Book 1, Walk 11 - Tring to Wendover
Length: 21 km (13 miles)
Toughness: 6 out of 10 (one steady ascent - otherwise 3 out of 10). Morning flat.
London Euston: 10-24 hrs Milton Keynes train
Arrive Tring: 10-59 hrs
Return: Wendover to London Marylebone: 16-26, 16-56, 17-23, 17-58 and 18-29 hrs
Rail ticket: as the railway stations and rail termini are on different lines buy separate singles from the edge of your travel card zones.
Only four of us ventured forth when I posted this walk last September, so let's hope a few more of us show up today on what is a cracking good, long(ish) walk with lots of variety.
The morning leg is totally flat and starts with a stroll along the Grand Union Canal before we walk beside three large reservoirs. Then its across country and over a vast field to the village of Aston Clinton, a village split in half by a road by-pass, On the western side of the village we come to the Oak pub, our lunch stop. Please 'phone ahead with numbers e.t.a 1-30 pm 01296-630466
The afternoon leg of the walk starts by a walk along the edge of an airfield used for glider flying and MOD activities. On the far side of the airfield you have a choice of taking a short-cut to Wendover via the Wendover Canal, shortening the walk by about 3 miles. Otherwise, the hard work begins as you climb up into Wendover Woods. Once at the top you can take a breather before our younger, more adventurous walkers have a go on the zip wires in the Go Ape Centre. The more sober amongst us leave the kids to it and instead enjoy a ridge walk through the woods before we take a steep descent down into the town of Wendover. Chocaholics make for Rumsey's Chocalaterie for tea whilst those with less sweet tastes prefer the Shoulder of Mutton pub, just up the road from the railway station.
T=1.11
Walk directions here: L=1.11
Next week, Tuesday 04 April: Book 1, Walk 19 - Hever to Leigh
Thursday, 30 March 2017
Wednesday, 29 March 2017
The Next Big Thing and Robots exhibition at Science Museum
Tonight, we are visiting Science Museum ADULT ONLY Late Wednesday to explore the Themed Evening of The Next Big Thing (more information click here). We are also taking the advantage of 50% off tickets (£6.75 adult, £6.30 senior) to the blockbuster exhibition Robots. (Museum is free to explore). To book the exhibition, please click here. Book 8:15pm slot. Please book early as tickets are limited.
From the dawn of mechanised human forms to cutting-edge technology fresh from the lab, Robots reveals the astonishing 500-year quest to make machines human.
Come and see this blockbuster exhibition which explores the ways robots mirror humanity and the insights they offer into our ambitions, desires and position in a rapidly changing world.
If you wish to join for pre-exhibition dinner at Carluccios, please email swcsocialATgooglemailDOTcom before March 25th. Otherwise meet at the entrance to the exhibition at 8:10pm
Wednesday Walk - Petersfield to Rowlands Castle
SWC Walk 18 Petersfield – Rowlands Castle
Next Week: Tuesday - Book 1 Walk 19 Hever to Leigh & Wednesday - Book 1 Walk 46 Wakes Colne to Bures
Length:
16.9 km (10.6 mi), Ascent/Descent: 327/355 m
Net
Walking Time: ca. 4 hours, Toughness: 4 out of 10
Take
the 10.30 Portsmouth Harbour train from Waterloo (Woking 10.55, G’ford 11.04), arrives Petersfield 11.31. From Clapster Junction take the 10.27 stopping service and change
at Woking.
Return
trains:
xx.46 (87 mins). Buy a Rowlands Castle return.
An
undulating ramble through the little known western reaches of the South Downs.
Though there are a couple of steep climbs, the overall gradients are not too arduous,
and your reward is some fine hilltop views in the second half of the walk.
Lunch: either The Five Bells in Buriton (4.2 km/2.6 mi, food to 14.00) or
The Red Lion in Chalton (10.5 km/6.5 mi, food to 15.00).
