ROUTE
The Sussex Downsman Hike generally follows the route of the South Downs Way from Buriton in Hampshire to Eastbourne in West Sussex with minor modifications to suit checkpoints.
There are a number of different "Classes" available dependant on the age and ability of the team taking part. These range from the full route (approximately 80 miles) to a 15 mile section.
Start points depend upon the Class being entered, but are at Buriton, Bignor or Steyning Bowl.
Service Areas are located at major landmarks / car parks along the route, where the team's designated Service Crew provide food, drink, running repairs and morale boosting to the team.
No contact between the Service Crew and team is permitted at any other points.
Service Areas will be situated in the following locations:
SU733198 Buriton
SU790181 Harting Hill
SU875166 Cocking
SU974130 Bignor Hill
TQ087120 Chantry Hill
TQ163095 Steyning Bowl
TQ259110 Devil's Dyke
TQ334130 Ditchling Beacon
TQ368092 Falmer
TQ432056 Itford
TQ468059 Firle Beacon
TQ532032 Littlington
TV586986 Eastbourne
Additional checkpoints between the Service Areas will be situated at the following locations:
SU942155 Duncton
TQ033125 Amberley
TQ117128 Washington
TQ197094 Upper Beeding (additional Service Area for Class S only)
TQ290126 Pyecombe
TQ365116 Black Cap
TQ412053 Mill Hill
TQ567011 Jevington
The entire route is covered by the OS Landranger series (1:50,000 scale) of maps, sheet numbers 197, 198 & 199, or Explorer series (1:25,000 scale) 120, 121, 122 & 123.
Teams can be seen at a distance from a number of checkpoints. Stick to rights of way and don't cross ploughed fields or climb fences. Don't give the checkpoint staff the unpleasant job of disqualifying or penalising you.
Wherever possible, main roads should be crossed via bridges as dictated by the South Downs Way or the positioning of checkpoints. In particular, this applies to the A24 at Washington, A23 at Pyecombe and the A27 at Falmer. If you cross any of these roads on the tarmac, you will be immediately disqualified (if you survive). They are extremely dangerous crossings and you must use the footbridges. In particular, teams appear to have a problem with the A24 at Washington. Make sure you know where the footbridge is. The checkpoint is right at the end of the bridge (see map reference above), so if you approach the checkpoint from the wrong direction, you WILL be disqualified. No more exceptions will be made to this rule. Please also note the footbridge at Itford which must be used when leaving the service area. Please note that time spent at checkpoints will be included in your overall time for the event. In and out times are recorded solely for the benefit of the organisers in tracking teams.