Lewes and Mount Caburn

About Lewes and Mount Caburn

By the ULTIMATE Brighton Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Lewes is about 15 minutes from Brighton by train. From the town, paths climb east onto the Downs past Malling Down to Mount Caburn, a hillfort in the Lewes Downs National Nature Reserve, with views over the South Downs, the Ouse valley and the Weald. You can walk on to Glynde station (about 23 minutes from Brighton on the hourly direct train) or return to Lewes for lunch.

Getting there

Trains from Brighton to Lewes take about 15 minutes (National Rail); Glynde, the station beneath Mount Caburn, is about 23 minutes away on the direct hourly train.

The walk

Cross the River Ouse from the town and climb past Malling Down onto the downland. Mount Caburn is part of the Lewes Downs National Nature Reserve: 49 hectares of ancient chalk downland, owned by the Glynde Estate and managed by Natural England, known for its orchids, butterflies and birds. From the hillfort the views run across the South Downs, the Ouse valley and the Weald.

Chalk grassland, orchids and a view of half of Sussex.

The way back

Drop down to Glynde for the train, or walk back to Lewes for lunch and a look at the castle.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Lewes and Mount Caburn before you go.