Mount Caburn
Good walks are even better shared.
TQ4408 : Airborne hang glider above The Caburn
David Kemp Photo source
Explore routes near Mount Caburn
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Seven Sisters Birling Gap and Friston Forest Circular
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Devil's Dyke, Newtimber Hill and Fulking Hill walk
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Box Hill - Stepping Stones Circuit
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Richmond Park - The Tasmin Trail
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Caburn Hill Circular Walk
A popular circular route starting from Lewes, this walk combines stunning views and varied terrain. The climb to the summit is steep but offers beautiful scenery along the way.
The Gage Path
An alternative ascent from the east, featuring well-marked trails and scenic views over the countryside. This path is known for its leafy surroundings.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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TQ4408 : Airborne hang glider above The Caburn
David Kemp
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TQ4409 : Caburn Fort
David Saunders
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TQ4409 : Footpath to Mount Caburn Fort
Simon Carey
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TQ4408 : Mount Caburn Fort
Paul Gillett
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TQ4409 : Sheep near Mount Caburn
Paul Gillett
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TQ4408 : Paragliding from Mount Caburn
Robin Webster
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TQ4408 : Paragliding from Mount Caburn
Robin Webster
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TQ4408 : Mount Caburn
Simon Carey
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TQ4408 : Waiting, Mount Caburn
Simon Carey
TQ4408 : View from Mount Caburn
Simon Carey
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
150m
492 ft
Prominence
38m
Coordinates
50.8617, 0.0509
TQ444089
OS Map
198
Explorer: OL11 OL25 122 123
At the Summit
The summit is adorned with a prominent iron-age hill fort that features impressive ramparts and offers a proud standing on the chalky Chalvington Down. There's a weathered trig point marking the highest point, perfect for those Instagram selfies.
Terrain & Geology
Mount Caburn is predominantly chalk, a product of the Cretaceous period. The chalk is part of the South Downs formation, leading to dramatic cliffs and a unique ecosystem that attracts various flora and fauna. The area's geology also includes flint nodules, which have historically been used for tools.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can see the rolling hills of the South Downs, the vibrant rooftops of Lewes, and on a clear day, the coastline of Brighton and the shimmering Channel beyond.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Caburn' is derived from the Old English word 'caburn', referring to a hill or a site associated with burials.
Historical Significance
Mount Caburn has a rich historical relevance, with remnants of ancient fortifications pointing to its significance in Iron Age Britain.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is free parking available at the Lewes railway station, which is around 1.5 km from the starting point of the Caburn Hill route.
Public Transport
Frequent trains run from London Victoria to Lewes, making public transport an easy option for visiting Mount Caburn.
Nearby Facilities
In Lewes, you can find cafes, pubs, and toilets. The Lewes Castle is also a delightful spot to explore post-hike.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Steep sections that may be slippery when wet, as well as loose chalk underfoot in some areas.
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 Mount Caburn?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Mount Caburn through the maps
Are there other walkers around Mount Caburn?
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 Mount Caburn search or of course create your own walk for Mount Caburn
Can I organise a walk to Mount Caburn?
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 Mount Caburn.
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 Mount Caburn?
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 Mount Caburn 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: TQ444089
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Nearby Hills
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Leith Hill
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Worcestershire Beacon
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Glastonbury Tor
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Titterstone Clee Hill
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