Hike Together

SUMMARY:
🥾 17 km | Linear Walk | Ascent: 366 m | Duration: ~ 5 hours
📍 Start: Lewes Station at 10:00
🚆 Direct train from: London Victoria ( 1hr 10minutes)
🚆 Direct train from Brighton (20 minutes)
🚆 Direct train from Eastbourne (20 minutes)
🏁 Finish: Falmer Station approx. 16:00-17:00
⚠️ Uneven gravel terrain
📈 Grade: Easy/Moderate

ABOUT:
This linear walk offers stunning views across the South Downs, the Weald, and towards the sea. There are cafés and toilets available at both the start and end points. We begin at Lewes railway station and finish at Falmer railway station, next to the University of Sussex.

DESCRIPTION:
Our walk begins in the historic town of Lewes, heading uphill towards Mount Harry, part of the South Downs ridge. Along the way, we pass near Blackcap, a prominent hill and nature reserve located west of Lewes and south-east of Plumpton. This stretch of the walk is part of the South Downs Way, a long-distance national trail offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

We continue westward along the ridge towards Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex. At the summit, we enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view: the English Channel to the south, the Weald to the north, and rolling Downland to the east and west. As its name suggests, Ditchling Beacon was once part of a historic network of signal beacons. We stop here for lunch, taking in the views and the open landscape.

After lunch, we descend gradually through the South Downs towards Stanmer Park. Our route takes us into Stanmer Great Wood, especially beautiful in spring when carpets of English bluebells and wild garlic are in bloom.

The final stretch leads us through Stanmer Village and into the University of Sussex campus. We end our walk at Falmer railway station, which provides easy onward connections.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏞️ Stunning panoramic views from the South Downs Way, including the sea, the Weald, and open Downland.
• ⛰️ Ditchling Beacon – the highest point in East Sussex, with breathtaking 360° vistas.
• 🌸 Stanmer Great Wood – a springtime haven for English bluebells and wild garlic.
• 🧭 Historic route from Lewes to Falmer via Mount Harry, Blackcap, and Ditchling Beacon.
• 🚆 Easy access via public transport – start at Lewes station, finish at Falmer station.
• 🍃 A mix of open ridge walking and peaceful woodland trails through the South Downs.

COST:

• Free

TRAINS:

• 🚆 Direct train from: London Victoria ( 1hr 10minutes)
  🚆 Direct train from Brighton (20 minutes)
  🚆 Direct train from Eastbourne (20 minutes)
• Check National Rail for train times and prices

📍MEETING POINT FROM LONDON
There are no direct trains from London Victoria to Lewes due to engineering works. Although travel via Victoria is still possible with a change of trains, the proposed route is from London Bridge instead.

• 08:30 – Meet at London Bridge Ticket Office
• 08:45 – Head to the platform and board the direct train to Lewes
• 08:58 – Train departs London Bridge
• 09:57 – Arrive at Lewes

Where is the london bridge ticket office?
At London Bridge Station, the main ticket office is on the lower concourse, located on the St Thomas Street side near the Southeastern and Southern ticket gates, close to the escalators and lifts up to the platforms, and clearly signposted as “Tickets and Information.

📍MEETING POINT #2 & TIME:

• Walk begins: 10:00 from the main entrance to Lewes railway station
• Walk finishes: Falmer Station approx. 16:00-17:00

DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY

• Total distance: approx 17 km (10 miles)
• Ascent: 366 m
• Max elevation: 199 m | Min elevation: 3 m
• Grading: EASY/MODERATE
• Time: Approx. 5 hours (with breaks)
• Pace: 4–5 km/h (~3 mph)

GUIDE:

• See attendee list

WHAT TO BRING:

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

⚠️ SAFETY :

• Take extra care on rougher sections, especially during or after rain, and be mindful of livestock in active farmland. Sturdy, appropriate footwear is essential.
• 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 in the woods? 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.
• The steepest ascents are between Westdean and Beachy Head.
• Food options are limited en route, bring lunch.
• Be prepared for strong coastal winds and sudden changes in weather. Check forecasts in advance.

✅ Who Can Join
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Adults aged 21 and over are welcome to join our hikes.
👶 We do not allow children on our hikes.
🐾 No pets are permitted, including dogs. Why? For the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all participants, dogs are not permitted on group hikes. Large group walks can include individuals with allergies, phobias, or discomfort around dogs, and even well-trained dogs may cause anxiety, disruption, or safety risks on narrow or uneven trails. Dogs can also pose challenges when encountering livestock, wildlife, or other trail users. To ensure our hikes remain inclusive, safe, and manageable for everyone, we maintain a strict no-dog policy on all group hikes. Members who choose to disregard this rule will not be welcome to join our large group hikes.

