(S) From the upper part of Lewes station, turn left towards the ruined Lewes Priory adjacent some playing fields. Either cross these diagonally to the right through a gate (or take an alternative route past the college to the left) onto a metalled road which winds past a couple of houses and round the local recycling depot and ultimately under a large road bridge and finally onto the banks of the River Ouse, a large, navigable, tidal river which meanders its way South to Newhaven on the coast. The path meanders with the river until it reaches an old swing bridge.
(1) Cross this to the East and continue along the lane until you get to Southease station. Use the railway crossing and continue until a group of buildings which include the YHA at Ilford farm. Turn right immediately before the buildings (signposted South Downs Way) and follow the path over the footbridge that crosses the busy A26. Once you are over the bridge, the Downs come down to meet you. Take the long path snaking up the hill or go straight up the grassy hill to the top of Ilford Hill and continue East on the South Down Way past Red Lion Pond. Continue east for another mile or so, cross a track and head for the monolithic radio masts. Then, in less than a mile, cross another small road and car park and continue for approx. 1 mile till you reach Firle Beacon. The views are vast – North to the Weald and South across rolling downs to the sea.
(2) The route now heads South-East towards Alfriston past another car park through farmland until seeing the village and come to a gate with three routes to the village. Take the one directly in front (not the two to the left) this being the South Down Way which winds down a hedged lane into the village.(E)
