Hike Together

This circular route is rated moderate and best suited to intermediate hikers. It is not recommended for beginners. The riverside paths are mostly flat, while woodland sections feature moderate inclines and some uneven ground.

🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Enjoy a peaceful walk along the scenic River Thames.
• Explore serene forests and moderate hills with sweeping valley views.
• Visit a charming village of red-brick cottages and a medieval church.
• Graceful birds of prey often seen soaring above the Chiltern Hills.
• Begin and end in a beautiful market town with riverside pubs and shops.

📍 MEETING POINT AND OUTBOUND TRAINS:

• It is recommended that we travel as a group to ensure everyone arrives at the starting point together, at the same time, and boards the same train. If the London service is delayed, we risk missing the Henley-on-Thames connection and may need to wait for the next available train.
• Please check National Rail web site for exact times on the day
• 08:00 – Meet outside the ticket office, London Paddington train Station
• 08:25 – Head to platform and board train
• 08:38 – Train departs London Paddington
• 09:07 – Change at Twyford
• At Twyford, walk quickly to Platform 5!
• 09:15 – Train departs Twyford to Henley-On-Thames
• 09:27 – Arrive at Henley-On-Thames
• 🎟️ Purchase a return ticket to Henley-On-Thames (~£15:85 with a Network Railcard)

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2:

• 09:27 – Meet at Henley-On-Thames train station
• Please do not be late. With a large group, we cannot wait too long for latecomers, we will leave without you.

🚶WALK STARTS:

• We will re-group then:
• 09:30 – From Henley-On-Thames train station

🏁 WALK FINISHES:

• Approximately. 16:30– Henley-On-Thames

RETURN TRAINS:

• 17:30 – From Henley-On-Thames
• 17:42 – Change at Twyford (arrive on Platform 5)
• 17:49 – Train departs Twyford to London Paddington
• 18:20 – Arrive London Paddington

⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:

• Distance: ~26 km (16 miles)
• Walking Time: ~6 hours
• Total Duration: ~7 hours (including breaks)
• Ascent: 417 m | Descent: 414 m
• Max Elevation: 158 m | Min Elevation: 27 m
• Pace: Steady and moderate (4.5–5 km/h) – faster than a stroll, but relaxed enough for conversation and enjoyment of the surroundings.
• Difficulty: Moderate – mostly flat riverside paths with some steeper, uneven woodland sections. Best suited to intermediate walkers.

🥪 LUNCH

• Approx 13:00 (about 3.5 hours and 17.5 km into the hike)
• Please note: There are no pub or café stops for the 10-mile stretch leading up to the lunch break. Make sure to carry enough water💧 to stay hydrated throughout this section, we recommend bringing 2 to 3 litres on a really hot sunny day.

🎒WHAT TO BRING:

• Packed lunch and snacks
• Water (at least 2L) - On a hot day bring 3L as there is no water refils until lunch time.
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Layers and waterproof clothing
• Sun protection
• Medication and basic first aid (Compeed for blisters)
• Optional walking poles
• Fully charged phone
• Camera for some pictures

📞CONTACT:

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

❗DISCLAIMER:
⚖️ Disclaimer & Group Policy
⚠️ Event Participation Disclaimer
By attending any hike, you acknowledge and agree:

• Organisers are not certified guides or first aiders
• Hikes are informal and self-guided
• Participation is voluntary and at your own risk
• We’re a recreational hobby group, not a business
• Outdoor activities carry risks; by joining, you accept them

📋 General Group Policy

• You join voluntarily at your own risk
• Organisers are not liable and have no professional duty of care
• You must arrange your own insurance if needed
• Follow Leave No Trace at all times
• Be ready for emergencies and changing weather
• Assess your fitness honestly
• Help may be offered, but rescue is not guaranteed
• No minors, participants must be over the age of 21
• Hosts may refuse entry to those who seem unfit or unsafe
• Carry your own basic first aid kit or minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters.

✅ Final Acknowledgement
By joining, you confirm that you understand and accept all the above. Your safety is your responsibility. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred.

🛑 IMPORTANT: THIS HIKE IS RATED MODERATE/STRENUOUS AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS OR REALLY SLOW WALKERS.

📝 NOTES:
Lower sections of the route and open fields can be very muddy and boggy, and after rain, deep puddles in places. Proper waterproof hiking boots are essential. If you wear running shoes and step in a puddle, you’ll likely have wet feet for the rest of the hike.

🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Scenic hills, steep climbs, and woodland trails that test your stamina
• Conquer Ditchling Beacon for sweeping South Downs views
• Visit Stanmer Village, with its 18th-century flint cottages
• Cross exposed ridgelines where weather shifts fast
• A tough route for fit, fast, confident hikers
• Finish at Brighton Beach, where countryside meets the sea

📍 MEETING POINT AND OUTBOUND TRAINS:

• 08:50 — Meet at the downstairs ticket office, London Bridge Station
• 09:00 — Leave the meeting point to board the train
• 09:09 — Train departs London Bridge
• 10:05 — Arrive at Hassocks
• 🎟 Buy a return ticket from London Terminals to Brighton. Direct trains run from both London Bridge and London Victoria to Hassocks and Brighton. Check National Rail for the latest train times and fares.
• A Super Off-Peak Day Return from London Bridge to Brighton is £11.65 with a Network Railcard.

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2:

• 10:05 — Hassocks Train Station, Car Park BN6 8LD

🚶 WALK STARTS:

• 10:10 — from Hassocks Train Station, Car Park BN6 8LD
• We will not wait for latecomers.

🏁 WALK FINISHES:

• 17:30 — approx. at Brighton railway station

🚂 RETURN TRAINS:

• Direct trains from Brighton to London terminals
• Estimated time back in London 19:05

⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:

• Distance: ~25 km (15.5 miles)
• Ascent: 538 m | Descent: 535 m
• Highest Point: 242 m | Lowest Point: 9 m
• Terrain: Steep ascents, rolling hills, woodland paths, and some urban sections
• Difficulty: MODERATE/STRENUOUS
• Walking Time: ~6 hours
• Total Time (with breaks): ~7 hours
• Average Pace: 4.2 to 6 km/h (slow on climbs, brisk on flat)

🥪 LUNCH:

• Bring a packed lunch and snacks.

🚻 TOILETS:

• 🏡 Stanmer Village – Available approximately 2.5 to 3 hours into the hike
• 🌿 Bushes may be used for discreet nature breaks, if necessary

🎒 WHAT TO BRING:

• Packed lunch and snacks
• Water (at least 2L)
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Layers and waterproof clothing
• Sun protection
• Medication and basic first aid (Compeed for blisters)
• Optional walking poles
• Fully charged phone
• Camera (optional, for photos)

📞CONTACT:

• If you have any questions, please private message the event host directly via Meetup. A contact phone number will be provided on the day.

❗DISCLAIMER:

• By joining this event, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted the Disclaimer and General Group Policy listed on our Meetup home page. You attend this walk at your own risk.

SUMMARY:
🥾 23 km (14.3 miles) | Circular | Ascent: 708 m | ~7 hours
🚆 Direct train from London Marylebone
⛳️ Meeting Point: 2 Options
1- London Marylebone station Ticket Office | 08:40 (Train is at 08:57)
2- Wendover outside train station | 09:50
📍 Hike start: Wendover outside train station | 10:00
🏁 Hike finish: Wendover train station | approx. 17:00-18:00
⚠️ Steep and Uneven sections
📈 Grade: Moderate/Strenuous

ABOUT:
A 23 kilometre circular trail in the Chilterns from Wendover Station, Buckinghamshire.

The trail goes through woodlands and farmlands, featuring steady ascents and descents with great views including Bacombe Hill Nature Reserve, Coombe Hill summit, Beacon Hill, Whiteleaf Hill, Pulpit Hill nature reserve, and Goodmerhill Woods.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Bacombe Hill Local Nature Reserve
  This chalk grassland hill offers magnificent views over Aylesbury Vale. It is renowned for its rare wildflowers and butterflies, with orchids blossoming in spring.
• Coombe Hill
  As the highest viewpoint in the Chiltern Hills at 260 meters, Coombe Hill features the Coombe Hill Monument, which commemorates local men who perished in the Second Boer War. It provides extensive views over the Vale of Aylesbury and, on clear days, extends to the Cotswolds. The open grassland at the summit is an ideal spot for a pause and picnic.
• Beacon Hill
  This small, rounded summit with open grassy slopes is part of the Chequers Estate. Historically utilized for signaling with beacons, Beacon Hill offers panoramic views and conveys a sense of expansive open space.
• Whiteleaf Hill
  Whiteleaf Hill is home to the Whiteleaf Cross, a chalk hill carving that likely dates back to the 18th century or earlier. It contains a Neolithic barrow (burial mound), with excavations in the 1930s uncovering ancient remains and artifacts.
• Chequers Estate: A historic country house used as the official country residence of the British Prime Minister. It has been the designated retreat for Prime Ministers since 1917, when it was gifted to the nation by Sir Arthur Lee, a politician and former soldier, to provide future leaders a place to relax and host guests.
• Ninn Wood & Pulpit Hill Nature Reserve
  This area includes mixed broadleaf woodland with ancient trees and historic earthworks. Pulpit Hill houses an Iron Age hill fort, surrounded by banks and ditches that are now moss-covered and mysterious.