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 Acknowledgement
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.

Take on one of Sussex’s most scenic journeys: a countryside-to-coast adventure of quiet villages, chalk ridges, and the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington. This 22 km (14 mile) hike takes around 6.5 hours, with farmland paths, airy ridgelines, and sweeping sea views.

We set out from Berwick, passing cottages, fields, and churches before reaching Wilmington and the 70-metre hillside figure who has watched over the Downs for centuries.

From his feet, the trail climbs steadily towards the village of Jevington, reputed birthplace of the Beef Wellington, before ascending Combe Hill, where the South Downs spread their wings: patchwork fields on one side, the shimmer of the Channel on the other, skylarks above and sheep grazing below.

The journey ends in Eastbourne, where we can toast the day with a well-earned drink or head straight for the next train home. Rolling fields, sweeping hills, a giant hillside figure, and the sea just a short walk away, this is Sussex at its finest. Join us for a classic adventure.

🛑 IMPORTANT: THIS HIKE IS FOR INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED WALKERS WITH GOOD FITNESS.

✅ WHO CAN JOIN:

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Adults aged 21 and over
• 👶 No children
• 🐾 No pets (allergies/phobias)
• 🚫 If you have a history of no-shows, you may be moved to the waitlist.

📅 RSVP POLICY:
Please RSVP only if you can attend, and update your response if your plans change. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations could limit your ability to join future events. On the day, we will check in attendees individually to confirm attendance; anyone who does not turn up will be marked as a no-show.

🚆 TRAIN COSTS FROM LONDON:

• Buy a return from London Victoria to Eastbourne
• Option 1: £43.90 (standard adult fare, no discount)
• Option 2: £29.20 each with a Network Railcard discount
• Option 3: £13 each with a DaySave Group Ticket (minimum 4 people per group; please coordinate with members via the event chat)
• Option 4: £13 direct payment to the organiser, who will purchase the group tickets.

..............................................................................................................
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🚆🎟️ OPTIONAL: DaySave (GroupSave) Tickets:
A GroupSave (also known as a DaySave) ticket with Southern Railway lets groups travel together for just £13 per person. It provides unlimited off-peak travel on Southern trains for a whole day, so you can hop on and off as often as you like and explore multiple destinations.

For example, you could travel from London to Eastbourne, hike to Arundel, and return the same day for just £13 each, compared with paying much more for a standard return ticket even with a Network Railcard discount.

For clarity: a Network Railcard gives you one-third off most off-peak fares, but it does not provide a group discount.

A DaySave group ticket must be booked at least 3 days in advance and works best with groups of 4 or more people. It's a no brainer: travel together, save money, and enjoy more adventures for £13 instead of £30.

On the day of travel, the group will meet at the London meeting point and travel together as one. If anyone wishes to leave the group, they must do so in groups of four. Otherwise, the group is committed to staying together until the return journey to London Victoria. The group ticket requires both the outward and return journey to start and end at London Victoria.

For this event, those who wish to join a DaySave from London can have tickets pre-purchased in bulk by the host. This requires a non-refundable payment of £13 per participant a few days before the event, payable to the organiser via bank transfer, PayPal, Revolut, or Monzo. No payment means no group ticket.

When you RSVP, please reply YES if you would like to be included in a group ticket. A few days before the event, you will be asked to make the £13 payment to secure your place. Once payments have been received, the host will purchase group tickets in batches of four.

Alternatively, attendees may arrange their own transport, whether that’s a DaySave, another group ticket, an advance ticket, or car travel.

if you want the organiser to buy your group ticket:

**PAYMENT OPTIONS**
Please pay £13 per person for the group ticket.

[1]
Direct payment of £13 via paypal: [PayPal.Me/HikeTogether]

[2]
Direct payment of £13 via Revolut to AdrianB using tag: [https://revolut.me/hiketogether]

[3]
Direct payment of £13 via bank transfere: Private message me for details

[4]
Pay through meetup and you pay the transations fees (which ends up being total payment something like £15.70 ish), note that if there is a configuration error then please do a direct payment.

