Lewes to Southease via Kingston Ridge and Rodmell (shorter option of Lewes to Saltdean)

From Lewes station through Southover and up the Juggs Road past Kingston onto the South Downs Way along the Kingston ridge, then down Mill Lane to lunch at the Abergavenny Arms in Rodmell; the short option follows tracks and the Ouse bank past Monk's House to Southease station. The main walk (15.5 km, 4 hours 45 minutes) goes on over the Downs to Saltdean, and a circular return to Lewes via Northease Manor is also described. The source gives km, with miles in brackets.

The ground

Rated 4 out of 10 (full walk). Up the Juggs Road lane and over the A27 on a bridge; a potentially muddy fenced track before the climb to the ridge; the South Downs Way ridge (partly a concrete track); a tarmac lane down to Rodmell, then tracks and the raised west bank of the Ouse to Southease bridge.

Livestock

No livestock warnings. A cattle grid is mentioned beside the South Downs Way.

Pubs and cafés on the way

• Kings HeadSouthover, Lewesstart
• Swan InnSouthover, Lewesstart
• Abergavenny ArmsRodmellmidway

The line on the map

For the last stretch to Southease Bridge the line cuts a little inland on the Egrets Way where the walk keeps to the river bank.