Outdooraholics London, Hiking & Adventure Travel 25 to 49ish

Welcome to West Sussex with its iconic Ouse Valley Viaduct - a magnificent 11 million brick Victorian structure said to be the most beautiful in all of England - and also a great photo opportunity in the arches for any Instagrammers.

We take on a magnificent hike starting from the quaint village of Balcombe to explore several Sussex gems such as Balcombe lake, Ardingly Reservoir, Wakehurst Place, River’s Wood and of course the stunning Ouse Valley Viaduct. We also pass the Millenium Seedbank - the world's largest wild plant seedbank with 1.9 billion seeds and seventy five thousand species. Join us on a delightful exploration of some of Sussex’s best gems.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk under the 11 million brick Ouse Valley viaduct with it's "never ending" arches
• Pass the Millenium Seedbank - storing 1.9 billion seeds
• Enjoy ice creams or hot drinks at the Ardingly Reservoir
• Gorgeous wooded trails winding through the Sussex Weald
• Visit the vast Ardingly Reservoir which holds 5 billion litres of fresh water

HIKE DESCRIPTION

A fantastic hike starting from the rural station of Balcombe, straight out into the fields of Sussex and taking in some diverse landscapes.

We head off under the elegant and extravagant Ouse Valley viaduct famous for its symmetrical arches that appear to go on to infinity. Built in 1841 at a cost then of £38500 and with 11 million bricks imported from Holland it was a lavish and exuberant expression of the wealth that the railways were generating. We then pass by the tranquil Ardingly reservoir - home to a great number of bird species. Hiking through woods, fields and up the hills, we get to Wakehurst Place (a 16th century mansion and the National Trust's most visited admission fee charging property). Finally, we visit the picturesque little Balcombe Lake hidden among the trees.

MEETING POINT

This will be a larger group size than usual, please only sign up if this appeals to you.

What better than a great hike, then finishing on the famous Brighton seafront with some short time to enjoy this coastal town. On the way there, we will hike along the elevated South Downs hills, summiting Ditchling Beacon to enjoy splendid sea views and diverse countryside, as the sea gets larger and larger and eventually we'll end up on the beach at Brighton.

We will also have some time to explore Brighton itself (approx 50 mins to 1 hour) - wander along the famous Lanes with the sound of the music buskers livening up the streets, and lose ourselves in the bars, cafes and independent jewellery and antique shops. You can even get a zip wire experience on the seafront. We will have some time to enjoy the beach, and if you're feeling really in the seaside mood, grab some good old British Fish and Chips. Join us or miss out!

TOUGHNESS WARNING - this is a tough and hilly hike and is also long. You need to be an experienced and fit hiker. It is not for beginners or anyone who has only done intermediate hikes.

To be fair to those attending, if you are unable to keep up with the group or finish the hike, you will need to leave the hike and get a taxi at your own expense. Our pace will average 4 to 4.2kmph.
At over 500m ascent, it is 2/3 of the ascent of Mount Snowdon from Pen Y Pass - the most popular start point.
If you have any doubts at all then this is not a hike to join, please choose one of our less tough hikes. If you are unsure, email us, but anyone who cannot keep up with the group will need to leave the hike and no refund will be due - only sign up if you are happy with this.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Traverse the chalk highlands of the South Downs
• Summit Ditchling Beacon with far reaching views
• Visit Stanmer, a charming ancient private village with medieval architecture
• Explore the species rich grassland of Whitehawk Hill
• Finish at colourful Brighton and hit the beach, and for the brave - dip our toes in the sea
• A great physical challenge for the fit and fast hikers

HIKE DESCRIPTION

This is a different experience from the usual walk along the South Downs ridge. Instead, this route starts off at Hassocks and then traverses North to South exploring hidden valleys, woods, open green expanses and parkland.

The end point is the lively town of Brighton, famous for its vibrant tlife, and we will be rewarded with a trip to the sea at Brighton Waterfront. Before that we will pass through the cosy village of Ditchling, then stand atop Ditchling Beacon, explore the green expanse of Stanmer Park, pass Stanmer House, then walk through the University of Sussex campus to Falmer. We will enjoy a lovely view of the sea from Kemp Town Racecourse and then walk into the splendour that is Brighton. The boardwalk, pier, seafront bars, Mediterranean cuisine and fish and chips of England's most famous beach await you!

TOUGHNESS - please note, this is not a hike for beginners or for anyone who has not been hiking regularly recently. The main hill is steep and the same height and toughness as walking up 1/3 of the height of the Shard by stairs.

MEETING POINT

We’re off to the North Downs in Surrey - an area so spectacular it’s been designated an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This hike starts at the charming medieval town of Guildford which has a long and varied history dating back thousands of years to the Bronze Age and to the castle that the Normans built 1000 years ago.

Our hike reveals lush countryside, bright and open woodlands and follows the River Wey Canal which takes us up onto the stunning hill ridges of the North Downs Way. We visit an enchanting ancient church nestling on St Martha’s Hill with breathtaking panoramic views almost as far as the sea and of 7 counties. We finish in Guildford, passing the castle to get a glimpse of this picture postcard town.

This hike was designed and written by an Outdooraholics guide (Graham) who was born and lived in Guildford to show you its undiscovered gems. It's one of our earliest hikes from 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the beautiful Surrey countryside Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Admire the far reaching views of St Martha's hill with its historic church
• Visit Guildford - Surrey's most significant ancient town with Bronze Age roots and see for yourself why it has attracted many famous residents.
• Follow the tranquil River Wey as it gently flows past willow trees
• Visit the enchanting ruins of the 14th century St Catherine's Chapel - which attracted the artist Turner to paint it in 1807 and 1808
• Hike along part of the North Downs Way - the 2nd most acclaimed long distance route in South East England
• Pass Guildford castle - dating back nearly 1000 years
• Pass the ancient medieval factory site of Chilworth Gunpowder words

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Guildford is best known for being a picturesque and quaint market town near London, but the countryside has far more to offer than most visitors discover beyond the cobbled streets and historical buildings. Famous past and current residents include Lewis Carroll - author of Alice in Wonderland, Jodie Kidd, Alan Turing, Terry Jones (the Monty Python writer) and Yvonne Arnaud. William Turner came to paint St Catherine's chapel in 1807 and 1808 and his paintings now hang in the Tate Gallery.

Once in Guildford we hike along the picturesque River Wey canal where the nestled boat houses sit on this tranquil waterway leading us to the ruin of St Catherine's chapel. We then hike into Bluebell Woods where we join the ancient North Downs Way path along a ridge which has far reaching views. At the top of the hill we come to the remote and isolated St Martha’s church built in the 12th century.

We then go onto Chilworth which was home to an extensive gunpowder factory built by the East India Company in 1626, although it was closed in 1920 and is now an enchanting derelict site covering 27 acres with much to see including relics, tramways and buildings from its nearly 400 year history.

MEETING POINT

Join us along arguably Essex’s most captivating coastal hiking trail, combining natural beauty, history, and panoramic views of the Thames Estuary. This hike takes us through the heart of Hadleigh Country Park, past the atmospheric ruins of Hadleigh Castle, and onto the birdlife-rich Two Tree island. From historic landmarks to thriving wildlife and charming coastal vistas, this hike is an ideal escape for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and coastal explorers alike.

Along the way, we’ll marvel at sweeping views over the estuary and immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Essex’s coastal heritage. Culminating in Leigh-on-Sea, a charming fishing town with a rich history and vibrant present, this hike is a perfect blend of serene landscapes and cultural highlights.

HIGHLIGHTS