This hike takes us across the South Downs on a superb route, but it's tough and long and a brisk pace.

📏 Key Info:

• Distance: 19 miles (30km)

• Grading: Challenging

• Ascent: 690m

• Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours

• Cost: £33 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Get Tickets” to join.

• Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.

• Toilet Breaks: On the train, mid morning, then nature stops, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point

• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP & PHOTO

• Time: Meet 7:50am, leave 8:10am for the 8:24am train

• Return: 7:36pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights

• Hike high along the South Downs ridges with spectacular far-reaching views

• Follow part of the South Downs Way, Britain’s first bridleway National Trail

• Admire dramatic glacial “dry valleys” carved during the last Ice Age

• Enjoy distant views of the Seven Sisters cliffs without hiking them

• Cross the River Ouse valley before climbing deep into the Downs

• Finish on the beach at Seaford, with coastal history including its 1810 Martello Tower

• A serious physical challenge – ideal for fit, experienced hikers who find the Seven Sisters easy

🥾 Hike Description

Our adventure begins in Lewes, a historic Sussex market town dating back to the 6th century and famed for its castle and bonfire traditions. Leaving town, we cross the River Ouse and its broad valley before climbing into the heart of the South Downs National Park, Britain’s newest National Park.

For much of the day we hike high up on the chalk ridges and rolling hills of the Downs, rewarded with panoramic views that stretch inland and out to the English Channel. We pass through glacial dry valleys and across open downs, with long stretches where the sea draws ever nearer. Approaching the coast, our path reveals distant vistas of the legendary Seven Sisters cliffs, gleaming white in the sunlight.

The hike concludes in Seaford, a small coastal town steeped in history. Here we find the Martello Tower, built in 1810 as part of a chain of 103 towers to guard against French invasion during the Napoleonic Wars. Finishing right by the beach, this is a spectacular end to one of our toughest South Downs challenges.

Toughness:

At 30km with multiple steep climbs and a brisk pace, this is one of our longest day hikes from London. It is only suitable for experienced and very fit hikers. There is little if any time for a pub stop at the end, and if you are unable to keep up or complete the hike, you will need to leave and arrange a taxi at your own expense.

🧭 Guide:

• Leader: GRAHAM

• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487

🍽️ Food:

• Bring a packed lunch and hike snacks, it's a long hike

• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

🎒What to Bring

• Hiking boots/shoes

• Water (2 litres minimum)

• Packed lunch

• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)

• Hat and gloves if cold

• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety

Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

❓ Want to Know More?

• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)

• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)

• FAQs (covers common queries)

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Description supplied by the event organiser.