Saturday walk - Southease to Exceat via Seaford - the Downs and a dip in the sea

Length: 18.5km (11.5 miles) - or 12.3km (7.6 miles) if you only do the morning 
Toughness: 6 out of 10: a couple of steep hill climbs

9.46 train from Victoria (9.53 Clapham Junction, 10.03 East Croydon) to Lewes, arriving 10.53, changing there - be quick! - for the 10.59 to Southease, arriving 11.06.

Buy a day return to Seaford. (Note: if the forecast is hot and sunny, Victoria station might be very busy: ideally buy your ticket in advance or at another station.)

I have been meaning to try this idea for a walk for some time. The idea is to do the shorter version (option a) of the Southease to Seaford walk (ie omitting the loop to Rodmell) in the morning, getting to Seaford for lunch after 7.6 miles. There is then the possibility of a sea swim on Seaford’s beach, before carrying on in the afternoon (optional - you could simply spend the afternoon on the beach) over Seaford Head to Cuckmere Haven (where another swim might be possible), and then on to Exceat for tea and a very regular (every ten minutes or so) number 12 bus back to Seaford. Seaford to Exceat is 6.2km (3.9 miles).

Directions for the morning part of the walk are here. GPX files are here. For the afternoon directions are not really necessary: follow the cliff path to Cuckmere Haven, then follow the riverbank inland to Exceat. But if you want directions, see paragraph 135 on page 12 of this document (you only need page 12). For GPX click here.

There are various lunch options in Seaford, including the Trawlers fish and chip shop by the station and the nearby Plough Inn near the church. Tea at Exceat is at the Cuckmere Inn or the Saltmarsh tea room (cross the road bridge and follow the road for 400 metres to the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre complex).

The number 12 bus runs to Seaford (taking 15 minutes or so) every ten minutes (until 7pm or so: half hourly after that) from both the Cuckmere Inn and Seven Sister Visitor Centre.

Trains back from Seaford are at 25 and 53 past the hour till late. (Note that all these trains now offer London connections via Lewes: there are no longer two evening trains where you have to connect via Brighton). T=2.26

Saturday Walk: Chichester to West Wittering

12.8 miles/20.6 km - or take the #52/#53 bus to Chichester Marina to cut out the first 3 miles along the canal
2 out of 10

An easy walk to the beautiful sandy beach and dunes at West Wittering.  The route starts by following a canal to Chichester Marina, and then continues along the shoreline.

Return to Chichester is by a frequent bus service.

Trains: Take the 9:30 from London Victoria, arriving at Chichester at 11:06.  Return trains at xx09/xx39 until the final direct train at 21:39.

Buses: The 52/53 bus runs between Chichester, East and West Wittering four times an hour during the day, slightly less frequently late afternoon/early evening.  Times at West Wittering: 16:32, 16:56, 17:02, 17:26, 17:37, 18:16, 18:37, 19:16, 19:37, 20:46.  The bus stop is next to the Old House at Home pub (recently re-opened).

Lunch: The Ship Inn, West Itchenor, (01243 512284)

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Wendens Ambo Circular walk

Wendens Ambo Circular walk
Distance: 23.7 km (14.7 miles)
Toughness: 5 out of 10

Catch the 09:28 from London Liverpool Street, arrives 10:30. T=swc.116

Wednesday Walk - Oxted Circular

Length: 19.2 km (11.9 mi) [shorter or longer walk possible]
Ascent/Descent: 270m

Net Walking Time: ca. 4 ½ hours

Toughness:  5 out of 10

09.51 East Grinstead train from Victoria (CJ 09.58, EC 10.10), arrives Oxted 10.31, or the 10.07 Uckfield train from London Bridge (EC 10.22), arrives Oxted 10.35.

Return trains: plenty.

Much of this walk is on the wooded Greensand Ridge running parallel to and just south of the North Downs. At various points in the walk there are views across the valley to these downs, contrasting with far-reaching views out to the High Weald from the southern escarpment.

The outward route is across the National Trust's Limpsfield Common, the High Chart (some of which is part of the Titsey Estate) and Squerryes Park. This brings you to Westerham, described by Daniel Defoe as a “neat, handsome, well-built market town”. Memorials in the 14^thC St Mary's Church and two statues on the Green honour its most famous residents, General James Wolfe and Sir Winston Churchill. Wolfe was born in the town and his childhood home, named Quebec House  after his famous victory in 1759, is owned by the National Trust. The house is open; admission (2018) is £5.60.

The afternoon route starts with an attractive section up the open Darent valley and climbs onto the wooded Crockhamhill Common, from where an optional extension loops out to Churchill's family home Chartwell, also owned by the National Trust. The garden, restaurant and the house are open; admission is £14.40 or £7.20 for the garden only. The walk crosses over the outward route at Limpsfield Chart, continues through more parts of Limpsfield Common and returns to Oxted via the village of Limpsfield, which has retained many of its historic buildings.

Walk Options: See the webpage or the pdf for details.

Lunch: There are three large pubs to choose from in Westerham, about 9 km into the main walk variations. For details and other options see the webpage or the pdf.

