GO London hiking.

This walk through the northern edges of the South Downs National Park and the Sussex Weald follows the Serpent Trail, traversing the beautiful heathlands and woodlands of West Sussex.
We begin by crossing Marley Common, a picturesque blend of mixed broadleaf and chestnut woodland, along with open heath grazed by belted Galloway cattle. Notably, Marley Common stands as one of the National Trust's earliest countryside acquisitions.
Our journey progresses to Fernhurst, a location notable for being where British philosopher Bertrand Russell penned some of his renowned works. Here, a steep ascent leads to the Temple of the Winds, offering breathtaking views spanning the South Downs and, on clear days, extending as far as the English Channel.
We then trek across Black Down, which holds literary significance due to its association with Alfred Tennyson, who acquired the estate in 1869 and erected Aldworth house as a summer retreat.
Finally, our trail leads us to the charming market town of Haslemere, where participants have the option to relax in a local pub or catch a train back home.

MEETING TIME: 09:00 London Waterloo Station, underneath the main clock.

COST: £10 organiser fee

GRADE: Beginner/Intermediate, on rough tracks with some steep hills. 19km 12miles 6hrs hiking 600m ascent.

WALK STARTS: 10:25, Haslemere Station.

LUNCH: Pack lunch.

ESTIMATED FINISH: 17:30, Haslemere Station.

TRAINS: Train tickets are not included. You can buy in advance or on the day, Return to Haslemere.
Details: London Waterloo Railway station the 09.30 train from London Waterloo arrives in Haslemere at 10.20 journey time 50mins.

HIKE LEADER: golondongary@hotmail.co.uk - 07968585224

This is a challenging hike with several options to shorten if needed.

Hike the Seven Sisters, the Chalk Cliffs of Sussex, one of the most scenic coastal regions in the south downs of England.

GRADE: Intermediate / Challenging 23 km 13 miles 670m of ascent and approx 7 hrs hiking time without breaks.

This is a spectacular coastal hike with breathtaking views of the dramatic chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast in south-east England, ending in East Dean, a beautiful South Downs village close to Beachy Head and Birlig Gap beach, where Sherlock Holmes went to retire!
The name "Seven sisters", according to a legend, comes from seven sisters who lived on these limestone formations, each of them had a house between these hills. In fact there are now eight cliffs as an extra one has been created by coastal erosion.
Starting in the pretty town of Seaford on the Sussex coast we follow the coastal path passing the Martello Tower and follow the Vanguard way to Seaford Head.
We undulate along the sea cliffs to drop down to the Cuckmere Estuary and wildlife reserve, stopping for lunch at the cafe and visitor centre.
Later we join the South Downs Way and enter the Seven Sisters Country Park where a steep climb leads us to the trig point at Cliff End. From here we follow the cliff edge path over the Seven Sisters cliff to Birlig Gap. After Birlig Gap there is a steady climb past Belle Tout, a former lighthouse, and onto the spectacular Beachy Head with possibly the finest views in Southern England. We then make our way inland towards East Dean picturesque village where we can finish our hike in a delightful old smugglers pub, before making our way back home!