Southease and the River Ouse

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2-2.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
9.2 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
83 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.6
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Panorama from the Southease and the River Ouse walk in South Downs, England

Explore the South Downs on this pleasant and quiet walk. This hike is a real immersion into quintessential English countryside. Prepare to stroll alongside the River Ouse before slowly climbing uphill to be rewarded with far reaching views from the South Downs Way. Stay at the YHA South Downs for easy access.

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Route Description for Southease and the River Ouse

Exit Southease railway station via platform 1 and walk down the lane to the left. Follow the lane around to the right and cross the bridge over the River Ouse.

Once over the river go right by passing through the first gate on your right. Follow the trail above the river for the next 1.6 km until you pass through the second kissing gate. A more sheltered gravel path runs parallel on your left. This sheltered gravel path offers protection on a windy day, but doesn’t benefit from the same views.

After the second kissing gate, turn left and leave the River Ouse. Walk down the embankment and onto the public bridleway towards Rodmell. Follow this trail, through three gates, until you reach the National Trusts Monks House, the 17th Century retreat of Leonard and Virginia Woolf. Continue a short while longer after Monks House until you see a public footpath sign on the right, just after the school and between the houses ‘Denholme’ and ‘Johns’. Turn right down this footpath and walk ahead, through a small field and over a brick stile in the left-hand corner. Continue straight on across the farmers field ahead of you, until you reach Piddinghoe Road.

Cross the road with care and then walk along the grass verge, through Northease. Turn left shortly after Northease Manor School, into the driveway for Northease Farm.

Walk up the lane and directly through the farm which slowly winds its way uphill, to the top of the South Downs. Turn left onto the South Downs Way when you reach the top and admire the views of Mount Caburn and the Lewes downs.

Follow signs for the South Downs Way all the way back to the Southease. When you reach Corhams Lane, turn left and cross over the main road, then turn left again down the next side road and follow it back to the station.

Insider Hints for Southease and the River Ouse

  • The South Downs YHA is just a short walk from the Southease station and offers everything from dorm beds and private rooms to yurts and pods, all at low prices.
  • Monks House is a National Trust site and for a small fee you can visit the quaint cottage and gardens, restored exactly as they would have been in the 17th Century. The house is only open March-October, Wednesday to Sunday, so check times before visiting.
  • The Abergavenny Arms is a lovely, family run, pub in Rodmell. They serve locally sourced food and have a great outdoor patio for resting on warmer days. To get there, just continue straight on after passing Monks House, it’s a short and easy detour from the trail.

Getting to the Southease and the River Ouse Trailhead

The hike starts from the Southease railway station which has regular train links into London and the surrounding area. If travelling by car use postcode BN8 6JS, there’s ample free parking in the nearby lanes.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Year Round

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    Yes

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    None

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Southease and the River Ouse Elevation Graph

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Southease and the River Ouse Reviews

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