TRAILHIKERS : Outdoor Adventures and Activities

## Highlights

• Stroll through classic Weald countryside with rolling hills, ancient woodlands, hop fields, and orchards.
• Bodiam Castle, a picture-perfect medieval fortress surrounded by a moat, nestled in the Rother Valley.
• Enjoy the nostalgic sound of steam trains from the Rother Valley Railway.
• St Mary's Church, Salehurst**,** dating back to the 13th century, showcases beautiful English Gothic architecture and historic
  craftsmanship.
• Explore charming villages like Salehurst before a relaxed finish back in Robertsbridge.

## 📖 Description

🥾 “A Scenic High Weald Walk to Bodiam Castle!”
This scenic circular hike offers a true taste of the High Weald’s beauty. Starting from Robertsbridge, we’ll meander through lush countryside, rolling hills, passing hop gardens and orchards. The highlight is reaching Bodiam Castle (was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge), for a well-deserved tea break, where history and stunning views combine. From here, we continue along gentle undulations to Salehurst and return to Robertsbridge for a leisurely finish.
🗺️ Hike Details

• Distance: 19 km
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Grade: Moderate(some rolling hills, some stiles)
• Ascent: ~360 m
• Pace: Steady social pace with regular breaks for views and photos

🕒 Meeting Point & Time

• 📍 Meeting Point: London Bridge Rail Station at 08:40 AM (near ticket office)
• 🚆 Train: 08:54 from London Bridge, Arrives Robertsbridge 10:05.
  Buy a day return ticket to Robertsbridge on the day or in advance. (1/3rd off on Group Save & Railcard).
• 🏁 Hike Starts: Robertsbridge at 10:05
• ⏳ Hike Finishes: Robertsbridge approx. at ~16:00
• 📞 Hike Guide: Raj – 07788839784

🎒 What to Bring

• 👟 Comfortable hiking boots
• 💧 Water & packed lunch/snacks
• 🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing
• ☀️🌧️ Sun/Rain/Wind protection (hat, sunscreen, raincoat)
• 📷 Optional: camera, walking poles

📌 Additional Info

• 🍻 Optional social drinks (BYOD) after the hike at a local pub near the station
• 🌱 Some paths may be muddy after rain
• 👥 Let’s keep the group together so we can all enjoy the views and finish safely
• 🔗 This event is posted on multiple platforms

Cost & What’s Included

• 💵 Cost: £10 per person
• ✅ Includes: Guided hike/meetup fee only
• ❌ Not included: Train tickets, food, drinks, or other personal expenses
• ⚠️ Note: Participants who purchase train tickets through the organiser must stay with the group until the end of the hike (London).

✅ How to Join
RSVP by Wednesday to secure your spot for this Saturday hike!
We’d love to have you join us on the trail!
Click Join to RSVP

## Highlights

• The Saxon Church of St John the Baptist in Clayton
• Jack and Jill Windmills
• Medieval dew ponds
• Ditchling Beacon, 248 meters
• Plumpton village
• Lewes Castle & Lewes High Street

## 📖 Description

This exhilarating hike from Hassocks to Lewes along the South Downs Way, a chalk grassland ridge offering panoramic views inland and out to the sea near Brighton.
We’ll start by passing through Butcher’s Wood, visit the historic Clayton Church, and admire the iconic Jack and Jill Windmills, still in working order.

Once on the ridge, enjoy sweeping scenery as we walk past medieval dew ponds and the Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex (248 m), once a hillfort and later a beacon site for coastal defense that gave warning of the Spanish Armada.

After descending into Plumpton, we climb back onto the downs for more stunning scenery before finishing in Lewes, following the Historic Lewes High Street into town and ending at the Norman castle, built shortly after the Battle of Hastings by William de Warenne. Lewes Castle is unique for having two mottes, and its barbican gate still impresses visitors today.

Hike Details

• Distance: 18 km
• Duration: 5.5–6 hours
• Grade: Moderate, some steep climbs onto the downs
• Ascent: 420 m
• Pace: Steady social pace with regular breaks for views and photos

🕒 Meeting Point & Time

• 📍 Meeting Point: London Bridge Rail Station at 08:45 AM (near ticket office)
• 🚆 Train: 09:05 from London Bridge, Arrives Hassocks 10:02.
  Buy a day return ticket to Hassocks and ( a supplementary ticket from Lewes to Hassocks) on the day or in advance. (1/3rd off on Group Save & Railcard).
• 🏁 Hike Starts: Hassocks at 10:02
• ⏳ Hike Finishes: Lewes approx. at ~16:30
• 📞 Hike Guide: Raj – 07788839784

🎒 What to Bring

• 👟 Comfortable hiking boots
• 💧 Water & packed lunch/snacks
• 🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing
• ☀️🌧️ Sun/Rain/Wind protection (hat, sunscreen, raincoat)
• 📷 Optional: camera, walking poles

📌 Additional Info

• 🍻 Optional social drinks (BYOD) after the hike at a local pub near the station
• 🌱 Some paths may be muddy after rain
• 👥 Let’s keep the group together so we can all enjoy the views and finish safely
• 🔗 This event is posted on multiple platforms

Cost & What’s Included

• 💵 Cost: £10 per person
• ✅ Includes: Guided hike/meetup fee only
• ❌ Not included: Train tickets, food, drinks, or other personal expenses
• ⚠️ Note: Participants who purchase train tickets through the organiser must stay with the group until the end of the hike (London).