Hastings Country Park and Alexandra Park Buckshole Reservoir Circular - 20K

📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾Level 3/5 - with some muddy slippery ups and downs.

SUMMARY:
🥾 ~20km | Circular Walk | Ascent: ~690m | Duration: ~6 hours
📍 Start: Hasting Train Station at 10:15
🚆 For trains and group/discounted tickets from London, please see below.
🏁 Finish: Hasting Train Station main entrance (outside Costa coffee), approx. 17:00-18:00
⚠️ Chalk grassland, wet woodland, clifftop coastal paths, gravel tracks, stairs, hilly and uneven terrain. The route can be very muddy and slippery during the rainy season, so proper waterproof hiking gear and boots are essential

ABOUT:
Starting from the historic town of Hastings in East Sussex, this circular walk leads into the countryside through attractive woodlands, clifftop and coastal routes, offering scenic views along the way. There are public toilets at the start and the end of the walk (as well as at the lunch stop at the Visitor Centre). We begin/finish our walk at Hastings Train Station and conclude at a pub near the train station.

DESCRIPTION:
The walk begins in the historic town of Hastings, located within the High Weald. We head towards the beach and then the Hastings Country Park, with stunning coastal views featuring a unique and diverse range of habitats, including ancient chalk grassland, chalk scrub, wet woodland, a chalk stream, ponds, woodlands, stairs and clifftop paths. Our route then leads us to Fairlight Glen, taking in the stunning views of the English Channel. Some parts of the path can be muddy and slippery. We then head towards the Bale House Visitor Centre, where we stop for lunch. The Visitor Centre offers limited options for lunch, so it's better to bring your favourite packed lunch or snacks. After lunch, we continue our hike back to the Country Park, Warren Glen. Along the way, we will see several cascades, including the Dripping Well and other notable features, such as Eccelsbourne Reservoir. We then walk through Hastings towards the Alexandra Park Buckshole Reservoir, showcasing exquisite gardens and lakes. We then walk back towards the Hastings train station and conclude at a welcoming pub close to the station, where we can relax and reflect on the day’s journey.

🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Town of Hastings
• Hastings Country Park (including Fairlight Glen, Warren Glen, Dripping Well and Ecclesbourne Glen), which is a part of the High Weald National Landscape
• Alexandra Park Buckshole Reservoir
• Views of the English Channel and Hastings pier

🚂 TRAINS [FROM LONDON]

🚄 High-speed option 1 (Southeastern and Southern rail service)

• Catch the 08:40 from London St Pancras International to Hastings, changing at Ashford International.
• Arrive at Hastings at 10:10.
• Journey time 1 hour 30 minutes.
• £25.30 return with network railcard discount

🚆 Slow-speed option 2 (Southeastern rail service):

• Catch the 08:13 from London Bridge.
• Arrive at Hastings at 10:05.
• Journey time 2 hours.
• £22.40 return with network railcard discount

🚆 Slow-speed option 3 (Southern rail service):

• Catch the 07:54 from London Victoria.
• Arrive at Hastings at 09:58.
• Journey time 2 hours.
• £16 with an advance Southern Rail ticket purchased in advance, or £13 with DaySave,
• Or £25.80 return with network railcard discount

📍 MEETING OPTIONAL POINT 1:
AdrianB will take the high-speed train option 1, meeting at the London St Pancras International ticket office at 08:00. Then will leave the meeting point at 08:20 to head to the platform and board the train, as high-speed services requires boarding at least 20 minutes in advance.

📍 MEETING OPTIONAL POINT 2:
Hastings Train Station (outside the main entrance, in front of Costa Coffee) at 10:15

📍MEETING POINT AND TIME:

• Walk starts: 10:15 sharp from Hastings Train Station
• Walk finishes: Approx. 17:00 to 18:00 at Hastings train station. We will then finish the day at a pub near the Hastings train station.

⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:

• Total distance: approx. ~20km (~12.5miles)
• Ascent: ~690m
• Grade: Moderate
• Pace: Approx. 4.5km/h (~2.5mph)

🎒WHAT TO BRING:

• Packed lunch and snacks
• At least 2 L of water
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Layers and waterproof clothing
• Sun protection/winter gear (as appropriate)
• Any personal medication and a basic first aid kit
• Fully charged phone and power bank
• Head torch

📞 CONTACT:

Message the event host, Saeideh, directly via Meetup with any questions.

SAFETY:

• As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.
• ⚠️Chalk grassland, wet woodland, muddy gravel tracks, stairs, clifftop coastal, hilly and uneven terrain.

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 carry 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.