Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park in Jevington the walk goes through the village and up a bridleway onto the downs, heading west over open grassland to Winchester's Pond, an old dew pond at the top of Lullington Heath. It crosses the heath, a National Nature Reserve where chalk and heath plants grow together, and drops to Litlington in the Cuckmere valley. From the village it follows the road south for about 500 m, then a path south and east into Friston Forest along Charleston Bottom, a long dry valley, and climbs through the forest before coming down to Jevington.
It is 10.3 km with 285 m of ascent; allow about 3½ hours. The grade is Moderate: two long climbs, out of Jevington and back up through the forest.
Lullington Heath is grazed by ponies and sheep, so keep dogs under control. There is no shelter on the top. The forest tracks have patches of mud and are popular with mountain bikers. Take care on the road south of Litlington, which has no pavement.
The car park in Jevington is free, with about 14 spaces. The nearest station is Polegate, about 4 km away. Litlington has a tea garden and a pub at the halfway point.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Over the downs from Jevington to Winchester's Pond and Lullington Heath, one of the largest areas of chalk heath in Britain
- Down to Litlington, then back through Charleston Bottom and the beeches of Friston Forest
- Lullington Heath has been a National Nature Reserve since 1955 and is grazed by ponies and sheep
- Winchester's Pond is an old dew pond made for the sheep flocks
Getting there
Start: Jevington car park · Free parking. 50.79013, 0.21468
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Polegate: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