**IMPORTANT**
If you pay organiser directly, please notify (AdrianB) via:

Meetup message -or- WhatsApp at 07780 972 356

Be sure to include your meetup profile name and the transaction ID/reference. This will help me locate your payment and manually add you to the paid group list. Thank you.

Payments are made in advance before the RSVP deadline. As tickets are non-refundable, please only book if you’re sure you can join us.

⏰ Ticket offer closes:
Wednesday, 24 September 2025 at 09:00 (British Summer Time)
You’ll find more the details below.

Shortly after payment is received, you will be added to this event.[https://www.meetup.com/freehiketogether/events/311007369/]

..............................................................................................................

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 1:

• 08:15 – Meet at London Victoria ticket office
• 08:35 – Leave meeting point to board the train early to get a seat!
• 08:54 – Train departs London Victoria
• 09:56 – Change at Lewes
• 10:14 – Train departs Lewes
• 10:25 – Arrive at Berwick

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2:

• 10:25 – Berwick railway station

🚶WALK STARTS:

• 10:25 – Berwick railway station (We will start a few minutes after leaving the train and completing check-in; dont't be late!)

🏁 WALK FINISHES:

• 17:30 – approx. arrival at Eastbourne railway station

🍔 FOOD:

• Packed lunch around 12:00 (after ~1.5 hrs / 7 km).

🌳 TOILETS:

• Use the train toilets before you begin walking.
• Nature facilities during the hike
• End of hike in Eastbourne

👣 STAYING TOGETHER:
Stay in sight of others. If you’re at the front, pause at junctions; if you’re at the back, make sure you can see someone ahead. We all share responsibility for keeping the group together. Depending on the pace, it may be dark towards the end of the hike, so bring a head torch.

↩️ RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON:

• 18:05 - From Eastbourne, arrive back in London Victoria: 19:36
• 18:33 - From Eastbourne, arrive back in London Victoria: 20:06
• 19:05 - From Eastbourne, arrive back in London Victoria: 20:36

💪 TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:

• Distance: 22 km (13.7 mi)
• Ascent/Descent: +375 m / −393 m
• Terrain: fields, uneven paths, gravel tracks, woodlands, country lanes, and chalky ground
• Elevation: 197 m max / 6 m min
• Walking time: 6.5 hrs
• Total time (with breaks): ~7.5 hrs
• Average pace: 4.5–5.5 km/h, steady (fast enough to keep warm, slow enough to chat)

🎒 WHAT TO BRING:

• Packed lunch and snacks
• At least two litres of water
• Sturdy hiking boots (for mud, rocks, and uneven trails)
• Layers and waterproofs (the weather can change quickly)
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Personal medication, blister plasters, and a basic first aid kit
• Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)
• Optional: walking poles
• A fully charged phone for emergencies
• Head torch
• Bring your happy face and a sense of adventure

📞 CONTACT:

• Message the event host directly via Meetup with any questions.

...
⚠️DISCLAIMER:
By joining, you confirm you’ve read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.
...

We can’t wait to welcome you on the trail 🥾🌳🌞

OPTIONL - GROUP TICKETS FOR EVENT:

🗓️ Event date time:
Saturday 27 September 2025

🥾 Event:
FREE HIKE 22 km | The Long Man and the Road to the Sea

To make travel easier and more affordable, the organiser will pre-purchase group tickets in sets of four.

**PAYMENT OPTIONS**

Please pay £13 per person for the group ticket.

[1]
Direct payment of £13 via paypal: [PayPal.Me/HikeTogether]

[2]
Direct payment of £13 via Revolut to AdrianB using tag: [https://revolut.me/hiketogether]

[3]
Direct payment of £13 via bank transfere: Private message me for details

[4]
Pay through meetup and you pay the transations fees (which ends up being total payment something like £15.70 ish), note that if there is a configuration error then please do a direct payment.

**IMPORTANT**
If you pay me directly, please notify me (AdrianB) via:

Meetup message -or- WhatsApp at 07780 972 356

Be sure to include your meetup profile name and the transaction ID/reference. This will help me locate your payment and manually add you to the paid group list. Thank you.

Payments are made in advance before the RSVP deadline. As tickets are non-refundable, please only book if you’re sure you can join us.

⏰ Ticket offer closes:
Wednesday, 24 September 2025 at 09:00 (British Summer Time)

You’ll find more the details below.

..................................................
GROUP TICKET INFORMATION

🎟️ Eligibility
This option is available for attendees travelling from London to the hike destination on Southern Railway, particularly where the normal return fare would be expensive and there is an opportunity for a travel cost saving.

