Trail Hikers

This walk from Riddlesdown to South Coulsdon takes you through a remarkably unspoilt stretch of countryside. It features Farthing Down, Kenley Common, Riddlesdown, and Coulsdon Common—ancient grazing lands lovingly preserved as part of the London Greenbelt. Together, they form a charming landscape of woodlands and open spaces.

Spring is a great time to visit—there are loads of wildflowers, including a few spots with amazing bluebell woods.

The preservation of these commons is a result of the foresight shown by the Corporation of London, which began acquiring land in and around the city in the 1880s to support good health and give Londoners a place of recreation. In the early 1900s, thousands of day trippers would escape the city to enjoy picnics on these verdant spaces and visit Gardner's fairground on Riddlesdown. Today, all four commons remain rich in wildflowers each spring and provide important habitats for a variety of birds and insects.

Happy Valley is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its flora and as a habitat for ground nesting birds such as larks. Visit Chaldon Church to see its remarkable medieval wall painting dating back to the Middle Ages.

MEETING POINT & TIME
Where: Victoria Train Station at 10:10 am for 10:21am train or meet us in Riddlesdown Train station at 10:50 am
HIKE STARTS: Riddlesdown Train Station at 10:50 am
HIKE FINISHES: Coulsdon South

LENGTH & CHALLENGE
Length: 17 Kms , Walk time: 5 to 5.5 hours (Including break)
Toughness: Easy/Moderate Ascent: 300m

Hike Leader: Raj 07788839784

Riddlesdown and Coulsdon South both are london zone 6, you can use Oyster and contactless card(remember to touch in and out)

What to Bring:
Comfortable hiking shoes/boots, Weather-appropriate clothing.
Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water at least one ltr.

Step beyond the riverside charm of Henley-on-Thames and into a world of quiet hills, woodland paths, and sweeping views. This circular walk reveals the hidden beauty of the southern Chiltern Hills, where gentle slopes cradle secret valleys and timeworn trails.

Hike Highlights

• Henley-on-Thames
  Historic riverside town, known for its charm, rowing heritage, and Georgian architecture.
• Explore the Chiltern grassy Hills – a landscape of rolling countryside and hidden valleys
• Stroll beneath majestic beech woodlands
• Panoramic Views: Enjoy sweeping vistas over the rolling Chiltern hills and farmland from elevated viewpoints along the route.
• Pass through the scenic Stonor Deer Park & Stonor Mansion House
• Spot soaring red kites in their natural habitat

Meeting Point & Time: London Paddington Station near Ticket office at 09:15 am

Trains: 09:38 am London Paddington, changing at Twyford, arriving at Henley-on-Thames at 10:27 am Journey time 49 minutes buy a day return tickets to Henley-on-Thames on the day or in advance.

Hike Starts: Henley-on-Thames at 10:30 am
Hike Finishes: Henley-on-Thames at Approx. 17:30

Grade: Length: 24 Kms, Walk time: Approx. 6 to 7 hours with some gentle rolling hills (Including break)
Toughness: Intermediate/Hard Ascent: 520m

Cost: £10, which covers the organiser fee (train tickets and any other charges not included)

Hike Leader: Raj 07788839784

What to Bring:
Comfortable hiking shoes/boots, Weather-appropriate clothing.
Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water at least one litre.

Experience the South Downs at their most spectacular on this thrilling and varied hike from Hassocks to Shoreham-by-Sea. This route is a true celebration of the landscape, featuring 3 major steep hills—each richly rewarded with unforgettable views.
From the very start, the trail winds through rare chalk grassland, leading you up Wolstonbury Hill, a mysterious and ancient rise offering wide views across the Sussex Weald. It’s a lung-stretching climb, but the peaceful summit makes it more than worthwhile.
The next big climb takes you to the legendary Devil’s Dyke—a dramatic, steep-sided valley carved by erosion (or, as local legend would have it, by the Devil himself in a failed attempt to drown the land below). From the escarpment, gaze out over miles of uninterrupted countryside, with views stretching to the sea on a clear day. This is one of the most breathtaking panoramas in South East England.
The third ascent, to Edburton Hill, is more gradual but still a good push—and from its tranquil top, you’ll enjoy a quieter, more contemplative perspective over the Downs.
The afternoon takes a gentler turn as you follow a section of the South Downs Way and River Adure to Shoreham-by-Sea

Hike Highlights

• 🏞️ Wolstonbury Hill: Peaceful and panoramic; an ancient landmark shrouded in mystery.
• 🌌 Devil’s Dyke Viewpoint: A breathtaking ridge-top spectacle—possibly the finest view in the South East.
• 🌿 Edburton Hill: A quiet ridge above the escarpment, ideal for reflection and rest.
• 🧭 South Downs Way: Follow this iconic national trail across open ridges and rolling fields.

### Notes

• This hike includes a significant ascent onto the South Downs; participants should be prepared for a challenging climb.
• The route may be muddy in places, especially after rain; appropriate footwear is essential

Meeting Point & Time: London Bridge Rail Station near Ticket office at 09:15 am
TRAIN: 09:35 London Bridge, arriving at Hassocks 10:32 Journey time 57 minutes buy a day return tickets to Shoreham-by-Sea on the day or in advance.
Hike Starts: Hassocks at 10:35 am
Hike Finishes: Shoreham-by-Sea at Approx. 17:00

GRADE: Length: 21 Kms, Walk time: Approx. 5 to 6 hours with 3 steep hills to climb (Including break)
Toughness: Intermediate/Hard Ascent: 540m

COST: £10, which covers the organiser fee (train tickets and any other charges not included)

Hike Leader: Raj 07788839784

What to Bring:
Comfortable hiking shoes/boots, Weather-appropriate clothing.
Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water at least one litre.

This picturesque route traverses from north to south, exploring hidden valleys, woods, open access and park land.. Begin in the charming village of Ditchling before ascending(very steep) Ditchling Beacon for panoramic views. Continue through the tranquil grounds of Stanmer Park and past the historic Stanmer House, then meander through the University of Sussex campus to reach Falmer. After passing Falmer, the hike offers a rewarding sea view from Kemp Town Racecourse, followed by a gentle descent into Brighton. As you arrive, the boardwalk, iconic pier, lively seafront, fish & chips and the quirky charm of The Lanes you can explore — and if you're up for it, there's always the chance to dip your feet or enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea.

Highlights:

• Ditchling Village: A picturesque village with historical significance.
• Ditchling Beacon: Ascend to one of the highest points in East Sussex, offering panoramic views.
• Stanmer Park: A historic parkland with woodland trails.
• University of Sussex Campus: Pass through the campus en route to Falmer.
• Kemp Town Racecourse: Enjoy views of the sea as we approach Brighton
• Brighton: Brighton pier, seaside charm, iconic landmarks, fish & Chips, pebble beach, and distinctive Regency architecture,

MEETING POINT & TIME: London Bridge Rail Station near Ticket office at 09:15 am
TRAIN: 09:35 London Bridge, arriving at Hassocks 10:32 Journey time 57 minutes buy a day return tickets to Brighton on the day or in advance.
HIKE STARTS: Hassocks at 10:35 am
HIKE FINISHES: Brighton at Approx. 17:00

GRADE: Length: 23 Kms, Walk time: Approx. 5.5 to 6 hours with 1 very steep hills to climb. Toughness: Hard/Extreme Ascent: 500m

COST: £10, which covers the organiser fee (train tickets and any other charges not included)

HIKE LEADER: Raj 07788839784

WHAT TO BRING:
Comfortable hiking shoes/boots, Weather-appropriate clothing.
Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water at least one litre.