Social walk from YHA South Downs

Sunday 20th September 2026

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8 km)

Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours

Led by: Andrew McCloy, YHA

Skills and confidence

This walk begins with an easy stretch beside the River Ouse, then heads across the fields to the lovely village of Rodmell, with its small Saxon church and Monk’s House, once the country retreat of acclaimed novelist Virgina Woolf.

We then head up on to the top of the South Downs for superb views, including across the Ouse valley towards Lewes, before dropping down to Southease village on the South Downs Way and back to the hostel.

Although the route is straightforward it does include a couple of sharp slopes and uneven surfaces, so footwear with a decent grip is recommended.

This walk has passed.

This is in partnership with YHA's Festival of Walking - view other social walks.