Black Down and The Temple of the Winds via The Sussex Border Path

Join us for a ten mile hike along the Sussex Border Path over Black Down to the Temple of the Winds. Our route takes us through beautiful heathland and woods to the highest point of both the County of Sussex and the South Downs National Park.

The land here is largely owned by The National Trust and this hike is commonly described as one of the best in the whole National Park. There is no actual Temple involved now but the Bronze Age name of this famous view point remains and inspired the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson throughout much of his working life as he writes ‘You came, and look’d, and loved the view long known and loved by me: green Sussex fading into blue, and one gray glimpse of sea’.

We will catch this landscape at its green and pleasant best! As always, enjoy a meal and a drink or two if you like with new friends at a super pub before catching a train back to London. (Explorer UK is a sociable group and most people stay for a meal after but if you need to head off straight away that's fine too.) There are regular trains back from Haslemere to London but please don't be in a rush to get back as it's much better to just enjoy the day out.

Where to Meet:
Meet Derek from 09:30 at Waterloo Railway Station by the ticket office.
If you want to meet at Haslemere please arrive before 10:53

We will have a picnic lunch so make sure you buy a sandwich or bring a pack-up. There is a pub where we will be booked in for food at the end. Also remember you need water and suitable clothing for the weather.

Cost:

This is a free hike and we hope you enjoy it. If you want to make a contribution to the event please sponsor your organiser Tom, who is completing the Cateran Yomp in June this year. It is a 54 mile hike within 24 HRS through the Cairngorms in Scotland in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund. Please just paste this address into your browser to make a donation.
https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/fundraisers/tomhaines/cateranyomp2024

Your train fare from Waterloo to Haslemere at full price return is £28.40 but when you join other Explorers at Waterloo for a group saver ticket this comes down to £18.75

The 10:00 train from Waterloo gets into Haslemere at 10:53 so you are welcome to join the group at Haslemere train station. Please be there a little early so that we can leave by 11:00 latest.

Things to bring:

Picnic lunch, water, suitable boots/shoes and clothing including waterproof, your camera, some money for food and drink if you would like to stop in the pub at the end.

Things to wear:

You must have a waterproof and other sensible clothing/footwear for a hike.

RISK NOTICE:

Please note there are risks associated with all outdoor activity, we will lead the group around the route but are not responsible for your personal welfare or safety. This is a ten mile hike and although we are not one of the fast groups we ask that you are reasonably fit and have suitable clothing and footwear for the walk. The terrain may be uneven or slippery and therefore fashion boots, shoes or boots with heels, smooth leather soles, fashion trainers or plimsoles are NOT suitable. (This list is not exhaustive). You should be capable of walking at 2.5 miles per hour and in general seek to stay with the main group. Also please avoid doing anything that would put you or other members of the group in danger. If you have a pre-existing medical condition please seek appropriate medical advice before joining and ensure you have brought any personal medication. If bringing a guest please ensure that they have read this notice and walk description before they agree to come. This walk is not suitable for children or pet dogs.

I will post a weather forecast the night before.

Hope you can come

Best wishes

Tom