Starting from Eartham Wood, we climb steadily on good woodland tracks to Upwaltham Hill.
We then descend to the hamlet of Upwaltham where we cross the A285 road and pass the tiny Grade 1 listed twelfth century drovers’ church.
The route continues, steeply in parts, up to Littleton Down (the highest point on the South Downs in Sussex). We follow a woodland path before emerging with views to the north. Joining the South Downs Way, we descend to Littleton Farm (Cadence Cafe is sited here, if a caffeine boost is required before the next climb). Recrossing the A285, the route climbs steadily passing Sutton Down. We leave the SDW and follow the line of Stane Street back to the start.
We pass memorials to two WW2 aircraft crashes ( on Upwaltham Hill - a Dakota in Feb 1945 and Littleton Down - a Lancaster in Feb 1944). There is also a memorial plaque in the church.
Poles may be useful on a steep descent on a chalky path
Morning break: Yes
Picnic: Yes