Sussex Walks - Whitehawk Hill

Adventures

15 Sept

I love a secret spot in the city - one you can walk to to appreciate the stars on a clear night, or you can take a picnic and get some views without going for an all out stomp. I’ve lived in Brighton for over 15 years and only found out about this little gem this year - it really is a gem too with a little bit of woodland and unparalleled views across the city.

It reminds me of being a teenager somehow. The kind of place you went to after school to play the spin the bottle (shout out to Jerry - best spin the bottle kiss by a mile) or to sink some 20/20 while pondering what the best word is (‘perfunctory’ for sure). Clues that this kind of business still goes on comes in the form of chairs nestled in the woodland and fallen trunks pulled together to make a social seating circle.

But now as an adult I so appreciate this little wildlife haven unassumingly sitting behind the hospital in East Brighton. The wild flowers are in abundance and there’s textures and colours to be appreciated. The vistas over Brighton are so impressive and something about standing above the city is so humbling and clarifying, when we’re in the city it’s easy to get swept up in city life but observing it up here aides questioning what needs zooming out on.

Whitehawk Hill is a secret spot in Brighton that provides the best views across the city.

The walk stats

Duration: as little as 15 mins but you can walk for as long as you like - extending this walk over race hill or weaving through the woods and around the top of Manor Hill

Terrain: solid in dry weather but I would imagine it can get a bit slippy in deep winter. There are some hills to climb.

Parking: Anywhere near the racecourse or Manor Hill. Freshfield Rd is usually generous with parking.

Public transport: any bus to the Royal Sussex hospital and get off there - check the timetable here.

Starting point

You can start this walk on a few points. It’s not a walk as such as a getting to the destination which is Whitehawk Hill. I usually pick up the land at either the top of Manor Hill where it meets Freshfield Rd, or on The Causeway. You can also come in from the top from the racecourse at the top of Elm Grove or you can come from the bottom by walking to the end of Upper Abbey Rd just off Eastern Road before the hospital. There is also a track directly up Whitehawk Hill Road.

You’ll know you’re in the right place because there’s a big mast that you’re going to be under for most of you exploration here. Dip down the hill for woodland, go up the hill for views and open space.

Along the upper half of Whitehawk Hill Road there is a track that takes you directly to the big mast and through to the racecourse. Peer behind the abundant Tamarix to drink in the sight of some of Brighton’s best kept allotments. If you do get up here and decide it’s energised you for more you can continue onto Sheepcote Valley.

I recommend just taking a few hours and a flask of tea (some biscuits are never amiss also) to breathe in the views here and just be. Sometimes we are so busy hiking or rushing but being a space like this holds space for us to allow ourselves to stop and appreciate the surprising secrets of the city.