RAMBLE: BEACON HILL LOOP FROM HOOKSWAY

Published 11:33 on 31 Oct 2025

29 club members gathered in the car park of the Royal Oak Hooksway, having braved driving the steep single track road down to the pub, nestled incongruously in it's isolated location. 

With much chat we gathered for the first walk of the 25/26 ramble season.  

It was a beautiful sunny and fresh autumn morning, ideal conditions for a walk.  

We set off steadily uphill through Phillis Wood towards Monkton Farm from where we headed up the valley to join the South Downs Way, which we followed towards Beacon Hill. It was indeed an undulating walk, with plenty of ascent to exercise the lungs. There was lots of chat until the short, steep climb to Beacon Hill, when many stopped the chat and concentrated on gasping some much needed air into their needy lungs. Some of the group avoided the last steep climb and traversed the hill to rejoin the route near Telegraph House.  

The prize of reaching the summit was the glorious far reaching views in all directions. We stopped to get our breath back, have some refreshment and enjoy the view. Suitably refreshed we set off on the return route, initially a steep descent and then a gentle climb to Telegraph House. From there it was downhill all the way back to the Pub where the team served our pre ordered meals very efficiently and cheerfully.

Thanks for your company to all participants, that might be the hardest CYC Ramble you have to do this walking season!