For
details of the tea shop and the
three pubs in Rowlands Castle
check the walk directions pdf.T=swc.18
Next Week: Tuesday - Book 1 Walk 19 Hever to Leigh & Wednesday - Book 1 Walk 46 Wakes Colne to Bures
Sunday, 26 March 2017
A.A Milne country
Free walk, 29b Ashurst circular (short walk)
Distance 14.3km (8.9m);
Toughness 4/10
Trains: London Victoria East Croydon 10.09
then
Return trains at xx:56 to Hurst Green xx:15 then Hurst Green at
xx 26 to London Victoria
This attractive walk takes
you through A.A Milne country on the borders of East Sussex and Kent
One for London Loopers
Distance 15.4km (9.6m);
toughness 1/10. basically flat
Something a little different for one of this Sunday’s
options; an exploration of the last two sections of the London Loop – Sections
23 and 24. if you are a bird-watcher bring your “bins”.
Take the District Line to Upminster
Bridge 10.45am .
You can end the walk at Rainham (Zone 6) but the full walk
is to continue on to Purfleet which is one stop outside Zone 6 but you can use
your Oyster Card.
Walk features
1. Section 23 Upminster
Bridge to Rainham- 6.4km (4m) This first section takes you through Ingrebourne
Valley Nature reserve which has a superb visitor centre where you can have
refreshments or brunch and has lovely views over the valley. There are 4 pub
options in Rainham village but not all
serve food . The Albion Flaming Grill
may be the best bet. (We are not talking nouvelle cuisine here….)
You can end the walk at Rainham and take a train back to Fenchurch
Street to link up with the District Line at
Barking . (Trains at 11 and 41 mins)
2. Section 24 Rainham
to Purfleet- 9km (5.6m) This second section takes you on an atmospheric
path along the river Thames to the RSPB reserve at Rainham Marshes which has an ace café serving light meals, teas, coffees
and cakes. It closes 30 mins before the
reserve so you need to get there around 4pm .
If you get there early enough you could do a circuit of the reserve – about 3km
– free to RSPB members otherwise there is a charge of £5.
Purfleet station is about 10mins walk from the reserve and
on the way there are some fine views looking back to London ’s
21st century skyline and expansive vistas across the Thames
Trains from Purfleet to London
Fenchurch Street are at 6 and 36 mins . Again you
can connect with the District Line at Barking.
The London Loop is sign-posted but full written details and
maps can be found here
Saturday, 25 March 2017
Guildford to Horsley
t=SWC.131
Length: 21km / 13m
Toughness: 4/10
Transport: Take the 9:27 from London Waterloo, arriving in Guildford at 10:09. There are frequent trains back to London from Horsley
From the description:
There are numerous fine viewpoints looking southwards from the North Downs escarpment, but less well known are the views to the north, where London can be seen in the far distance. This walk takes in both, starting with a climb over Chantries Hill and then carrying on to St Martha’s Church, perched high on the downs, You then descend to the village of Albury for lunch, though picnickers can miss out this descent and stay on the North Downs Way. From Albury, there is a steady climb up to Newland’s Corner, another popular viewpoint, before a wooded stretch along the North Downs Way. To finish, the walk descends through beautiful upland country to the north of the ridge, with views right to the distant City of London on clear days.
Saturday walk - Northwards from Tunbridge Wells
SWC walk 238 - Tunbridge Wells to Hildenborough
Length: 17.7 km (11 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10
9.23 train from London Bridge (9.41 East Croydon) to Tunbridge Wells, arriving 10.28.
Buy a day return to Tunbridge Wells.
For walk directions click here.
My reason for picking this walk is that I have never tried it and would like to.... But early in the walk (which initially reverses the ending of Book 1's Leigh to Tunbridge Wells) there is also a wood anemone wood, which hopefully will be at least partly abloom by now (though the flowers only open up on warm sunny days).
The route then strikes north over Wealden hills, passing a possible lunch pub in Bidborough, before descending into the Medway Valley, where there is another lunch pub and - somewhat later - tea in Hildenborough, one option being a cafe run by Olympic champion Kelly Holmes, apparently.
