🚣 Balcombe: Walk, Paddle & Explore — A Perfect Weekend Escape
Details
Looking for a relaxed day out this Saturday? No experience needed — just bring good energy and an open mind. 🌿
This week we're heading to Balcombe for a gentle countryside walk with a twist: a paddleboard session on Ardingly Reservoir right in the middle of it. Whether you've never hiked before, never paddled before — or both — this is the perfect introduction. Easy pace, beautiful scenery, great company, and a little adventure on the water.
Come for the fresh air. Stay for the peace. 🌊
Distance：12KM
Difficulty： Easy — perfect for beginners
Pace：Relaxed — no rush, no pressure
🗓️ ITINERARY
Morning - Meet at Balcombe Station; begin the trail
Midday - Arrive at Ardingly Reservoir Activity Centre for lunch break
🍱After lunch - 1 hour paddleboard session on the reservoir
🏄Afternoon - Continue the trail back through woodland and countryside
4–5pm - Return to Balcombe Station — happy, tired, and fed 😄
#### 🗺️ What You'll See Along the Way
No two views are the same on this route — and all of them are worth the walk:
🌊 Ardingly Reservoir — a peaceful stretch of open water winding through the High Weald, the perfect backdrop for your paddleboard debut
🌉 Ouse Valley Viaduct — a spectacular Victorian railway viaduct with 37 soaring arches; one of the most photogenic spots in the South East and a favourite for a photo stop
🌾 West Sussex countryside — rolling meadows, ancient woodland, quiet country lanes and a charming village to round off the day
#### 🎒 WHAT TO BRING
- Comfortable hiking shoes (trainers or hiking shoes recommended)
- Water — minimum 1.5L
- Packed lunch
- Snacks/energy bars
- Waterproof jacket （recommended）
- A change of clothes or dry bag — paddleboarding means you might get a little wet! 💦
- Sunscreen and hat (weather permitting)
#### 💰 PRICE INCLUDES
- ✅ 1 hour paddleboard hire at Ardingly Activity Centre
- ✅ Professional event organisation
- ✅ All proceeds after costs donated to AWDPI — Asian Women Development Project International 🤝
Price does not include: travel to/from Balcombe, food and drinks；insurance
#### 🚂 GETTING HERE
Take the train to Balcombe Station from London Bridge (direct, ~45 mins). We'll confirm the exact meeting time and train once you RSVP.
recommend to take the train from London Bridge at 9:35 am, and arriving at 10:16 am at Balcombe Station.
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#### 🌿 A NOTE FROM US
This Saturday is exactly what our community is about — no targets, no pressure, just a good walk with good people and something new to try. Whether this is your first hike or your fiftieth, you are welcome here exactly as you are.
Our group has been running as a non-profit community for 4 years, and every event we host comes from the same simple hope: that more people can find joy, connection, and a little peace through time spent outdoors. We're so glad you're here — now let's go explore. 🥾🌊
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Leave No Trace — please take all your rubbish home 🙏