HILLY HIKE 24km - The Devils Dyke valley and Shoreham on Sea, the South Downs

Our trail takes us across the South Downs along elevated tracks with superb far reaching views and both into and then across the tops of the chalk valleys. It’s quite a varied route with sections of woodland and for much of the time we will be high up on the South Downs Hills offering far reaching views. On our route the sea slowly gets closer until we finally hit the beach at the coastal town of Shoreham by Sea.

Along our trail we visit the remains of the ancient Wolstonbury Hill Fort hill fort dating back around 3000 years to the Bronze Age - the Late Neolithic period.

TOUGHNESS - please note, this is not a hike for beginners or for anyone who has not been hiking regularly recently. The total ascent today is 600/650m (twice the height of the Shard), if the idea of walking up the Shard twice does not appeal, then this hilly hike is not the hike for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike in the South Downs - one of the best National Parks in the South of England
• Visit the remains of a Bronze Age hill fort
• Hike along the ancient Devil's Dyke valley
• Enjoy stunning coastal views as we approach our destination by the sea
• Explore the adorable historical town and beach of Shoreham on Sea

HIKE DESCRIPTION

We start at Hassocks and our adventure takes us up onto the South Downs ridge, traversing part of the South Downs National Park, Britain's newest National Park. A 3000 year old route takes us along the top of the chalk highlands and passes by Wolstonbury Hill, a good location for wild orchid spotting with views almost as far as London. Our trail continues further along the chalk ridges of the famous South Downs Way with superb views both inland and to the sea.

We reach the Devil's Dyke, a deep valley surrounded by steep hills - one of the best view points of the South Downs where we can see The Sussex Weald and on a clear day, the Isle of Wight. It is the site of an Iron Age hillfort, and a pub. The view is so gorgeous, that a tourist railway and station was once built here just for day trippers to admire the view

Our next stop is Fulking Hill, an area of bowl barrows containing archaeological remains and environmental evidence relating to the way the monument was constructed and used in the Late Neolithic and the Bronze Age. We enjoy more views from the top of the slope at Truleigh Hill, picked out by its distinctive masts, with the crown of trees on Chanctonbury Ring further on.

The South Downs reward us with yet more fantastic and far reaching panoramas as we approach the sea on our way past the tiny Shoreham airport - the oldest commercial airport in the world with a protected 1936 art deco terminal building that plays host to many films including "The Da Vinci Code", Agatha Christie's "Poirot" and "Woman in Gold". We finish our hike in the historic fishing town of Shoreham on Sea for a well earned drink.

MEETING POINT

Victoria station 8:10am, leave at 8:30am for the 8:46am train. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
Planned arrival time back into London is 6:58pm (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: 15 miles (24km)
Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
Ascent: 620m
Hiking time: 5.5 to 6 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£32 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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