The first pub, in Bidborough, is described as having "limited seating" in the description of this walk and the pub's website says it has "limited availability for large groups at weekend". SWC groups have managed in the past, however. It is also Mother's Day weekend when pubs are busy, though usually it is Sunday that is most affected by this. An alternative for those with maps might be to divert for 600 metres eastwards up to through the woods just before you get to Bidborough to the main road. This is the centre of the charming old town of Southborough, which predates Tunbridge Wells and has at least two pubs - the Hand and Sceptre and the Imperial
Trains are a little odd for this walk due to engineering works - the reason why the outward train goes via East Croydon. This has minimal impact on journey times, however.
Trains back are similarly a bit unusual, at 09 and 39 past and morphing at Sevenoaks into a stopping service that goes to various points in South London. This takes 1hr 05 minutes to get to Victoria (not London Bridge or Charing Cross) versus the normal 45 minutes, but you can reduce this to 58 minutes by changing at Sevenoaks and waiting 9 minutes for a fast train, also to Victoria.
T=3.238
Length: 17.7 km (11 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10
9.23 train from London Bridge (9.41 East Croydon) to Tunbridge Wells, arriving 10.28.
Buy a day return to Tunbridge Wells.
For walk directions click here.
My reason for picking this walk is that I have never tried it and would like to.... But early in the walk (which initially reverses the ending of Book 1's Leigh to Tunbridge Wells) there is also a wood anemone wood, which hopefully will be at least partly abloom by now (though the flowers only open up on warm sunny days).
The route then strikes north over Wealden hills, passing a possible lunch pub in Bidborough, before descending into the Medway Valley, where there is another lunch pub and - somewhat later - tea in Hildenborough, one option being a cafe run by Olympic champion Kelly Holmes, apparently.
The first pub, in Bidborough, is described as having "limited seating" in the description of this walk and the pub's website says it has "limited availability for large groups at weekend". SWC groups have managed in the past, however. It is also Mother's Day weekend when pubs are busy, though usually it is Sunday that is most affected by this. An alternative for those with maps might be to divert for 600 metres eastwards up to through the woods just before you get to Bidborough to the main road. This is the centre of the charming old town of Southborough, which predates Tunbridge Wells and has at least two pubs - the Hand and Sceptre and the Imperial
Trains are a little odd for this walk due to engineering works - the reason why the outward train goes via East Croydon. This has minimal impact on journey times, however.
Trains back are similarly a bit unusual, at 09 and 39 past and morphing at Sevenoaks into a stopping service that goes to various points in South London. This takes 1hr 05 minutes to get to Victoria (not London Bridge or Charing Cross) versus the normal 45 minutes, but you can reduce this to 58 minutes by changing at Sevenoaks and waiting 9 minutes for a fast train, also to Victoria.
T=3.238
Saturday Walk - The Cotswolds: Hanborough to Charlbury
Length: 22.0 km (13.7 mi) [shorter walk possible, see below]
Ascent/Descent:
286/277m; Net Walking Time: 5 ½ hours
Toughness: 5/10
Take
the 09.15 Worcester Foregate Street
train from Paddington (09.33 Slough,
09.54 Reading), arrives Hanborough 10.34.
From Ealing: 08.58 Oxford train, change
at Slough.
Return trains from Charlbury are hourly on xx.02/xx.03, from 89 mins journey time.
Buy a Charlbury Return.
The River Evenlode; soft, easy hills
and fertile countryside; Blenheim Palace and its Great Park; Akeman Street (the
Old Roman Road from Alchester to Cirencester); some open farmland; delightful
stone villages & Lord Rotherwick’s deer park, Cornbury Park.
For a shorter walk: stay on the Oxfordshire Way as described at point 49 in the directions (Grid Reference SP 375 179), first along field boundaries, then lanes, into and through Charlbury to the station: 18.5 km/11.5 mi.
For a shorter walk: stay on the Oxfordshire Way as described at point 49 in the directions (Grid Reference SP 375 179), first along field boundaries, then lanes, into and through Charlbury to the station: 18.5 km/11.5 mi.
Tea: The Bell Hotel and Four Pubs in
Charlbury.
Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Wednesday Walk - Haslemere to Midhurst (via Midhurst Way)
Length: 15.6 km (9.7 mi) [longer and nicer if
finishing through Midhurst’s centre]
Ascent/Descent:
303/416m; Net Walking Time: 4 hours
Toughness: 4/10
Take
the 10.00 Portsmouth Harbour train
from Waterloo (10.25 Woking, 10.34
G’ford), arrives Haslemere 10.48. From Clappingham Junction take the 09.52 stopping service (arrives H’mere
10.45).
Return to Haslemere from
Midhurst either by bus number 70 (roughly
hourly, £4.90 fare in 2016, last dep. 19.05) or by taxi.
Return trains from Haslemere are on xx.02 (last at 21.02), xx.15, xx.32 (last at 21.32) and xx.39
(last at 19.39), journey time from 48 to 66 mins.
This walk is the northerly portion of
The Midhurst Way, created by John
Trueman, a local walker, whose skeletal directions have made it onto our website. It is
neither signposted nor waymarked, so more
or less map-led. I will aim to take more detailed
directions today to produce a full write-up in the near future (the southerly
part, SWC 217, is also currently being written up).
The route leaves Haslemere via Marley
Common - a similar route to TOCW1's Haslemere Circular Walk. However, after the
Red Lion pub at Fernhurst, it continues south through a mix of quiet forests
with nice views, to Henley and the Duke of Cumberland Arms pub. Finally it
enters Midhurst via Easebourne village and Cowdray Park. Return to Haslemere
station is by bus.
For the recommended finish through
Midhurst’s town centre, print out the last page of the pdf of SWC
48.
Lunch: The
Red Lion
in Fernhurst (6.5 km/4.1 mi), or The Duke of
Cumberland Arms
in Henley (9.9 km/6.2 mi, food to
14.00).
Tea: lots of choice in
Midhurst, recommended are Cowdray
Farm Shop & Cafe (1.3 km from the end), or – on a diversion through the
town centre – Garton’s Coffee
House, The Wheatsheaf, The Angel Inn and The Olive & Vine.
The Midhurst Way’s website
seems to be no more, but you find all necessary information, incl. a summary, map, height profile,
minimal walk directions and gpx/kml
files here. T=swc.218
Next Week: SWC 18 Petersfield to Rowlands Castle
Next Week: SWC 18 Petersfield to Rowlands Castle
Tuesday, 21 March 2017
Tuesday Walk: Berwick Church, Alfriston, High & Over, Exceat and on to Seaford
SWC 90 - Berwick to Seaford via Exceat
Length: 18.3 km (11.4 miles)
Toughness: 6 out of 10 (one steep, steady ascent, otherwise 3 out of 10)
Posting subject to Southern Rail strike action or disruption
London Victoria: 09-47 hrs Ore train CJ 09-53, EC 10-03
Arrive Lewes: 10-47 hrs
Leave Lewes: 11-09 hrs Ore stopping service from Brighton
Arrive Berwick: 11-20 hrs
Return: Seaford to Victoria via Lewes: 16-25, 16-54, 17-20, 17-57, 18-24, 18-59, 19-17 - and 18-41 and 19-37 to Victoria via Brighton
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Seaford
Unfortunately, train times today do not lend themselves to a post 10 am start from London. Our younger walkers should get to East Croydon by whatever means suits them where their travel cards come into play for connecting with the train from Victoria at 10-03 hrs.
Part of me is reluctant to post a walk which is dependent on Southern trains, but this is the best time of year to post this walk, as you should find flocks of new born lambs a-frolicking in the fields as you approach Seaford Head in the afternoon - a lovely Spring sight - so maybe it's worth taking a chance with travel plans.
Saturday walkers gave this walk a spin on 11 February, and likewise today we will do the alternative start from Berwick Station to Berwick Church, which I suggest we visit to view its famous murals and art. We then head down then up over some vast fields before we walk down the road into Alfriston, where we have a choice of three pubs plus cafes and convenience stores. The most popular pub with SWC walkers is the George Inn - tel: 01323-870319, our e.t.a 1 pm: we will try to pre-book a table.
