FREE HIKE 24km | ‘Day&Night’ Experience | Hidden Waterfall in Ashdown Forest

📈 Grade: 🥾🥾 🥾 🥾 Level 4/5

SUMMARY:
🥾 24km (15miles) | Point to Point | Ascent: 583m | Descent: 576m | ~7hours (with breaks)
🚆 Train from London Bridge Station | Direct
⛳️ Meeting Point: 2 Options
1- London Bridge train station - Main ticket office | 08:40 (Train is a 09:07)
2- Buxted outside train station | 10:15
📍 Hike start: Buxted outside train station | 10:25
🏁 Hike finish: Eridge train station | approx. 17:30-18:00
🚆 Train return to London from Eridge at 17:50 or 18:50

🚨 Note: The final hour of our hike will be in the dark, as sunset is around 16:10. Please bring a torch or headlamp. We’ll turn it into a fun and memorable first night-hiking experience!

⚠️ There is no street or public lighting on the route once it gets dark. Parts of the night walk section include woodland and open fields, both of which can be slippery and uneven, with some boggy areas (including puddles deep enough to go over the ankle if you’re not wearing proper boots) after heavy rain. There are also sections where it’s possible to trip or slip if you’re not paying attention to where you’re walking.

📖ABOUT:
A beautiful countryside hike through some of East Sussex’s most enchanting landscapes. From quiet woodlands and hidden waterfalls to the wide open heaths of Ashdown Forest. This scenic point-to-point route starts at Buxted Station passes through Hendall Wood and the charming hidden Waterfalls before crossing the rolling ridges and sandy paths of Ashdown Forest finishing at Eridge Station for the train back to London.

🌟HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hendall Wood: Peaceful ancient woodland filled with oak, beech, and fern-lined paths.
• Waterfall: Hidden little cascade tucked away in the forest, one of East Sussex’s secret gems.
• Ashdown Forest: Wide open heathland with sweeping views across the High Weald, famous as the home of Winnie-the-Pooh.
• Varied Scenery: From shady woodland to bright open ridges and tranquil rural paths.
• Wildlife Spotting: Deer, rabbits, and a variety of birds of prey often seen along the trail.
• Quiet Countryside Paths: Off the beaten track, with few crowds and plenty of peaceful stretches.
• Historic Villages & Estates: Glimpses of traditional Sussex farms and old sandstone cottages.

💡TIPS:

• ⚠️ Sunset will be around 16:10, so it will get dark towards the end. Please bring a head torch or hand light.
• Footwear: Paths can get muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof hiking boots recommended.

💷Cost: Free

🚆TRAINS | Direct

• Outbound: 09:07 from London Bridge train station
• Arrive Buxted 10:16
• Inbound at 17:50 or 18:50 from Eridge train station
• Visit National Rail for details

⛳️MEETING POINT & TIME:

• 2 Options

1- London Bridge Train station - Front of Ticket office | 08:40
2- Buxted outside train station | 10:15

• Hike start: Outside Buxted train station | 10:25
• Hike finish: Eridge train station | Approx. 17:30-18:00

🚏DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY:

• Total distance: 24km (15miles)
• Ascent: 583m
• Descent: 576m
• Max elevation: 225m
• Grading: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5
• Time: Approx. 7hours (with breaks)
• Pace: 5 km/h (~3.1 mph)

🎒WHAT TO BRING:

• Water (2 litres recommended)
• Snacks and packed lunch
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
• A head torch or hand light

✅Who Can Join
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over.
• 👶 For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children.
• 🐾 We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes.
• ☑️ Everyone is welcome to RSVP, but to keep things fair for all members:
- If someone often cancels last minute or misses hikes without notice, they may be placed on a waitlist or removed from the group for future events.
- We do a quick check-in on the day of the hike, which helps us keep track and make sure spaces are available for those who really want to join.

⚠️SAFETY:
As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.

❗️NOTES:

• This is a group hike led by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join.
• A few wrong turns? That’s part of the fun!
• While you're free to “hike your own hike,” we encourage group participation, get to know one another, make new friends, and enjoy the journey together.
• Food options are limited en route, bring lunch.

🚨DISCLAIMER:
Event Participation Disclaimer
By signing up for an event we host, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• The organisers are not qualified hiking leaders, certified first aiders, or formally trained in navigation, survival, or any related disciplines.
• These hikes are informal, self-guided gatherings of like-minded individuals.
• The hosts expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability for any injuries, accidents, or safety incidents that may occur during participation.
• Participation is entirely voluntary, and all attendees are solely responsible for their own safety and well-being.
• These events are non-commercial and are organised purely as a recreational hobby, with no business or financial interests involved.
• Hiking and outdoor activities inherently carry risks of personal injury. By choosing to participate, you accept these risks and take full responsibility for your own actions and decisions.

🚨GENERAL GROUP POLICY:

• Voluntary Participation: Attendance is at your own risk. The group and hosts bear no liability.
• No Professional Duty of Care: Hosts are volunteers, not trained guides or medical professionals.
• Insurance Is Your Responsibility: If desired, you must arrange your own personal insurance.
• Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles at all times.
• Emergency Preparedness: You are responsible for organising your own emergency plan.
• Weather and Safety: Events may be cancelled or changed if conditions are deemed unsafe.
• Self-Assessment Required: You must honestly assess your fitness and ability to keep pace with the group.
• No Guaranteed Rescue: While help may be offered, full rescue capabilities should not be expected.
• No Minors Without Guardians: Participants must be over 21.
• Right to Refuse Participation: Hosts may turn away any individual who appears unprepared or poses a safety risk to others.
• First Aid Preparedness Encouraged: It is highly recommended that each participant carries a small first aid kit for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters.

🚨FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
By attending this event, you confirm that you are participating voluntarily and at your own risk. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred.