Steam railways, quiet manors, hills and lakes – Sussex’s stranger corners
Details
Join us for an intriguingly varied countryside walk – starting a little later than usual after the clocks go back – from a lively market town known for its 14th-century buildings, alternative spirit and the terminus of the Bluebell Railway.
We’ll pass Kingscote Station, beautifully preserved in 1950s style and wander through the peaceful grounds of Gravetye Manor, a 17th-century ironmasters’ home with water lilies and swans. From there we’ll head to West Hoathly, with its 15th-century Priest House, ancient churchyard overlooking the Ouse Valley, and an intriguing mural.
We’ll skirt Weir Wood Reservoir, rich in birdlife including migratory ospreys, then climb past Saint Hill, once home to the Maharaja of Jaipur and L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, before rounding things off with an optional drink in a local pub.
SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)
Distance: 22km/13.5 miles circular 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: 11.20am East Grinstead Station
Finish: 5.30pm East Grinstead Station / Local pub
Recommended morning train from London
10:21 Dep: London Victoria
11:18 Arr: East Grinstead
Recommended train ticket
Off-Peak Day Return to East Grinstead
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
