Lewes Circular via Swanborough and Black Cap

A long circuit from Lewes station past the Priory ruins to Swanborough, up Breach Road to the South Downs Way, north to Black Cap, and home over Mount Harry and the old racecourse bridleway. The distance includes an optional steep loop down to the Half Moon at Plumpton; a shortcut that saves 4.6 km and alternative endings at Plumpton and Cooksbridge stations are described. The source gives km, with miles.

The ground

Rated 6 out of 10, undulating, with little shelter on a windy day. The A27 is crossed at Housedean Farm (you cannot cross at the old Newmarket Inn). The Plumpton loop has steep scarp paths and steps and a concrete track that can be slippery in the wet. The racecourse bridleway is muddy outside summer. Near the start the route goes through a subway under the A27, and a path by the sports fields is sometimes closed for maintenance (a way round is given).

Livestock

No farm-animal warnings. A cattle grid on the South Downs Way; the bridleway past the old racecourse is widely used by horses, and the source says to heed the warning notices in case racehorses are galloping there.

Pubs and cafés on the way

• Half MoonPlumpton (optional loop)midway
• Blacksmith's ArmsOffham (second Cooksbridge ending only)end
• Lansdown ArmsLewes, Lansdown Placeend
• Royal OakLewes, Station Streetend
• Carafe Coffee RoastersLewes, Station Streetend
• Depot Cinema Kitchen and BarLewes, Pinwell Roadend

The line on the map

Includes the optional Half Moon loop, drawn down Plumpton Bostall and back up a parallel path, and the old racecourse return is pinned at Landport Bottom.