downs Way, a long-distance trail that runs along the South Downs.

It's a tough climb but the views are worth it, and it's generally relatively quiet traffic-wise.

Tip by

46.0 km