Early Spring Camping in Alfriston
7 people attending
8 places left
After a several year hiatus, we return to Alfriston for early spring camping in the heart of the Lullington Heath National Nature Reserve. The village, which was first mentioned in the Domesday Book, lies along the banks of the Cuckmere River and is home to four very nice pubs (two from the 14th century), which can serve as options for dinner.
Friday Afternoon:
Arrive any time after 13.30, look for the ODL Flag, pitch up, and settle in. There is no Reception to check in with; someone will come find you. You can cook at your tent, or we can wander over to any of the local pubs for dinner. In the evening we'll light a campfire, break out the s'mores and try to stay warm!
Additionally there is a strict "no music after 10.00pm" rule that is rigourously enforced!
Saturday morning:
Should the weather cooperate, we will look into this just under 8 mile loop around The Rails and along the banks of the Cuckmere River with a pub stop when we get back to Alfriston. The other option is about the same distance but goes to the Rathfinny WIne Estate, with a walk through the vineyard and wine tasting. A portion of this route (just under a half mile) is on a paved "C" road that has a pathway for at least part of the stretch.
Saturday Evening
After unwinding back at the campground, dinner can again be cooked around the tents or back to the village for dinner. Options include Ye Olde Smugglers Inne (pub classics with locally sourced ingredients), Poco (primarily Italian with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options), The George Inn (several very nice vegetarian options) or The Six Bells (sadly no website).
Sunday
If the weather is decent, breakfast can be a bit relaxed but we need to be off site by midday.
Campsite Amenities
This site offers modern facilities, including:
- A block containing toilets and 10 shower stalls;
- Washing-up station for convenience;
- Firepits can be hired at £15 and include the first bag of logs and firestarters.
- Additional bags of logs are £9 each
Pack your tent, walking boots, and sense of adventure—we can’t wait to see you there!
There are only a small number of EHU's available but they cannot be booked in advance - so if you need one get there early!! Additionally, they are coin operated - £4 for 24 hours.
New to Camping ?
If this is your first event, don't be put off if you lack some of the necessary equipment; just message me on chris.keivit@outdoorlads.com or on Telegram - @chriskk_fafner.
Campfires & BBQ's: This event may include a campfire/BBQ at the site. Whilst our event leaders will take safety precautions there is still a risk to members. Please consider your behaviour around the campfire for your own and others safety.
Dogs: The site is dog friendly (kept on the leads) - at no additional cost!
Photos: All photos have been provided by OutdoorLads members and used with permission and thanks.
What to bring
This list is not exclusive and if your a regular camper I am sure you will have your own list, if not:
Tent: A tent is of course essential when sleeping out in the open (It is the UK it could well rain). It's recommended that you have pitched your tent before, and have all parts of it, such as poles and pegs.
Sleeping Bag / Duvet: As this is early May you might want to bring a duvet for a bit of extra warmth!
Sleeping Mat/Cot: The ground is hard and you'll get a much better nights' sleep if you have something between your sleeping bag and the groundsheet.
Pillow: Whilst you could roll-up your spare clothes and use these as a pillow, home comforts make for a much more enjoyable night!!
Food and Drink: See above, you will need to cater for yourself through out the weekend so plan ahead. If the weather is bad you will want a hot meal and likely hot drinks (Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate)
Camp Stove: Depending on your catering plans for the weekend you may be satisfied with a simple single gas burner/Trangia, or you may need something bigger. Don't forget your stove will need fuel.
Lighter/Matches: You will need some way to light the stove.
Torch/Lantern: You'll find it much easier to get in your sleeping bag at night if you can see where you are going. Check the batteries whilst you are at home or bring spare ones.
Water: Whilst fresh water will be available at the campsite you probably won't want to have to keep going back and forth to the tap so will want a suitable container and don't forget if you are going on the day walk to pack your water bottle or hydration bladder
Utensils/Pots & Pans: Again your needs will vary on what you are planning to eat but you will want as a minimum a mug, knife, fork and spoon.
Towels: You're going to want one for yourself, perhaps a separate one for your cooking equipment and maybe a spare
Wash-kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and flip-flops are essential!
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc. The leader will have a basic first aid kit and if you have a medical condition please confidentially DM the Event Leader.
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack or tent leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Folding/Camping Chair: Everyone likes to sit around the camp fire in the evening and this is much more comfortable than a log.
Day Rucksack: (Day Walk) typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: (Day Walk) waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Change of Footwear: If you've been in boots all day you will want something else to wear around the campsite and if we go to the pub. Wellies are always a good option if the weather turns.
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters you'll want one pair for each day you're walking, and a spare pair. You'll also want some other socks for around the campsite/evening wear. TOP TIP: Put clean socks on before getting into your sleeping bag if you are going to wear them at night. Any moisture in your socks will condensate in the colder temperature at night and its not comfortable.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece). You'll probably want a couple of items for each layer so that you have a good change of clothes.
Trousers: Whilst on the day walk you really do not want jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK. Again a couple of pairs is sensible.
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Walking Poles: (Day Walk) always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day.
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy days
Bin Bags: If the weather doesn't hold and you have to take a wet tent home (hopefully just the tent gets wet) then a couple of extra bin liners can be a great addition to your kit
Snacks: (Day Walk) bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Map and compass: (Day Walk) The walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea or a power brick. There are charging points in the shower block.
Food & drink
You can bring whatever food you would like to prepare tentside, or enjoy dinners at one of the local pubs.