After lunch, I suggest we walk beside the River Cuckmere along the Book 1 Glynde to Seaford route and cross over the river at Litlington before climbing High & Over Hill - with fabulous views from its top. After a short ridge walk we zig-zag down over access land to the river and follow it to Exceat. Instead of taking the Vanguard Way up to Cuckmere Haven, we will take the path gently uphill west over farmland to observe the new-born lambs in the fields. A short steep(ish) climb up the road to Seaford Head follows, then its across a large, flat field to connect up with the classic cliff-top walk into Seaford, stopping occasionally to enjoy the glorious view behind us of the eight Severn Sisters.
Tea, or fish and chips at Trawlers (another SWC favourite) awaits us in Seaford, before we catch the train home.
SWC walks do not get much better than this one - so let's hope Southern Rail are kind to us today.
T=swc.90
Walk directions here: L=swc.90
Next Week, Thursday 30 March: Book 1, Walk 11 - Tring to Wendover
Length: 18.3 km (11.4 miles)
Toughness: 6 out of 10 (one steep, steady ascent, otherwise 3 out of 10)
Posting subject to Southern Rail strike action or disruption
London Victoria: 09-47 hrs Ore train CJ 09-53, EC 10-03
Arrive Lewes: 10-47 hrs
Leave Lewes: 11-09 hrs Ore stopping service from Brighton
Arrive Berwick: 11-20 hrs
Return: Seaford to Victoria via Lewes: 16-25, 16-54, 17-20, 17-57, 18-24, 18-59, 19-17 - and 18-41 and 19-37 to Victoria via Brighton
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Seaford
Unfortunately, train times today do not lend themselves to a post 10 am start from London. Our younger walkers should get to East Croydon by whatever means suits them where their travel cards come into play for connecting with the train from Victoria at 10-03 hrs.
Part of me is reluctant to post a walk which is dependent on Southern trains, but this is the best time of year to post this walk, as you should find flocks of new born lambs a-frolicking in the fields as you approach Seaford Head in the afternoon - a lovely Spring sight - so maybe it's worth taking a chance with travel plans.
Saturday walkers gave this walk a spin on 11 February, and likewise today we will do the alternative start from Berwick Station to Berwick Church, which I suggest we visit to view its famous murals and art. We then head down then up over some vast fields before we walk down the road into Alfriston, where we have a choice of three pubs plus cafes and convenience stores. The most popular pub with SWC walkers is the George Inn - tel: 01323-870319, our e.t.a 1 pm: we will try to pre-book a table.
After lunch, I suggest we walk beside the River Cuckmere along the Book 1 Glynde to Seaford route and cross over the river at Litlington before climbing High & Over Hill - with fabulous views from its top. After a short ridge walk we zig-zag down over access land to the river and follow it to Exceat. Instead of taking the Vanguard Way up to Cuckmere Haven, we will take the path gently uphill west over farmland to observe the new-born lambs in the fields. A short steep(ish) climb up the road to Seaford Head follows, then its across a large, flat field to connect up with the classic cliff-top walk into Seaford, stopping occasionally to enjoy the glorious view behind us of the eight Severn Sisters.
Tea, or fish and chips at Trawlers (another SWC favourite) awaits us in Seaford, before we catch the train home.
SWC walks do not get much better than this one - so let's hope Southern Rail are kind to us today.
T=swc.90
Walk directions here: L=swc.90
Next Week, Thursday 30 March: Book 1, Walk 11 - Tring to Wendover
Sunday, 19 March 2017
Sunday walk: Greensand Ridge and Churchill's home
Extra Walk 79, Edenbridge to Westerham T=3.79
Length: 17.3km (10.7miles) Toughness: 8/10
10:06 Tonbridge train from London Bridge arriving at Edenbridge at 10:56.
Or 09:53 East Grinstead train from Victoria (Clapham Junction 09:59), changing at East Croydon (arr 10:09; dep 10:21) on to the Tonbridge train.
From Westerham, buses run on Sundays to Hayes and Bromley South stations.