🔄 Process
The organiser will collect pre-payments and purchase Southern Railway DaySave tickets for the group. On the day of the hike, we’ll meet at the designated London station meeting point to check in, then travel together as a group for both the outward and return journeys.

👥 Group Size
Tickets work in groups of four. Your place will be confirmed once your payment is received and a full group of four is formed. Until then, your RSVP is provisional, but we’ll do our best to get everyone matched up.

💷 Cost

• £13 per person (base ticket price).
• If paying via Meetup, PayPal and Meetup transaction fees apply (typically 2.9% + £0.30 per transaction). The additional cost is included to cover the Meetup and PayPal transaction cost (otherwise I absorb the fees)
• If paying the organiser directly, the cost is £13 flat.

🔁 Refunds & Transfers
Refunds are only given if we can’t make up a group of four. Once tickets have been purchased, they’re non-refundable, but if you can’t attend, you’re welcome to pass your spot on to another participant. Just arrange the payment directly with them and let the organiser know their name. Please note the organiser isn’t able to handle money or resolve payment issues between participants.

🚆 About DaySave
DaySave is a Southern Railway ticket that allows groups of four or more to travel off-peak together for £13 each. It provides unlimited off-peak travel on Southern Railway for the day, and groups can hop on and off trains at no extra cost.

🗓️ Booking & Payment
Tickets need to be booked at least three days in advance. You can secure your place easily through Meetup (fees apply) or, if arranged, by making a direct payment to the organiser.

⏰ Deadline
Once the RSVP deadline has passed or all spots are filled, the organiser won’t be able to purchase any more tickets. To avoid missing out, it’s best to sign up early and secure your place.

🌿 Why We Offer This
We want our hikes to stay accessible and affordable for everyone. The DaySave ticket offers great savings on certain routes, and the organiser pays the same share and travels with the group, there’s no profit involved. Joining the group ticket is completely optional, and you’re always welcome to make your own travel arrangements if you prefer. For convenience, we use the Meetup payment system as it makes it much easier to manage payments and transactions.

🚌 Alternative Travel
If you’d like to arrange your own transport or organise a separate DaySave group, simply RSVP to the free hike event instead of the group ticket option. You’re also welcome to organise your own DaySave tickets, you can do that HERE.

📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5

SUMMARY:
🥾 25km (15.5miles) | Circular | Ascent: 731m | ~7 hours
🚆 Train from London Waterloo station
⛳️ Meeting Point: 2 Options
1- London Waterloo train station - Main Ticket Office (opposite platform 16) | 08:40 (Train is at 09:00)
2- Haslemere outside train station | 09:55
📍 Hike start: Haslemere outside train station | 10:05
🏁 Hike finish: Haslemere | approx. 17:00-18:00
⚠️ Some terrain can be muddy or uneven: good walking shoes recommended

📖ABOUT:

• Embark on an exhilarating circular hike through the stunning South Downs National Park, starting in the charming village of Halsmere.
• This captivating journey takes you through the enchanting Barfold Wood, the majestic Blackdown, the serene Verdley Wood, along the picturesque River Lod, and up the scenic Green Hill.
• With its rewarding elevation gain (total 731m), this route promises breathtaking views and a true test of your hiking prowess.

🌟HIGHLIGHTS:

• Beautiful woodlands of Barfold Wood, Verdley Wood, and River Lod.
• Blackdown, the highest (280m) point in the South Downs National Park.
• Charming hamlets including Dial Green and Kingsley Green.
• Abundant wildlife and seasonal wildflowers make it especially rewarding.

💡TIPS:

• Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots because parts of the trail can be muddy or uneven, especially after rain.
• Pack a light rain jacket, even in summer. Weather can change quickly on the downs

💷COST:
Free

🚆TRAINS (Direct):

• Outbound: 09:00 from London Waterloo
• Arrival Haslemere 9:54
• Inbound: Approx. 18:00
• Visit National Rail for details

⛳️MEETING POINT & TIME:

• Meet: 2 Options
  1- London Waterloo Station- Main Ticket Office (Opposite platform 16) | 08:40
  2- Haslemere outside train station | 09:55
• Hike start: Outside Haslemere train station | 10:05
• Hike finish: Haslemere | Approx. 17:00–18:00

🚏DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY:

• Total distance: approx 25km (15.5miles)
• Ascent: 731 m
• Max elevation: 280 m
• Grading: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5
• Time: Approx. 7 hours (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

✅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.