Magnificent viaducts, botanical gardens and gothic towers on a glorious circuit
Details
This classic circular route packs in everything you’d want from a day in the countryside: grand architecture, stunning botanical gardens, peaceful waters. It's one of our favourites!
The highlight is the Ouse Valley Viaduct, a stunning example of Victorian engineering and one of the most iconic railway structures in Britain. It also includes the elegant Wakehurst Place and the striking Ardingly College, with its impressive Gothic towers. There are also lots of open fields and quiet lanes, and to top it all off, you can settle into a welcoming village pub for an optional drink and some great food at the end.
SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)
Distance: 20km/12 miles linear route
Ascent: 450 metres
Duration: 5 hours walking
Grade: Intermediate, along good paths, with some short ups and downs.
COST AND LOGISTICS
Cost: £10
Start: 10.30am Balcombe Station
Finish: 5pm Balcombe Station / The Half Moon Inn
Recommended morning train from London
09:37 Dep: London Bridge
10:26 Arr: Balcombe
Recommended train ticket
Super Off-Peak Day Return to Balcombe
REVIEWS
Trip Advisor | Facebook | MeetUp
PRICE INCLUDES
- Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid.
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel costs
- Lunch, drinks or any refreshments
- PayPal fees
RECOMMENDED KIT LIST (complete list)
- Suitable hiking shoes or boots
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Water - 2 litres recommended
- Waterproof jacket and trousers - no jeans please
- Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece
- Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino
CANCELLING/REFUNDS
If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com after the event, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund.
QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions, please check visit our FAQ page. If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page.
We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions.
© AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted
