BWs walk the South Downs Way, Part 4, 12 miles, challenging (BOOKING REQUIRED)

This is part of a series of linear walks that the Berkshire Walkers are doing in 2024 to complete the South Downs Way, This section covers Day 4 from Cocking to Amberley.

This walk will be led by Robyn.

Advance booking is required for this walk, which is limited to 26 people. This is now handled by marking yourself as attending here on Meetup. Please do not turn up without booking your space by doing so, only sign up if you intend to come, and cancel in good time if you can no longer attend so that someone else can take your place.

Please see our website for more information about the group.

Pace: medium. Ascent: 330m.

Walk details

This leg of the South Downs Way National Trail runs from Cocking to Amberley. This stretch of the Way takes you north of Goodwood and Chichester and along to Bignor Hill. Bignor Hill is yet another spot along the South Downs Way National Trail that offers great views, this time of the Arun Valley. As we continue on the Way, we will see Amberley – the final destination of the day. This walk sets the pattern of several to follow, beginning with a climb up onto the South Downs ridge from the starting point, a dip in the middle to a dry valley and a further ascent, finishing with a downhill walk to the finish.

We will pass through the Slindon estate, which is a woodland estate cared for by the National Trust. We will then walk along the River Arun and into Amberley, which has a tea room, pub and train station.

Travel details

By public transport

Outbound journey: You may be joining this walk from Day 3 on Saturday 31st August the day before, so you may have organsied accommodation locally. This is what the Walk Leader will be doing. There are a number of B&Bs and campsites nearby.

If you are joining for the day, public transport is limited to get to the start of the walk. Cocking does not have a bus running Sundays and has no train station. You may like to get a train to Petersfield and get/share a taxi to Cocking.

Return jounrey: The walk finishes at Amberley Train Station which has an hourly train back to Reading via Gatwick. Take the 17:58 train and change at Gatwick airport (18.42), then take the 18:52 train to Reading (arriv. 20:22) There are also trains at 16:58 and 18:58.

By car

Park in Cocking Car Park at the start of the walk (and take a taxi back to your car at the end) or part at Amberley Station and get a taxi to the start point.

Notes

• Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
• It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
• Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day of the walk in enough time to be helpful.