Ouse Valley Viaduct & Ardingly Reservoir Circular
21 people attending
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Join me on this pleasant 9 mile Circular walk starting from Balcombe taking in a beautiful reservoir and a magnificent viaduct!
Leaving Balcombe heading east towards Ardingly reservoir, a nature reserve that was created in 1978 by damming Shell Brook, a tributary of the River Ouse which flows into the Ouse about 500m south of the reservoir. We track round the waters edge on the east side heading south and looping back up then down with Ardingly college in distance.
Crossing the dam at the south of the reservoir we join the Sussex Ouse valley way and press on to the Ouse valley viaduct. The Balcombe Viaduct, as it is also known, was built in 1839 and the structure has been described as "probably the most elegant viaduct in Britain." With the London to Brighton train lines running across its impressive semi-circular arches surmounted by balustrades the viaduct stands at 96 feet (29m) spanning 1,475 feet (450 m) long over the river Ouse.
After marvelling at this magnificent piece of Victorian architecture below, we will break for lunch on a hill with a view of the Viaduct and count the amount of carriages each train has when crossing.
Leaving the Viaduct behind we push deep into the the Mid Sussex District, west then north using some quieter foot paths heading back towards Balcombe.
Stopping at the Half Moon pub in Balcombe for the some much needed amenities, this is where the walk will end, and is 10 minute walk from the station.
Link to the ordinance survey map route here
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All pictures were taken by the leader.
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
Lots of water and a packed lunch.