WhatsApp Gary 07968585224 This beautiful hike explores the **northern edge of the South Downs National Park and the Sussex Weald**, following sections of the **Serpent Trail** through some of West Sussex’s finest heathland, woodland and open countryside. We begin by crossing **Marley Common**, a peaceful mix of broadleaf and chestnut woodland, open heath and grazing land. Now managed by the National Trust, the common is home to **Belted Galloway cattle** and offers a wonderfully rural start to the walk. From here, we continue towards **Fernhurst** before climbing steeply towards the **Temple of the Winds**. The effort is rewarded with sweeping views across the **South Downs**, and on a clear day it may even be possible to see as far as the **English Channel**. Our route then takes us across **Black Down**, the highest point in the historic county of Sussex. The area has strong literary connections with **Alfred, Lord Tennyson**, who bought nearby land in the 19th century and built **Aldworth House** as his summer home. From Black Down, we continue through the rolling Sussex countryside towards the attractive market town of **Haslemere**, where the hike finishes. Afterwards, you are welcome to join us for a well-earned drink in a local pub before catching the train back to London. ### **🕘 Schedule & Meeting Info** * **Meeting Time:** 09:00 at London Waterloo Station, underneath the main clock. *(alternatively you can meet us at the hike start point)* * **Trains:** 09:30 from London Waterloo to Haslemere, arriving at approximately 10:20. Journey time approximately 50 mins. * **Tickets:** Return ticket to Haslemere * **Hike Start:** 10:25 at Haslemere Station * **Lunch:** pack lunch * **Estimated finish:** 17:30 at Haslemere Station * **Return to London:** Regular trains to London Waterloo 📍 **Hike Overview** * **Grade:** Intermediate **🥾🥾** * **Hiking time:** Approx 6 hours, excluding breaks * **Distance:** 19km / 12 miles * **Ascent:** Approx 600m * **Terrain:** Wood

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