Tea: Towards the end of the walk there is The Bull in Limpsfield and many more possible tea places in Oxted itself. see the webpage or the pdf for details.

For walk directions, summary, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here. T=swc.63

Evening Walk - Nunhead, Honor Oak & Peckham Rye [New Walk]

Length: 8.0 km (5.0 mi)

Ascent: 170m

Net Walking Time: 2 hours

Meet at Nunhead station by the exit down from the platform at 18.15.

From Central London, either take the 17.55 Dartford train from Victoria (18.05 Denmark Hill, 18.08 Peckham Rye), arriving Nunhead at 18.10,  
or  the Thameslink service to Orpington (17.47 St. Pancras via all stations to Blackfriars (17.56) then Elephant & Castle, Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye), arriving 18.13.

From Outer London: take either the 17.33 train from Orpington (arrives 18.00) or the 17.30 from Dartford (arrives 18.07).

Return trains from Peckham Rye: plenty in every direction (Victoria, LBG, Thameslink, Clapham J…).

This south east London route links up several noteworthy green open spaces. It starts by meandering through the atmospheric Nunhead Cemetery, one of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries of Victorian London and now, after having been resurrected from decades of neglect, a Local Nature Reserve.
You then walk along residential streets to Camberwell New Cemetery and the Honor Oak Crematorium in Honor Oak, and on up to One Tree Hill, the most northerly part of what was the Great North Wood and is now a wooded Local Nature Reserve with a magnificent viewpoint.
Walk through the linear Brenchley Gardens park and past Camberwell Old Cemetery and on to the large green spaces of Peckham Rye Park and Common. From there it is just a short walk past a cluster of cafés and modish restaurants and then along Rye Lane, one of the most aesthetically varied, culturally mixed and unique streets in London, to Peckham Rye station, with a plethora of food and drink options  nearby.

For walk directions, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here.

Tea: Plenty of options en route and near Peckham Rye station, see the webpage or the pdf walk directions for details.  T=short.41

Sunday Walk: Leigh (on Sea) Folk Festival / Benfleet Circular (via Leigh on Sea)

Benfleet to Leigh-on-Sea / Benfleet Circular
Short walk: 3.5 miles difficulty: 1/10 (with castle: 4 miles, 3/10), or longer 9.8 mile circular walk.
Both these options cover different territory to last Saturday's Canvey Island walk.
The short walk along the Essex shoreline coincides with Leigh Folk Festival and is getting to be a regular feature. Once there, you'll find free stages along the waterfront as well as artists in other venues. Athough free, there will be collection buckets and merchandise.
Any grumpy cats who just want a proper walk with no entertainment involved whatsoever, can do the circular walk via Benfleet Down. Do it all or use the morning section for a more energetic approach to the festival. Your choice.
The walks start differently from the station so don't tag on to the wrong group. (We know what you're like!)
Trains. Get a return to Leigh-on-Sea (not to be confused with any of the other Lees and Leighs in the south-east).
The 10:23 Shoeburyness train from Liverpool Street is suggested for both walks. (Stratford (London) SRA 10:30, Barking 10:39, arriving Benfleet at 11:09). This assumes you'll be castling, picnicking or circling. If taking the shortest route, you could take a later train. Trains are half-hourly.
(Slower stopping trains leave from Fenchurch St. The 10:04 to Southend would get you to Benfleet for 11:04 - calls Limehouse 10:08, West Ham 10:13, Upminster 10:27).
Returning from Leigh on Sea, the fastest trains are at xx:56, xx:26 to Liverpool Street with slower ones at xx:43, and xx:13 to Fenchurch Street. Trains leave Benfleet 4 or 5 minutes later. If we have any night owls, the last train is at 22:56 arriving Fenchurch St at 23:46. For maximum feather retention, night owls should avoid any carriages with grumpy cats in.
• Get your directions for the short walk here. Most of it is through Hadleigh Castle Country Park. Along the way you have the option to turn left in the direction of the castle ruins, a good place for a picnic (you can get food in Leigh but things can get busy). Note the railway station on your way into Leigh – that’s where you will be leaving from.
• The directions for the circular walk are here. This shares the same picnic spot as the short walk (Hadleigh Castle) and suggests Leigh-on-Sea for lunch. As mentioned above, Leigh’s waterfront pubs and eateries will be busy today, and you might accidentally hear some music, but you could explore uphill, away from the festival, round the Broadway area. The rare breed centre at Hadleigh Farm  is close to the walk route ...and...get this.....Hadleigh Farm's tea room does lunches.
On the return to Benfleet, you pass a possible tea stop on a boat, the Barge Gladys. It serves simple meals, craft beers - and tea and coffee on request. There are more opportunities in Benfleet High Street. The Hoy and Helmet has received good reviews.

