South Downs Walk: Falmer to Plumpton

This is a relatively straightforward walk for those who are reasonably fit, across the South Downs from Falmer. Starting just by the entrance to the University of Sussex, it goes north over the South Downs to the village of Plumpton, crossing the South Downs Way and finishing at the Half Moon Inn. There are lovely views, as well as lots of wildlife to see - and plenty of peace and tranquility.

It should take between 75 minutes and two hours, depending on your walking speed. The total distance is about 5km (3 miles) with a total climb of about 160m (530ft). Public transport is available at either end. This walk can be followed on Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer map 122.

The path is generally good, but proper footwear (ie walking boots) is recommended, as well as the usual walking essentials: hat, waterproof, jumper, water, etc. There are lots of stinging-nettles in parts, so long trousers are advisable.

Start by taking one of the frequent 25, 26, 28 or 29 buses from Brighton, and alight at the stop in Falmer Village. Then head to Mill Lane, and walk along it until your reach the junction at Ridge Road. Here, turn left and walk (northwards) for about 10 minutes, gently uphill. Just before the remains of Ridge Farm (Map ref: 351098), take the bridleway forking to your right. This is a bit overgrown to start with, but soons opens out into a decent path with trees on both sides.

After about 5 minutes or so, take the left hand path which descends from the main bridleway, between two small copses (at ref: 355105). The path descends gently on the left-hand slope of a hill for a few minutes, and then rises again, more or less in a stright line northwards. This is the main climb of the walk, rising about 100m (330ft). The path follows the edge of a field, with a hedgerow full of wild flowers. There are sweeping views to both sides.

In another 20 minutes or so, you approach a small clump of trees on either side of the path. This is the site of an ancient, abandoned settlement, although there is little to see to-day (ref: 357123). At this point, the footpath signs indicate that the path continues on the left hand side of the fence, although there is a gate to allow you to follow it on the parallel track on the right hand side. You might want to do this, as the footpath is heavily overgrown in parts.

Follow this path straight ahead for another half mile or so, until you reach the crest of the hill and the South Downs Way, running east-west. The South Downs way is a wide, good chalk path. Ahead are magnificent views of the Sussex Weald. Turn left here, and walk for a few minutes along the South Downs Way westwards until you reach a bend and junction: then turn hard right, downhill, on a small rough road which is partly metalled, and runs steeply down the north side of the escarpment. Be careful, as the surface is very uneven in parts.

After about 15 minutes, you come to the B2116, and to your left on the other side of the road is the Half Moon pub (tel 01273 890253 for opening times). This CAMRA-recommended pub (good real ales) is an excellent stop for ramblers, does pub food, has a large beer garden and welcomes well-behaved dogs.

There is a bus stop just ahead on the small road leading towards Plumpton Green. Service 166 has a roughly two-hour frequency of services running from Lewes to Hayward's Heath. (Details on www.eastsussex.gov.uk).

Some of the wild flowers I saw on this walk - most of them very common, but colourful nevertheless, were:

Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
Yarrow - Achilles millefolium
Scarlet Pimpernel - Anagallis arvensis
Tufted vetch - Vicia cracca
Greater Burdock - Arctium lappa
Greater Knapweed - Centaurea scabiosa
Rosebay Wllowherb - Epilobium angustifolium
Great Willowherb - Epilobium hirsutum
Wayfaring Tree - Viburnum lantana

The downland alongside the uncultivated areas of the South Downs path contains less common chalk-loving plants. I'll leave that for another time!

(Amended to include plant details - 8-8-2007)