Saturday, 30 July 2022 - DITCHLING BEACON TO BRIGHTON PIER - BRIGHTON CIRCULAR -  9.5 miles - Leader: Roger B

From the heights of Ditchling Beacon atop the South Downs, south through Stanmer Park & Sussex Uni Campus to Falmer for lunch. After lunch up through the Downs, including a couple of steepish climbs to Brighton Racecourse then descending into Brighton Kemp Town to finish at the Pier.
Lunch: Suggest Picnic at Falmer. The nearby Swan Inn could be very busy so probably best for a drink and using the facilities.

Meeting at Brighton Station

Scenic bus ride to Ditchling Beacon

Arrival at Ditchling bus stop

Roger gives team talk at the beacon

At the Trig-Point

Setting off

Rolling Downs

Hot, dry  summer landscape

Newly harvested wheat field

Descent towards Falmer

Delicious fresh fruit drinks in Stanmer Park from the excellent  Brighton Permaculture Trust

Stanmer House

Floral cottage in Stanmer

Stanmer church

Approaching Brighton and Hove Albion's  Amex stadium at Falmer

The countryside between Falmer and Brighton

A faint glimpse of the sea in the distance

Enjoying the lush green turf of the Brighton racecourse (luckily no horse racing today)

Sculpture in the New Steine - Kemptown

Brighton Pavillion

Brighton Palace Pier - official end of the walk

Some went for a dip in the sea.....

.... Others went to the pub!

#Photos: Gary W, Dave M, Sue, Stella, Dick D