Sunday Walk - Salisbury to Amesbury (via Stonehenge World Heritage Site)

Length: 25.1 km (15.6 mi) [shorter and longer options possible]

Ascent/Descent: 330 m

Net Walking Time: ca. 5 ½ hours

Toughness: 6 out of 10

Take the 09.15 Exeter St. David's train from  Waterloo (09.22 Clapham J., 09.48 Woking), arriving Salisbury at 10.48

Return buses from Amesbury to Salisbury City Centre (lines X4, 8 and 33; from 21 mins journey time): 16.41, 17.14, 17.29, 17.41, 18.25 then 20.12 and 21.39

Return trains from Salisbury: xx.27 and xx.52  to 18.52, then xx.27 only

This superb walk has no major climbs but covers beautiful rolling countryside and farmland and fields of golden barley and wheat. You then have an evocative and magical approach to Stonehenge across Salisbury Plain. After passing close to the site the route takes you down the original approach used by the Druids – The Avenue – as you set off on the final leg to Amesbury and a bus back to Salisbury city centre. There is a lot to see on this walk and what you choose to do depends very much on your interests and how far you want to walk or travel. You get excellent views of Old Sarum hill fort and of Stonehenge from the walk route. If you wish to visit the sites themselves you have to buy tickets though (for Stonehenge: in advance online). The ancient city of Salisbury  has a fascinating history and the Destination Salisbury website provides information about it. If you wish to visit Salisbury Cathedral this is slightly off route.

For walk directions and all options to shorten or lengthen the walk, a map, a height profile, gpx/kml files, and photos click here.

Lunch: The Wheatsheaf Inn in Lower Woodford (10.2 km/6.4 mi, food all day) or The Bridge Inn in Upper Woodford (13.0 km/8.1 mi, food to 15.00). The Black Horse in Great Durnford is off-route and only does food to 14.00 (15 km/9.3 mi).  

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Saturday walk - Hever to Leigh - a short, leisurely walk for (nearly) the longest day

Length: 14.2km (8.8 miles)
Toughness: None (all right, 2 out of 10)

10.07 train from London Bridge (10.22 East Croydon) to Hever, arriving 10.49

Buy a day return to Leigh ("Lie"), Kent. Our train ticket boffins tell us that this is valid to Edenbridge Town, the stop before Hever, because Edenbridge station (nearby but on a different line) is a possible route to Leigh and tickets to Edenbridge are valid to either Edenbridge station. Hever is one stop beyond Edenbridge Town, but Leigh is several stops beyond Edenbridge, so going one extra stop to Hever should be OK.....Alternatively, you might reverse this logic and buy a day return to Hever: this by definition is valid via Edenbridge Town, and so also via Edenbridge station. A valid route from Edenbridge station to London is via Leigh and Tonbridge, so a Hever return should one theory work on that route too. (Good luck explaining any of this to a bolshie train manager, however...)

For directions click here. For GPX click here.

Oh, how fashions change!! Once this walk was posted so often we could have changed our names to "The Hever to Leigh Walking Club". Its popularity was undoubted and unassailable. But now like a child that becomes a teenager, the SWC has moved on to longer, more adventurous walks. Would you believe that dear old "H2L" has not had a Saturday posting for two and a half years, nor a spring or summer one for four?

My other reason for picking it is that I hear the mutterings from the "Left Behinds", from the ones who do the short option, take the bus from the lunch pub, watch sadly as the group races off into the distance. "Why do we never have any walks under ten miles anymore?" they cry. So here is my response.

Also not incidentally, today is the longest Saturday of the year. No doubt other posters will wish to celebrate that fact by posting long expeditions to far-flung places. Well, this is a short expedition to a near-flung place and one well worth dawdling over. You might decide to visit Hever Castle or Penshurst Place (not, alas, Chiddingstone Castle, which perversely does not open on Saturdays) You might want to linger over tea in the Fir House Tearoom (if it still exists or deigns to open) or stop in one of the four pubs en route for a summery drink. This is a walk to savour, not to gulp. It is light till 10pm: take your time.

Trains back from Leigh are at 26 past (until 22.26, if you want to make the most of the daylight...) changing at Tonbridge for a train back to London Bridge or Charing Cross. T=1.19

Saturday Walk - Wickford to Battlesbridge

Wickford to Battlesbridge T=swc.157

Length: 21.6 km (13.4 mi) 4 out of 10 (Longer option to South Woodham Ferrers 16 miles)

This surprisingly diverse and rural walk avoids industrial and suburban features often associated with walking in Essex, but instead leads through plenty of rolling grassy fields, quiet lanes and a smattering of woods, before heading through the enchanting - Wildlife Trust run - Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve. After a short stretch along the reservoir itself it then heads for the lunch pub: The Old Windmill in South Hanningfield. The afternoon route leads through more grassy fields, valleys and wooded strips, before following the tidal River Crouch into Battlesbridge.

Given the long daylight hours, there is the option of a longer ending to South Woodham Ferrers, which is 16 miles (" extremely tranquil and very coastal in character. It is especially attractive at low tide")  (4pm today).

Trains: Get the 0955 Southend train to Wickford 1031 from Liverpool Street (Stratford 1002). Return trains are Battlebridge xx20 xx50 change at Wickford (5 minutes) for platform 3 xx31 xx51 to London. Return to Battlebridge or SWF if contemplating the longer walk. (SWF is xx16 & xx46)

Lunch: The recommended lunch stop is the Old Windmill Inn (01268 712 280) in South Hanningfield (5.7 miles/9.2 km into the walk).