Eridge and Ashdown Forest
12 people attending
8 places left
A walk through the woods, across the heaths and up the slopes of Ashdown Forest to the highest point between the Downs. We will have lunch at Greenwood Gate clump - one of the distinctive groups of Scots pine trees on the hilltops of the Forest - taking in the impressive views across the Weald. We will then descend through Five Hundred Acre Wood through Winnie the Pooh country to have a beer at a traditional Sussex country pub.
The distance is around 14 miles and the total ascent is 432m. There is a train from London Bridge at 9:07, calling at East Croydon 9:22 to arrive at Eridge at 10:03.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
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)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and enough food and water for the day. There will not be an opportunity to buy food and drink on the walk until the pub stop at the very end.