Climb 5 of 22East Sussex, England
Ditchling Beacon
Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex, on the South Downs above the village of Ditchling. Charity rides from London to Brighton climb it, and riders see it as a tough part of the day.
- km long
- 1.4
- metres up
- 129
- steepest part
- 10%
- Flat
- Gentle
- Steady
- Hard
- Steep
How long does it take to ride up Ditchling Beacon?
For a rider who weighs 75 kg, riding at a steady pace with no stops:
- New to exercise: about 17 min
- I ride now and then: about 13 min
- I ride most weeks: about 11 min
Put in your own weight and fitness to see your time.
Ride Ditchling Beacon at home
In Couch to Climb, the plan for Ditchling Beacon is 6 weeks, with 3 rides a week on your smart trainer. It is climb 5 of 22. You start on Box Hill for free, then work up the climbs one at a time.
About the climb
The road climbs from Ditchling village up Beacon Road to the top of the South Downs. It is short and steep, and it stays hard all the way up with very few easy parts.
The Tour de France came up it in 1994, on the first of its two days of racing in Britain. The Tour of Britain used it in 2014, on the stage from Camberley to Brighton.
Riding it for real
The top is 248 m above sea level, the third highest point on the South Downs. There is a small National Trust car park at the summit.
Questions about riding Ditchling Beacon
Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex, on the South Downs above the village of Ditchling. Charity rides from London to Brighton climb it, and riders see it as a tough part of the day.
How high is Ditchling Beacon?
The top is 248 m above sea level. It is the highest point in East Sussex.
Has the Tour de France been up Ditchling Beacon?
Yes. The Tour de France climbed it in 1994, during its two days in Britain.
How can I get ready for Ditchling Beacon?
Couch to Climb has a step by step plan for Ditchling Beacon. You ride it at home on a smart trainer, three times a week, building up bit by bit.
Updated . Written by Next Big Leap Ltd, who make the Couch to Climb app.
Ride up a famous climb on your indoor bike
Couch to Climb is a step by step plan for a smart trainer at home. It takes you from the sofa to the top of a real climb, with no stops. Your first climb, Box Hill, is free.