The walk begins with a slow climb from the Eden valley up to the Greensand Ridge, and continues past Churchill’s home, Chartwell (NT), and Emmetts Garden (NT). Shortcuts will allow time for visiting both these properties.
The recommended lunch stop is The Royal Oak in Crockham Hill (01732 866335 – booking essential), or the National Trust tea-room/restaurant at Chartwell.
You will need to download the Walk Directions.
Length: 17.3km (10.7miles) Toughness: 8/10
10:06 Tonbridge train from London Bridge arriving at Edenbridge at 10:56.
Or 09:53 East Grinstead train from Victoria (Clapham Junction 09:59), changing at East Croydon (arr 10:09; dep 10:21) on to the Tonbridge train.
From Westerham, buses run on Sundays to Hayes and Bromley South stations.
The walk begins with a slow climb from the Eden valley up to the Greensand Ridge, and continues past Churchill’s home, Chartwell (NT), and Emmetts Garden (NT). Shortcuts will allow time for visiting both these properties.
The recommended lunch stop is The Royal Oak in Crockham Hill (01732 866335 – booking essential), or the National Trust tea-room/restaurant at Chartwell.
You will need to download the Walk Directions.
Sunday walk: Chilterns with history
Book 1 Walk 10, Beaconsfield Circular T=1.10
Length: 19.5km (12.1 miles) Toughness: 4/10
10:13 Aylesbury train from Marylebone arriving at Beaconsfield at 10:41.
Return trains are at xx:03, xx:36, and xx:42 (journey time 28 – 33 minutes).
Rolling wooded hills in Buckinghamshire are the main characteristic of this classic Chilterns walk that also encompasses two historical features – the cottage of the poet John Milton, and the hamlet of Jordans with its important Quaker links.
The walk can be shortened by 3.6km by diverting to Seer Green & Jordans station (return trains at xx:06) after passing through Jordans.
.
The recommended lunch stop is Merlin’s Cave in Chalfont St Giles (01494 875101). Other options are described in the walk notes.
You will need to take the current edition of TOCW Book 1 or download the Walk Directions.
Length: 19.5km (12.1 miles) Toughness: 4/10
10:13 Aylesbury train from Marylebone arriving at Beaconsfield at 10:41.
Return trains are at xx:03, xx:36, and xx:42 (journey time 28 – 33 minutes).
Rolling wooded hills in Buckinghamshire are the main characteristic of this classic Chilterns walk that also encompasses two historical features – the cottage of the poet John Milton, and the hamlet of Jordans with its important Quaker links.
The walk can be shortened by 3.6km by diverting to Seer Green & Jordans station (return trains at xx:06) after passing through Jordans.
.
The recommended lunch stop is Merlin’s Cave in Chalfont St Giles (01494 875101). Other options are described in the walk notes.
You will need to take the current edition of TOCW Book 1 or download the Walk Directions.
Saturday, 18 March 2017
Saturday Walk – to a grand country estate in west London
Extra Walk 42 – Greenford to Osterley
Length: 12 km (7.5 miles). Toughness: 1/10
Take a Central Line tube (towards West Ruislip) to arrive at Greenford by 10:40 (every 5-10 minutes; it's a 30-minute journey from central London).
There's an alternative route via train but you have to change. You'd need to take the 10:03 Heathrow Connect service from Paddington and change at West Ealing (arr 10:13, dep 10:27), arriving Greenford at 10:39.
Return is by Piccadilly Line tube from Osterley, or local buses if these are more convenient. Greenford and Osterley are both in TfL Zone 4.
Another urban walk for those allergic to mud, but this one's got lots of pleasant green spaces and you can certainly imagine yourself in the countryside when you reach Osterley Park, a grand country estate managed by the National Trust. There's no admission fee for the park or the Stables tearoom; last entry to the House is 4pm if you want to visit.
The suggested lunchtime stop is the Plough in Norwood Green, a Fuller's pub which serves food all day and got a very favourable review from some midweek walkers last year. It's three-quarters of the way through the published walk but bear in mind that there's plenty of scope to extend this short walk by exploring Osterley Park.
