FREE HIKE 25km | Blackdown - Highest Point of The South Downs National Park

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
📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5

📖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.