GO London Hiking

# 🌄 South Downs Serpent Trail Hike – Haslemere, Black Down & Temple of the Winds

Join GO London Hiking for a scenic adventure through the northern edges of the South Downs National Park. This route follows part of the Serpent Trail, weaving through heathland, woodland, and panoramic viewpoints with fascinating history and literature connections.
We begin in the market town of Haslemere, before heading across Marley Common, one of the National Trust’s earliest countryside acquisitions, where broadleaf woodland and heath are grazed by belted Galloway cattle. From here, we reach Fernhurst, once home to philosopher Bertrand Russell, before climbing steeply to the Temple of the Winds for breathtaking views across the South Downs and, on clear days, the English Channel.
Our hike continues to Black Down, the highest point in Sussex, where poet Alfred Tennyson once lived and built Aldworth House as his summer retreat. The route returns us to Haslemere, where we can enjoy a well-earned pub stop before catching the train home.

***

## 🕘 Schedule & Meeting Info

• Meeting Time: 08:25 London Waterloo Station (under the main clock)
• Train Departure: 08:56 Waterloo → Haslemere (arrives 10:08, 1hr 9 mins journey) return ticket to Haslemere. (train tickets are not included)
• Walk Start: 10:20 Haslemere Station
• Lunch: Pack lunch (with water & snacks)
• Estimated Finish: 18:00 Haslemere Station

***

## 📍 Hike Overview

• Grade: Beginner/Intermediate 🥾🥾
• Distance: 19 km (12 miles)
• Ascent: 600 m
• Hiking Time: 6 hrs (plus breaks)
• Terrain: Rough tracks, heathland, woodland & hills
• Pace: Steady with regular breaks
• Cost: £10 (pay on RSVP)
• Hike Leader: Gary – 📞 07968585224 | 📩 golondongary@hotmail.co.uk

***

## 🎒 What to Bring

✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
✅ Waterproof jacket & spare layers
✅ Packed lunch, snacks & water
✅ Return train ticket London–Haslemere

***

## 💬 What to Expect

A social and friendly hike – most join solo and leave with new friends.
🧭 Qualified, insured GO London hike leaders ensure your safety and a great experience.

***

## 📲 Stay Connected

This walk takes us into the heart of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, beginning at Tring Station. We’ll start gently along the Grand Union Canal, passing through Dixon’s Gap and the old Wilstone Step Locks, before looping around Marston Vale Nature Reserve – a peaceful spot loved by birdwatchers.
From there we’ll follow the brook into Tring and pick up the ancient Icknield Way, often called Britain’s oldest road. The trail soon opens up into Tring Park, once landscaped by Lord Rothschild. It’s a quirky place with sweeping lawns, hidden follies and woodland paths. Back in the 1880s, Rothschild even filled the park with exotic animals – imagine giraffes and kangaroos roaming the English countryside!
We finish by joining the Ridgeway National Trail, winding back towards Tring for our train home. This is a sociable countryside walk with a mix of canals, nature, and history – just the right balance for a relaxed day out.

***

## 🕘 Schedule & Meeting Info

• Meeting Time: 09:30 at London Euston Station (outside the main ticket office)
• Train Departure: 10:04 to Tring (arrives 10:49, 45 mins)
• Hike Start: 10:55 at Tring Station
• Lunch: Packed lunch, snacks, and water
• Finish: Approx. 16:30 at Tring Station
• Return to London: Trains every 30–40 mins

## 🥾 GO London Hiking – High Wycombe, Hellfire Caves & West Wycombe Hill

### 🌄 Overview

This beautiful hike takes us into the heart of the Chiltern Hills, blending rolling countryside with some of England’s most fascinating 18th-century history. Starting in High Wycombe, we head toward Hughenden Manor, the former home of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, before crossing wildflower meadows toward the legendary Hellfire Caves, (entrance not included) once associated with Sir Francis Dashwood’s infamous Hellfire Club. A steady climb brings us to West Wycombe Hill, crowned by the striking Dashwood Mausoleum and the unique St Lawrence's Church West Wycombe, where expansive views stretch across the Chiltern countryside. Descending past West Wycombe Park, with its elegant 18th-century Italianate villa and landscaped grounds, we continue via the Temple of the Four Winds, cross the River Wye, pass Downley Common and Little Tinkers Wood, and loop back to High Wycombe for the journey home. A rewarding mix of history, hills, woodland, and sweeping views.

***

### 🕓 Schedule & Meeting Info

Meeting Time: 09:10 – London Marylebone (outside the main ticket office)
Trains: 09:37 from London Marylebone → High Wycombe, arriving 10:10
Tickets: Return to High Wycombe (buy in advance or on the day)
Hike Start: 10:15 – High Wycombe Station
Lunch: Pack Lunch
Hike Finish: Around 17:00 – High Wycombe Station
Return Trains: Frequent services back to London
🚆 Train fare is not included – please purchase your own return ticket in advance or on the day.

***

### 🎒 What to Bring

✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
✅ Waterproof jacket & layers for changing weather
✅ Packed lunch, snacks & water
✅ Train ticket / Contactless / Travelcard

***

### 📏 Grade & Distance

Grade: Beginner / Intermediate
Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
Ascent: 420 metres
Hiking Time: Approx. 5 hours (plus breaks)
Terrain: Undulating woodland and meadow paths with a couple of steady climbs

***

👣 Hike Leader:
Gary
📱 07968585224
📧 golondongary@hotmail.co.uk

***

### 💚 Stay Connected

## 🥾 Mid week wander, Vauxhall to Victoria Walk

Join us on a friendly urban adventure through London’s iconic landmarks and hidden green spaces. Starting from Vauxhall Underground Station, we’ll wander through Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and Archbishop’s Park, then cross the Westminster Bridge for skyline views of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
We’ll pause in Deans Yard beside Westminster Abbey, stroll through the serene College Garden, St John’s Gardens, and Millbank Gardens, then follow leafy paths through Pimlico and the Churchill Gardens Wildflower Meadow. The route continues via elegant Warwick Square before finishing at Victoria Station, just in time for an optional celebratory drink at The Willow Walk Pub.
A relaxed, social 10 km stroll, perfect for meeting like-minded Londoners.

***

### 🕘 Schedule & Meeting Info

Start: 18:30 – Vauxhall Underground Station (Lambeth Place Exit)
End: Victoria Station (optional drinks at The Willow Walk Pub)
Distance: 10 km Duration: ≈ 3 hours Grade: Beginner 🥾
Pace: Relaxed and social, with plenty of photo stops

***

### 🎒 What to Bring

✅ Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
✅ Warm layers & waterproof jacket – winter weather can change quickly
✅ Water & snacks
✅ Contactless or Travelcard for travel

***

### 💬 What to Expect

Join a welcoming community of Londoners, expats and solo adventurers for this easy, social walk through historic and scenic parts of London. No hiking boots required — just bring good vibes and festive cheer!
🧭 Led by qualified and insured GO London Hiking leaders experienced in group management and urban navigation.

***

### 📲 Stay Connected