GO London Hiking

# 🌄 South Downs Serpent Trail Hike – Haslemere, Black Down & Temple of the Winds

Join GO London Hiking for a scenic adventure through the northern edges of the South Downs National Park. This route follows part of the Serpent Trail, weaving through heathland, woodland, and panoramic viewpoints with fascinating history and literature connections.
We begin in the market town of Haslemere, before heading across Marley Common, one of the National Trust’s earliest countryside acquisitions, where broadleaf woodland and heath are grazed by belted Galloway cattle. From here, we reach Fernhurst, once home to philosopher Bertrand Russell, before climbing steeply to the Temple of the Winds for breathtaking views across the South Downs and, on clear days, the English Channel.
Our hike continues to Black Down, the highest point in Sussex, where poet Alfred Tennyson once lived and built Aldworth House as his summer retreat. The route returns us to Haslemere, where we can enjoy a well-earned pub stop before catching the train home.

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## 🕘 Schedule & Meeting Info

• Meeting Time: 08:30 London Waterloo Station (under the main clock)
• Train Departure: 09:00 Waterloo → Haslemere (arrives 10:16, 1hr 16 mins journey) return ticket to Haslemere.
• Walk Start: 10:20 Haslemere Station
• Lunch: Pack lunch (with water & snacks)
• Estimated Finish: 17:30 Haslemere Station

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## 📍 Hike Overview

• Grade: Beginner/Intermediate 🥾🥾
• Distance: 19 km (12 miles)
• Ascent: 600 m
• Hiking Time: 6 hrs (plus breaks)
• Terrain: Rough tracks, heathland, woodland & hills
• Pace: Steady with regular breaks
• Cost: £10 (pay on RSVP)
• Hike Leader: Gary – 📞 07968585224 | 📩 golondongary@hotmail.co.uk

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## 🎒 What to Bring

✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
✅ Waterproof jacket & spare layers
✅ Packed lunch, snacks & water
✅ Return train ticket London–Haslemere

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## 💬 What to Expect

A social and friendly hike – most join solo and leave with new friends.
🧭 Qualified, insured GO London hike leaders ensure your safety and a great experience.

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## 📲 Stay Connected

GRADE: Challenging 22.5km / 14 miles, 700m elevation gain over at least 10 hills and over 14 miles. Approx 6-7hrs walking time on undulating terrain with steep climbs. Suitable for experienced walkers who can maintain a steady pace and not for beginners.

Back by popular demand! Join us for an unforgettable night hike along the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs. This exhilarating adventure offers the chance to explore one of the UK’s most stunning coastal landscapes and classic hikes in a whole new light.

With headlamps to guide our way, we’ll traverse chalky white cliffs and rolling hills, soaking in panoramic views of the sea illuminated by the moon. Along the way, we'll pause to take in the serene beauty of landmarks such as Beachy Head, the dramatic plunges of the cliffs, and the glittering coastline that stretches into the distance.

This isn’t an overnight hike - it's a day to evening hike that starts later to incorporate the earlier sunsets this time of year.

You MUST bring a proper headtorch (and spare batteries!) for this hike as it’s likely to be cloudy. We will not be providing any head torches and a torch on a phone or hand-held torches are not suitable. Anyone without a working headtorch and spare batteries will be turned away.

Depending on the tide levels, we will cross the Cuckmere if safe to do so - please bring a pair of old trainers, crocs or water shoes to do the crossing in.

MEETING POINT: 11:25 at London Victoria Station, near the main ticket office. Alternatively, you can meet us at Seaford Station at 13:19.

COST: £10 organiser's fee on RSVP. Does not include train tickets - you will need to buy your own train ticket. Group save tickets buy on the day.

TRAINS: London Victoria 11:54 train arriving at Seaford Station at 13:19, journey time 1 hour 25 mins with one change at Lewes. Return train from Eastbourne to London Victoria

WALK STARTS: 13:20 at Seaford Station.

WALK FINISHES: Approx 19:30 at Eastbourne Station.

WHAT TO BRING: YOU MUST HAVE A HEAD TORCH & YOU WILL BE SENT AWAY IF YOU DO NOT. Snacks, water, suitable clothing, and hiking footwear. We will not be taking long stops and the temperature will drop significantly after sunset so do bring more warmer layers.

No dogs allowed except service dogs - please DM one of us in advance.

CONTACT: Davina or Natalie DM via meetup

# 🌊 Thames Path & Winter Hill Hike – Maidenhead, Cliveden Estate & Cookham

Join GO London Hiking for a scenic riverside adventure along the Thames Path in Berkshire. Starting from Maidenhead, we follow the river past the hanging beech woods of the Cliveden Estate, a grand historic landscape overlooking the Thames.
The path leads us through the pretty village of Cookham and onwards to Quarry Wood Nature Reserve, where sweeping views open across the Thames Valley. From here, we ascend Winter Hill, a place of literary inspiration for Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows. It was here that he imagined the beloved riverside world of Mole and Ratty.
We continue along the escarpment before returning to Cookham, where you can relax with a refreshing drink or head straight to the station for the train home. This hike blends riverside charm, woodland trails, and a touch of literary magic.

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## 🕘 Schedule & Meeting Info

• Meeting Time: 09:15 London Paddington Station (outside the main ticket office)
• Train Departure: 09:47 Elizabeth Line → Maidenhead (arrives 10:26, 39 mins journey) Return ticket to Cookham buy in advance or on the day
• Walk Start: 10:30 Maidenhead Station
• Lunch: Pack lunch (bring water & snacks)
• Estimated Finish: 16:30 Cookham Station (1 stop from Maidenhead)
• 🚆 Book via 👉 Trainline Booking (Affiliate)

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## 📍 Hike Overview

• Grade: Beginner 🥾
• Distance: 18 km
• Ascent: 175 m
• Hiking Time: 4 hrs 40 mins (plus breaks)
• Terrain: Well-defined riverside and woodland paths
• Pace: Social & steady
• Cost: £10 (pay on RSVP)
• Hike Leader: Gary – 📞 07968585224 | 📩 golondongary@hotmail.co.uk

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## 🎒 What to Bring

✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
✅ Waterproof jacket & spare layers
✅ Packed lunch, snacks & water
✅ Return train ticket London–Cookham (via Maidenhead)

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## 💬 What to Expect

A social and friendly hike – most join solo and leave with new friends.
🧭 Qualified, insured GO London hike leaders ensure your safety and a great experience.

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## 📲 Stay Connected