Hike The Stunning South Downs!

This hike goes through the South Downs which is described as the green lungs of the south east as it provides millions of people with access to the beautiful open countryside. The South Downs is the newest national park and is a designated area of outstanding beauty (AOB) and a top spot for serious hikers.

This area is characterised by rolling chalk down land and is regarded as one of the most enriched habitats on earth. We might be lucky enough to catch sight of some of the great wildlife that lives there such as Buzzards, and Red Kite. The views will be amazing, and we'll probably see the paragliders up the top!!!!

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This hike begins at Fishersgate we walk out of urbanity and and climb onto the Sussex border path to pass through quintessential countryside.

We climb onto Edburton Hill which gives a stunning aerial view of the breathtaking South Downs Way. Somewhere around here we will have a lunch break for sandwiches, there's no pub up there so make sure you bring food!. We descend back down, and at the end of the hike, we will stop for a drink further down the train line at Hove, as that's where the nearest pub is before returning home.

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It will be considerably more chilly and windy at the top so ensure you bring extra layers even if it is a hot day

Meeting Point 1: : 11.15 a.m London Victoria train station, outside the Iron Duke Pub

Meeting Point 2: 12.50pm Fishersgate Station

Distance: 8.4 miles approx

Walking Time: 3.5 (not including lunch break)

Difficulty level: 7/10, The slopes are gentle but continuous, and we ascend to a good height.

We're not going to jog or run, but you should at least be able to run 100m for a bus with no problems.

Returning to: London Victoria

The Train fare is £33.00 (late 2014) at full fare last time I checked. We will group into as many groups of 4 or 3 as possible and then 4 or 3 people can travel for the price of 2.

Things to bring:

Water! - At least 1 litre

Camera

Money for pub

Sandwiches for lunch/munchies.

Sunscreen

Wear layers and walking shoes/boots or the nearest thing you have.

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Worried about coming on your own? More on walking pace, and questions about distance, footwear, weather, return train times or safety? Refer to our frequently asked questions here:

https://www.meetup.com/RuggedTracks/messages/boards/

If I can do anything to make this walk more accessible please get in touch by sending me a text message or voicemail.

Train Travel: On our walks we ask people to group into as many group 4 or group 3 groups as possible, you will have to travel back with the group.. Read more here: https://www.meetup.com/RuggedTracks/messages/boards/thread/17073472

There are tube closures in London every weekend. Plan your journey here:

https://www.meetup.com/RuggedTracks/messages/boards/thread/11007891

N.B: You will be required to fill in a next of kin form, if you don't want to do this I am unable to take you on the event. Please bring next of kind contact details.

Important:

You must be able to at least run 100 meters for a bus to join one of our hikes.

Always check the group website for live updates to meeting point and directions before leaving for an event!

We are looking for new organisers!

If you are interested in joining the leadership team and have an event you want to lead, or want to hep organise a weekend event let me know! I am always looking for assistant organisers. Come along and ask me about it, it's the best fun you can have!

Rugged Tracks is now the home of the consecutive BOGOFF!!!

On our day events if you buy one, you get the next hike you come to for free (doesn't have to be consecutive). Then, every consecutive hike you come to after that, you also get free.

We track this via the comments at the end of each walk, (if in doubt we'll look at the photo's).

Let's see who can get the most free this year!