Castle Hill Nature Reserve - car-free thanks to cooking oil!

Submitted by Timwoods on 06 February 2008

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(2 votes)

A circular, stroll-(1-2-hours) low hills and fells (below 600m) walk in England starting at Falmer railway station, East Sussex, about 6km (roughly 4 miles) long and unsuitable for families with children, prams/pushchairs, wheelchairs. This short walk is close to several other car-free walks on the site, but worth highlighting on its own as one of the finest spots in this part of the South Downs. You'll feel miles from busy city life out here. It's also good for spotting wildlife - hares, foxes, badgers and birds of prey can all be found out here. For an even more eco-friendly walk, why not travel from Brighton by the Big Lemon bus - run on recycled cooking oil! Check the website for bus times: www.thebiglemon.com Start: Falmer railway station, OS Grid: TQ346087 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)

Gain (+/- 10%): 269m (885ft)

Total (+/- 10%): 437m (1433ft)

Loss (+/- 10%): 167m (548ft)

Max. Elevation: 180m (590ft)

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OS Explorer Map:

122 - Brighton & Hove
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Waypoints

1. Falmer railway station

OS Grid: TQ346087

As Falmer serves two universities, there are regular trains here. You can also catch Big Lemon or Bright and Hove buses here, which stop either outside the station or across the dual carriageway (head for the tunnel under the road).

2. Falmer village

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 1 OS Grid: TQ353088

From the station, turn right and follow the road up to Falmer village. Walk through the village to the gateway just before the main road.

3. Newmarket Plantation

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 2 OS Grid: TQ365076

Follow the path alongside the road - not the nicest start to a walk, but it gets better! Follow the bridleway that heads east towards Newmarket Plantation. Just before the trees, take the path heading directly uphill.

4. Castle Hill NNR

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 3 OS Grid: TQ370068

Drop down the other side of the hill into the nature reserve - time it right and you will have the whole place to yourself to enjoy!

5. Balsdean Bottom

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 4 OS Grid: TQ382070

Follow the valley out of the nature reserve and past the old farm buildings. There is a clear path along the valley floor through Balsdean Bottom. The path then heads uphill and joins the South Downs way.

6. Juggs Road Track

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 5 OS Grid: TQ380077

The South Downs way continues back round to become the Juggs Road. Follow the track back towards Falmer, enjoying fine views back down into the nature reserve.