You'll need to print the directions from the Greenford to Osterley Walk page. T=swc.42
Length: 12 km (7.5 miles). Toughness: 1/10
Take a Central Line tube (towards West Ruislip) to arrive at Greenford by 10:40 (every 5-10 minutes; it's a 30-minute journey from central London).
There's an alternative route via train but you have to change. You'd need to take the 10:03 Heathrow Connect service from Paddington and change at West Ealing (arr 10:13, dep 10:27), arriving Greenford at 10:39.
Return is by Piccadilly Line tube from Osterley, or local buses if these are more convenient. Greenford and Osterley are both in TfL Zone 4.
Another urban walk for those allergic to mud, but this one's got lots of pleasant green spaces and you can certainly imagine yourself in the countryside when you reach Osterley Park, a grand country estate managed by the National Trust. There's no admission fee for the park or the Stables tearoom; last entry to the House is 4pm if you want to visit.
The suggested lunchtime stop is the Plough in Norwood Green, a Fuller's pub which serves food all day and got a very favourable review from some midweek walkers last year. It's three-quarters of the way through the published walk but bear in mind that there's plenty of scope to extend this short walk by exploring Osterley Park.
You'll need to print the directions from the Greenford to Osterley Walk page. T=swc.42
Saturday walk - Classic coast with a new inland finish
SWC walk 60c - Eastbourne Circular
Length: 18km (11.2 miles) - shorter option of 11.6km (7.2 miles): see ** below
Toughness: 5 out of 10: one big steep climb, a few little ones
9.47 train from Victoria (9.53 Clapham Junction, 10.03 East Croydon) to Eastbourne, arriving 11.08. (Hopefully this train will not be affected by RMT working-to-rule, but if it is cancelled for any reason, get the 10.17.)
Buy a day return to Eastbourne
For walk directions click here.
If you write it, will they come? The answer for the last part of this walk is not yet.
To explain: we all know the wonderful walk from Eastbourne over Beachy Head down to Birling Gap (If you do not, make its acquaintaince at once!). Traditionally this is linked with the "Full Monty" of the walk over the Seven Sisters and Seaford Head to Seaford (or vv). But some years back I wrote an alternative shorter ending inland to the lovely village of East Dean with its nice tea options.
This had a couple of winter outings, but people complained that 7.2 miles was too short and postulated a circular route back to Eastbourne. Walk directions for this - along a quiet downland valley, quite different from the busy coastal path, and then up over the crest of the ridge to descend with fine views of Eastbourne - have existed for two years or so, but have never, as far as I am aware, had a Saturday airing with the SWC. So this is their debut.
** You can of course, if you wish, finish in East Dean and get a bus to Eastbourne (the very frequent no 12) from there - the 11.6km (7.2 mile) option. Or if you want, you can carry on over the Seven Sisters from Birling Gap and maybe get the no 12 bus from Cuckmere Haven (in which case you might as well get it to Seaford and get a train from there). But I hope you will give the circular route a try. Go on. It is different.
Whatever option you take, the lunch choice is the busy but capacious Beachy Head pub, which seems to insist on table service if busy but allows bar ordering if not. Maybe at this time of year it will be less busy than in high summer. A while later is the National Trust tea room at Birling Gap. This is also a tea option, but you might want to wait till East Dean, which has the Hiker's Rest cafe (open till 5.30pm?) and the lovely Tiger Inn with its outside tables on the green.
Trains back from Eastbourne are at 35 and 55 past to 20.35 and then 21.35. After this there is engineering works and bus replacement services.
T=3.60c
Length: 18km (11.2 miles) - shorter option of 11.6km (7.2 miles): see ** below
Toughness: 5 out of 10: one big steep climb, a few little ones
9.47 train from Victoria (9.53 Clapham Junction, 10.03 East Croydon) to Eastbourne, arriving 11.08. (Hopefully this train will not be affected by RMT working-to-rule, but if it is cancelled for any reason, get the 10.17.)
Buy a day return to Eastbourne
For walk directions click here.
If you write it, will they come? The answer for the last part of this walk is not yet.
