Ditchling Beacon Climb from Aldrington

Sussex high points and classic Tour climb challenge

Ride Overview & Terrain

This ride starts at Aldrington and heads east before turning north to climb Ditchling Beacon—the highest point in East Sussex. This legendary hill climb was featured in the Tour de France and is a major cycling benchmark.

Tackle the legendary Ditchling Beacon hill climb, a classic category-3 road ascent in the South Downs.

Travel & Getting There with Your Bike

By Train: Take the train to Hove and catch a local connection to Aldrington, or cycle from Hove (5 mins). Bicycles are allowed off-peak. (Nearest station: Aldrington Station (Start/End), travel time: 1h 15m from London Victoria (change at Hove)).

By Car & Parking: Cycle-friendly parking available near the start point.

Cyclist Coffee Stops, Cafes & Pubs

Recommended cyclist-friendly cafes and refreshment stops along Ditchling Beacon Climb from Aldrington:

• ☕ Stanmer Park Tea Rooms: Popular refreshment stop for cyclists.

Cycling Tips & Route Advice

• The climb is very steep (average 9% gradient for 1.5km); ensure you have climbing gears.
• Stay hydrated before tackling the main climb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance, duration, and difficulty of Ditchling Beacon Climb from Aldrington?

Ditchling Beacon Climb from Aldrington is a 32 km (20 miles) taking approximately 2.5 hours, graded Challenging. Starts at Aldrington Station and finishes at Aldrington Station (Loop).

How do I get to Ditchling Beacon Climb from Aldrington by train?

Take the train to Hove and catch a local connection to Aldrington, or cycle from Hove (5 mins). Bicycles are allowed off-peak. (Nearest station: Aldrington Station (Start/End), travel time: 1h 15m from London Victoria (change at Hove)).

Where can I park near the start of Ditchling Beacon Climb from Aldrington?

Cycle-friendly parking available near the start point.