HIKE 22km The Sussex Weald, Ardingly reservoir and the Ouse Valley viaduct

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

IMPORTANT - London Bridge station has several levels, please check the map below before you leave home and also arrive at least 10 minutes early to get to the meting point
London Bridge station 8am, leave at 8:20am for the 8:35am train. Meet upstairs (top floor - so go up the escalators) between WHSmith (no 15) and M&S (no 16) - MAP
Planned arrival time back into London is 6:05pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - CORINA 07591 945281 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 14 miles (22km)
Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
Ascent: 470m
Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£31 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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