Blackcap, in East Sussex, occupies 623 acres along the ridge of the South Downs, just west of the historic old town of Lewes. This stunning hilltop area offers fine views over The Weald to the north and across the dip-slope to the coast. In summer take scented walks across the wild flowering majoram which grows in abundance over the hillside. You'll find nearby Ashcombe bottom a short walk south of Blackcap. Known locally as Bracky Bottom, because of the bracken growing in the coombe, you can enjoy an evening walk with the scent of honeysuckle and maybe a sighting of the white admiral butterfly. There are bottoms all over the Downs, and this is truly one of the finest.
A lovely patch of open grass for a picnic or flying a kite, or just a hike in fresh air. The trail from the road at the base of the downs is not hard but it is steep in places. It's only 15 mins fro. The bottom to the top.
My favourite viewpoint near Brighton is atop this magnificent 20 minute climb. In spring it feels like walking through jungle if you go the woodland way, or you can walk up chalk paths trodden into the landscape by shepherd's taking their sheep to graze. It is a hive for wildlife, with pheasants, rabbits, woodpeckers aplenty. In the right season you can also see glowworms here.
Beautiful place to watch the sunset, would definitely recommend. I didn't find the climb to be that steep, but it depends on what you're used to, I suppose.
Lovey surrounding views of East Sussex. Bit of a steep climb up but great walks once at the top. Very peaceful and plenty of wildlife to be found.
A high point just off the South downs way with great views north across the Sussex towns and villages and right up to the north downs. South you can look to Brighton, Eastbourne and the coast. This spot is sheltered by trees and bushes on one side so is a good place to get out of the wind or sun and have a well deserved break. There are many very good footpaths leading from this point to explore this beautiful part of the country.
Great spot on the South Downs with views towards the sea and also inland from this high point.
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Hiking
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
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A lovely patch of open grass for a picnic or flying a kite, or just a hike in fresh air. The trail from the road at the base of the downs is not hard but it is steep in places. It's only 15 mins fro. The bottom to the top.
My favourite viewpoint near Brighton is atop this magnificent 20 minute climb. In spring it feels like walking through jungle if you go the woodland way, or you can walk up chalk paths trodden into the landscape by shepherd's taking their sheep to graze. It is a hive for wildlife, with pheasants, rabbits, woodpeckers aplenty. In the right season you can also see glowworms here.
Beautiful place to watch the sunset, would definitely recommend. I didn't find the climb to be that steep, but it depends on what you're used to, I suppose.
Lovey surrounding views of East Sussex. Bit of a steep climb up but great walks once at the top. Very peaceful and plenty of wildlife to be found.
A high point just off the South downs way with great views north across the Sussex towns and villages and right up to the north downs. South you can look to Brighton, Eastbourne and the coast. This spot is sheltered by trees and bushes on one side so is a good place to get out of the wind or sun and have a well deserved break. There are many very good footpaths leading from this point to explore this beautiful part of the country.
Great spot on the South Downs with views towards the sea and also inland from this high point.
