TQ4805 : The South Downs Way east of Firle Beacon

Firle Beacon

218m Elevation
198m Prominence
England Country
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TQ4805 : The South Downs Way east of Firle Beacon

N Chadwick Photo source

Explore routes near Firle Beacon

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Seven Sisters Birling Gap and Friston Forest Circular

12.7 km ~3h 40m Moderate

View route

Devil's Dyke, Newtimber Hill and Fulking Hill walk

11.4 km ~4h Moderate

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Box Hill - Stepping Stones Circuit

3.2 km ~2h Moderate

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Richmond Park - The Tasmin Trail

11.9 km ~3h Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Firle Village to Firle Beacon

A picturesque route starting from Firle Village, leading through fields and up to the summit with lovely views along the way.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate

The South Downs Way

A longer, established trail that passes near Firle Beacon, offering stunning views and an opportunity to enjoy other nearby sights.

15 km ~5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill

Elevation

218m

717 ft

Prominence

198m

Coordinates

50.8338, 0.1082

TQ485059

OS Map

198

Explorer: OL25 123

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point overlooking the surrounding area, often adorned with a wind-blown flag for good measure.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with a mix of rocky outcrops; be prepared for some uneven ground but mostly well-trodden paths.

The hill is mainly composed of chalk, typical of the South Downs, often presenting fascinating white cliffs and typical downs flora. Fossilised remains of marine life contribute to its geological intrigue.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the rolling hills of the South Downs, the coast near Brighton, and on clear days, the Isle of Wight can be spied on the horizon.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Firle' derives from the Old English term for 'a place where ferns grow'.

Historical Significance

Firle Beacon has significance as a historical observation point and is part of the ancient landscape with evidence of human activity through the ages.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Firle Village car park, which is a short walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Lewes to Firle, making it accessible for non-drivers.

Nearby Facilities

The village of Firle has a local pub and a lovely café, where you can grab a bite before or after your hike. Public toilets are also available in the village.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch for muddy sections during wet weather; also, be cautious of steep slopes and the occasional sheep crossing your path.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Firle Beacon?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Firle Beacon through the maps

Are there other walkers around Firle Beacon?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Firle Beacon search or of course create your own walk for Firle Beacon

Can I organise a walk to Firle Beacon?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Firle Beacon.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Firle Beacon?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Firle Beacon here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: TQ485059

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Ditchling Beacon

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Worcestershire Beacon

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Glastonbury Tor

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