Berwick, Alciston, Charleston Farmhouse and Firle Beacon

A Retreat for the Bloomsbury Group in a Secluded Area of Sussex

Small wonder that the central figures of the Bloomsbury Group sought the seclusion of Sussex as a base for their literary and artistic endeavours. Even today, along the top of the downs or on the byways in their shadow, there is a strong sense of remoteness. The view at the start of the walk, high above the Low Weald of East Sussex, takes in the sea and the little port of Newhaven, where ferries look like toy boats on a lake, while northward lies the green carpet of the lowlands.

Google Maps View OpenStreetMap View

Start Point

Bostal Hill

Grid Ref: TQ 49343 05055

Total Distance

7.2 miles (11.6 km)

Total Climbing

283 metres

Estimated Time

3–4 hours

Difficulty Grade

Moderate

Trail Navigation Files:

💾 Download GPX Route Google Earth (KMZ) 📖 About South Downs

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

Essential paper map for exploring Eastbourne, Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham and Heathfield:

OL25 Eastbourne & Beachy Head →

The Walk Report

The walk eastward along the crest of the Downs is fairly level, passing dry valleys ('bottoms') and prehistoric burial tumuli. Descending the scarp towards the Weald, you reach the village of Berwick and its church of St Michael and All Angels. During World War II, bomb damage prompted a commission of interior wall paintings by members of the Bloomsbury Group, including Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell (who lived nearby at Charleston Farmhouse).

Continuing to Alciston, you pass the magnificent Great Tithe Barn and Tudor brick dovecote before following meadow paths to Charleston Farmhouse, where Grant and Vanessa Bell painted almost every surface.

Great Title Barn in Alciston — Great Tithe Barn in Alciston

Track leading to the Downs from Charleston Farm

A chalk track then heads back towards the Downs, ascending to the summit ridge dotted with ancient tumuli. A short detour takes you to the trig point on Firle Beacon (712 feet above sea level), the highest part of the South Downs, offering sweeping panoramic views over Berwick, Alciston, and Charleston Farmhouse below.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.

← Return to Out and About Walks View on Interactive Map 🗺️

Berwick, Alciston, Charleston Farmhouse and Firle Beacon

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk Report

Join The Walking Englishman Community