Trail Hikers UK

This fantastic stile-free circular hike through the rolling hills just west of Hitchin, taking in some of the most beautiful countryside Hertfordshire has to offer. The route begins with a varied morning stretch along farm tracks, across field edges, through shaded grassy lanes and woodlands, as we make our way over the northeastern edge of the Chiltern Hills at Great Offley.

We’ll then descend into the dramatic chalk landscapes of the Pegsdon Hills and Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve—an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty—where quiet, flat-bottomed valleys surround us. Our lunch stop is in Pegsdon Hills.

After lunch, we pick up the ancient Icknield Way and head to the pretty village of Pirton, with its striking Norman motte-and-bailey remains and the footprint of a deserted medieval village.

The final leg takes us through Oughtonhead Common, a surprisingly rich wet woodland habitat on Hitchin’s edge, and follows the clear waters of the chalk River Oughton to its source. We’ll pass a charming little farm gate café—perfect for a quick treat—before arriving in Hitchin’s historic old town. With its Tudor and Georgian buildings and medieval market square, there’s plenty to enjoy.

We’ll pass St. Mary’s Church, the largest parish church in the county, then take on a short, steep climb through a park before looping back to Hitchin station via a stretch of the morning path.

We’ll start from Borough Green, winding south through woodland and along gentle streams. After a scenic stop at Plaxtol, we’ll cross the Fairlawne House parklands en route to Ightham Mote. From there, we’ll continue via quiet bridleways, charming orchards, and a fragrant lavender farm, eventually entering the majestic Knole Park and Knole House(kind of castle).
Hike Highlights

• Ightham Mote: One of the most picturesque medieval moated manor houses in the country (free entry to National Trust members).
• Knole Park & Palace: Walk through 1,000 acres of deer-dotted parkland and admire the vast 365-room Knole House (National Trust).built in the fifteenth century.
• Old Village of Plaxtol: Wander through charming lanes past its Cromwellian church built in 1649 .
  Fairlawne Estate: Glimpse elegant parkland and country house scenery.
  Lavender Farm Views & Orchards: Enjoy a sensory treat as we pass blooming fields and Kentish orchards.
• Woodland & Streams: Peaceful, shaded paths alongside babbling brooks.

This iconic cliff-top hike—widely regarded as one of England’s most spectacular coastal walks—offers breath taking and widely celebrated views of the Seven Sisters' white cliffs and the famous Beachy Head, culminating in the graceful seafront town of Eastbourne. The walk involves a fair amount of ascent and descent—aside from the relatively level stretches near Cuckmere Haven and the final approach along Eastbourne’s promenade, the path is rarely flat. Yet, the majestic scenery makes the effort feel almost effortless.

Important Note: Cliffs Danger

Take care near the cliff edges on this walk. There are steep drops along the cliffs, as they are crumbly and liable to collapse: the official advice is to keep 5 metres from any cliff edge. People taking selfies regularly ignore this advice: don't imitate them. If you fall or collapse of the ground at the cliff's edge would almost certainly result in fatal.

Highlights: Iconic Landmarks

• Martello Tower (Seaford) - The westernmost of 103 Napoleonic-era coastal fortresses.
• Seven Sisters (or Eight 🙂?) Cliffs - Eight undulating chalk cliffs (Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Point, Flat Hill, Baily's Hill, and Went Hill) formed by Ice Age glacier meltwater and sea erosion
• Birling Gap - National Trust site with dramatic cliff erosion (up to 1 meter per year).
• Beachy Head - The highest chalk sea cliff in England at 162 meters, with its current lighthouse built in 1902 to replace Belle Tout
• Cuckmere Haven - A serene river valley where the Cuckmere River meets the English Channel
• Eastbourne Seafront - Victorian elegance with the famous pier and beautiful promenade

Meeting Point & Time: London Victoria Rail Station near Ticket office at 08:30 am
Train: 08:54 London Victoria, change at Lewes at 10:00, arriving at Seaford 10:19 Journey time 1 hour 25 minutes buy a day return tickets to Eastbourne and a supplementary one way ticket from Lewes to Seaford on the day or in advance. 1/3rd off for Group save (minimum 3 people) and Railcard.
Hike Starts: Seaford at 10:20 am
Hike Finishes: Eastbourne at Approx. 17:20
Length: 22 Kms, Hiking time: Approx 6 hours Grade: Hard/Extreme Ascent: 340m
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.