TIPS: 💡

• Scenic Points: Coombe Hill, Beacon Hill, and Whiteleaf Cross all offer great rest stops with views.
• Watch for red kites, deer, and ancient trees in Pulpit Hill and Goodmerhill Wood.
• Explore the Neolithic barrow on Whiteleaf Hill.

COST:
Free

TRAINS:

• Outbound: 08:57 from London Marylebone (direct train)
• Arrival: 09:46 at Wendover
• Visit National Rail for details

MEETING POINT & TIME:

• Meet: 2 Options
  1- London Marylebone station Ticket Office | 08:40
  2- Wendover outside train station | 09:50
• Hike start: Outside Wendover train station | 10:00
• Hike finish: Wendover train station | Approx. 17:00–18:00

DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY:

• Total distance: approx 23km (14.3 miles)
• Ascent: 708 m
• Max elevation: 261 m
• Grading: Moderate/Strenuous
• Time: Approx. 7 hours (with breaks)
• Pace: 5 km/h (~3.1 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: ⚠️
As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.

• Steep and Slippery Sections:
  -Multiple hills (Coombe, Beacon, Whiteleaf, Pulpit) have steep ascents and descents.
  -In wet or frosty conditions, mud and chalk surfaces become very slippery, especially in woodlands.
• Sections like Little Hampden Common and parts of the nature reserves can feel isolated, with no mobile signal in some areas.
• Livestock and Farmland: You may cross grazing fields with sheep or cattle. Stay calm, keep distance.
• Always close gates behind you and stay on marked rights of way.

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.

SUMMARY:
🥾 21 km (13 miles) | Point-to-Point | Ascent: 243m | Descent: : 275m | ~6 hours
🚆 Train from London Charing Cross train station *via Ashford International
⛳️ Meeting Point: 2 Options
1- London Charing Cross - Main Ticket Office | 08:40 (Train is at 09:07)
2- Wye outside train station | 10:05
📍 Hike start: Wye outside train station | 10:15
🏁 Hike finish: Canterbury | approx. 17:00-18:00
⚠️ Some terrain can be muddy or uneven: good walking shoes recommended
📈 Grade: Moderate

📖ABOUT:
Join us for a beautiful day 21km hike along an ancient pilgrimage route through the Kent countryside!
Starting from the village of Wye, we’ll follow part of the famous North Downs Way and Stour Valley Walk, taking in rolling hills, open farmland, peaceful woodlands, and charming villages.
This trail finishes in the historic city of Canterbury, with its iconic cathedral visible from miles away.
It’s a walk rich in natural beauty and medieval history, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of views, culture, and a satisfying challenge.

🌟HIGHLIGHTS:

• Wye Village & Church of St Gregory and St Martin: A charming starting point with a historic Norman church.
• Wye Memorial Crown: The Wye Crown is a 180-foot hillside sculpture created in 1902 to mark King Edward VII’s coronation. Hidden during WWII, it now sits beneath the North Downs Way and offers great views over Wye.
• Olantigh Estate & Franscombe Wood: Beautiful estate grounds and shaded woodland paths.
• Eggringe Wood & Denge Wood: Ancient woodlands rich with wildlife and home to prehistoric burial monuments.
• Chartham Village: A quaint riverside village featuring the 13th-century Church of St Mary and the Chapel of St John the Baptist.
• The Great Stour Way: A peaceful riverside trail leading directly into Canterbury, perfect for relaxed walking and spotting swans or herons.
• Canterbury Cathedral: The iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site and final destination for countless pilgrims across history.

💡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:

• Outbound: 09:07 from London Charing Cross *via Ashford International
• Arrival: 10:03 at Wye
• Visit National Rail for details

⛳️MEETING POINT & TIME:

• Meet: 2 Options
  1- London Charing Cross - Main Ticket Office | 08:40
  2- Wye outside train station | 10:05
• Hike start: Outside Wye train station | 10:15
• Hike finish: Canterbury | Approx. 17:00–18:00

🚏DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY:

• Total distance: approx 21km (13 miles)
• Ascent: 243 m
• Descent: 275m
• Max elevation: 179 m
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: Approx. 6 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

⚠️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.