To explain: we all know the wonderful walk from Eastbourne over Beachy Head down to Birling Gap (If you do not, make its acquaintaince at once!). Traditionally this is linked with the "Full Monty" of the walk over the Seven Sisters and Seaford Head to Seaford (or vv). But some years back I wrote an alternative shorter ending inland to the lovely village of East Dean with its nice tea options.
This had a couple of winter outings, but people complained that 7.2 miles was too short and postulated a circular route back to Eastbourne. Walk directions for this - along a quiet downland valley, quite different from the busy coastal path, and then up over the crest of the ridge to descend with fine views of Eastbourne - have existed for two years or so, but have never, as far as I am aware, had a Saturday airing with the SWC. So this is their debut.
** You can of course, if you wish, finish in East Dean and get a bus to Eastbourne (the very frequent no 12) from there - the 11.6km (7.2 mile) option. Or if you want, you can carry on over the Seven Sisters from Birling Gap and maybe get the no 12 bus from Cuckmere Haven (in which case you might as well get it to Seaford and get a train from there). But I hope you will give the circular route a try. Go on. It is different.
Whatever option you take, the lunch choice is the busy but capacious Beachy Head pub, which seems to insist on table service if busy but allows bar ordering if not. Maybe at this time of year it will be less busy than in high summer. A while later is the National Trust tea room at Birling Gap. This is also a tea option, but you might want to wait till East Dean, which has the Hiker's Rest cafe (open till 5.30pm?) and the lovely Tiger Inn with its outside tables on the green.
Trains back from Eastbourne are at 35 and 55 past to 20.35 and then 21.35. After this there is engineering works and bus replacement services.
T=3.60c
Saturday Walk Cowden to Eridge
Length: 13.1 miles (21.2km). Six hours walking time. 6 out of 10.
Shorter option of 10 Miles and later start.
"Starts along a valley and then over hills to Hartfield for lunch, followed by an undulating trek through woods and fields to Eridge." The walk directions say it is 12 miles, but the gpx says 13. You can shorten the walk to 10 miles (and have a later start) by starting from Ashurst. The early start for this walk, is in order to get to the recommended pub in time.
T=swc.3
Trains: Get the 0908 Uckfield train from London Bridge to Cowden (Kent) arr 0953 (East Croydon 0922). Returns from Eridge are xx50. Buy a return to Eridge. For the Ashurst start get the 1008 train (all stations are on the same line. Hopefully Southern will be running these trains.
Lunch: The Anchor Inn Hartfield, (01892 770424). Food served 12pm - 3pm. Located 6 miles (10 km) from the start of the walk, or the recommended Dorset Arms Withyham, (01892 770278). Food served noon - 2.30pm Located 8.7 miles (14 km) from the start of the walk.
The Dorset Arms has had good reports, and you can omit the out and back to Hartfield to shorten the walk.. Best to decide this at the start and make a booking.
Tea: The Huntsman is right by the station, so the hourly return service is less of a problem.
Shorter option of 10 Miles and later start.
"Starts along a valley and then over hills to Hartfield for lunch, followed by an undulating trek through woods and fields to Eridge." The walk directions say it is 12 miles, but the gpx says 13. You can shorten the walk to 10 miles (and have a later start) by starting from Ashurst. The early start for this walk, is in order to get to the recommended pub in time.
T=swc.3
Trains: Get the 0908 Uckfield train from London Bridge to Cowden (Kent) arr 0953 (East Croydon 0922). Returns from Eridge are xx50. Buy a return to Eridge. For the Ashurst start get the 1008 train (all stations are on the same line. Hopefully Southern will be running these trains.
Lunch: The Anchor Inn Hartfield, (01892 770424). Food served 12pm - 3pm. Located 6 miles (10 km) from the start of the walk, or the recommended Dorset Arms Withyham, (01892 770278). Food served noon - 2.30pm Located 8.7 miles (14 km) from the start of the walk.
The Dorset Arms has had good reports, and you can omit the out and back to Hartfield to shorten the walk.. Best to decide this at the start and make a booking.
Tea: The Huntsman is right by the station, so the hourly return service is less of a problem.
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