Windmill Hill

196m Elevation
31m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Windmill Hill

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

Route planning notes

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

Southern Loop from Firle Beacon

A scenic loop that offers splendid views of the surrounding countryside, starting from the iconic Firle Beacon.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Short Ascent from the Village

A direct path from the nearby village, suitable for families wanting to experience the hill without too much of a trek.

2 km ~0.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

196m

641 ft

Prominence

31m

Coordinates

51.4414, -1.8762

SU087713

OS Map

173

Explorer: 157

At the Summit

The summit features a well-maintained trig point, providing both a navigational aid and a perfect photo opportunity. An impressive 360-degree view awaits those who venture to the top.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes with patches of chalk and occasional rocky areas. It's predominantly easy underfoot but watch out for muddy spots after a rain.

Primarily made up of chalk, which is easy to traverse yet can become slippery when wet. The hillside supports unique flora, making it an excellent location for nature lovers.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, walkers can see the rolling hills of the South Downs, the historic town of Lewes, and even the coastline on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Windmill Hill' derives from its historical use, as windmills were common in the area for milling grain.

Historical Significance

Windmill Hill is steeped in local history, being near ancient trails and settlements that date back thousands of years.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking at the base near the village of Firle, though it can fill quickly on weekends.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Lewes to Firle. The nearest train station is in Lewes, around 6 km away.

Nearby Facilities

Several cafes and pubs in Firle offer refreshments, along with public toilets located near the village green.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The terrain can be slippery in wet conditions, particularly on chalk. Always be cautious of sudden changes in weather, as fog can descend quickly.

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 Windmill Hill?

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

Are there other walkers around Windmill Hill?

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 Windmill Hill search or of course create your own walk for Windmill Hill

Can I organise a walk to Windmill Hill?

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 Windmill Hill.

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 Windmill Hill?

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 Windmill Hill 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