Been meaning to do a dawn landscape shoot from Kingston Ridge on the south downs in east Sussex for a while now. A December winter weekend conditions looked promising so finally got round to it.

Kingston Ridge Return

Have visited Kingston ridge on the south downs a few times over the last couple of years. The first time was during a summer drought back in 2018. The next was an early autumn sunset back in September 2020 escaping Covid lockdown. Kingston Ridge does provide some fine views over the valley between mount Caburn and the Lewes downs to the north then Bo Peep and Firle beacon to the south. Some believe the views from the top of Kingston ridge are the best on the south downs.

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast was frosty sub zero temperatures but plenty of sunshine. Was hoping for some mist in the valley. On the drive to Kingston ridge could see no mist but a clear sky. As we got into the south downs valley and flood plains of the river Ouse there was morning mist but not very thick. Here there is a lot more water due to the river Ouse so more likely morning mist.

Kingston Ridge Pre Dawn

Arrived in good time pre dawn. Can park up for free on The street near St Pancras church in Kingston near Lewes. Its then a steep walk up the escarpment of Kingston Ridge to the stunning view points over the east Sussex countryside and prominent hills of the south downs.

Find the better compositions are from about half way up the hill else more looks like a drone shot as the Kingston ridge is 179 meters high. Changed to the 70-200mm lens to zoom in on the detail. tripod mounted, F8 aperture, the lens sweet spot with everything in focus beyond infinity. Beautiful pre dawn orange sky to contrast with the distinctive shape of mount Caburn in shadow and shrouded in a thin veil of morning mist.

South Downs Sunrise

Stayed in position on the Kingston Ridge not sure exactly where the sun would rise and if would get it in frame. Intention was to composition scout the area after the best of the morning sunrise light was over.

Could not see the sun in the frame from this position once it did rise over Firle beacon to the east. But it did provide some beautiful side light catching the contours of Mount Caburn and the Lewes Downs. Not sleep so well the night before, an early rise but spectacles like these and so glad dragged myself out of bed.

Kingston near Lewes

Halfway up Kingston ridge below you is Kingston near Lewes and the distinctive St Pancras church. A church always makes a good subject and focal point and love to include them in any landscape photo.

As the sun rose over the south downs its early morning rays were catching the stonework of St Pancras church and the frosty fields and hills behind. Took a panoramic from this vantage point, with the church in the foreground and the Lewes downs rising in the background this winter sunrise composition reminded me a lot of the summer sunset composition took on the south downs from Poynings and Newtimber Hill.

Firle Beacon and Bo Peep

With the best of the sunrise light over decided to make it to the top of Kingston Ridge and follow some footpaths back down an around checking out any new compositions.

The mist was still in the valley with Firle beacon and Bo Peep falling into shadow providing some strong shapes in the background. The rising sun now catching the slopes of the hills. The sun now rising far to the south east being close to the shortest day in December, it would be difficult to include it in any composition this late in the year.

From Swanborough Hill followed Dencher road back down then along Breach road track back towards Kingston near Lewes where I was parked up. Energy levels low this morning, a good night sleep helps with these early morning shoots.

Found some more compositions at the foot of the escarpment with some trees catching the morning sunlight in the foreground and mount caburn rising out of the mist in background.

Summary

Beautiful frosty bright misty winters December morning out on Kingston Ridge and the south downs in East Sussex. So glad got out of bed. The best compositions are achieved by returning to these locations with dramatic landscapes and viewpoints different times of the year, seasons and weather conditions. Still lots more to get out of Kingston Ridge on the south downs. This area of the south downs in East Sussex really is world class for landscape photography.

Check out the December 2022 landscape photography gallery

Check out the East Sussex landscape photography gallery.