DAYS OUT ON THE DOWNS THAT DON’T COST THE EARTH THANKS TO THE SOUTH DOWNS SOCIETY'S GREEN TRAVEL WEEK
The South Downs Society today (18 August 2009) announced it is staging a week of Walks and Strolls from 29 August to 5 September to encourage travel to the start of walks by public transport.
The walks and strolls will explore a variety of beautiful and interesting landscapes in the South Downs during the week. The walks and strolls on every day are free and everyone is welcome to come along.
Jacquetta Fewster, Director of the South Downs Society, said “We are encouraging people to use public transport where possible to get to the start of a walk or car share and thereby help reduce traffic congestion and pollution in our beautiful countryside.
“From Jevington in the East, to Itchenor in the West, and many points in between, the walks and strolls will take in many viewpoints and places of interest such as: three of the Seven Sisters, Arlington Reservoir, Mount Caburn with the possibility of some late flowering rare orchids, Ditchling Beacon the 2nd highest point on the South Downs, the splendour of Danny House, the Monarchs’ Way near Amberly, Pulborough and the Society’s office, the ferry across the Chichester Channel from Itchenor.
“The South Downs is well-served by public transport, and planning a visit is easy.
There are some excellent initiatives such as the Brighton ‘Breeze up the Downs’ buses, and Southern Railways ‘Downlander’ bus and train tickets. And trips needn’t cost the earth. To find out more, visit the public transport page of our website at www.southdownssociety.org.uk.”
The Society launched its own Travel Plan in 2009. Members and others are encouraged to use public transport, walking, cycling and car sharing where possible when visiting the South Downs to help keep them a beautiful place for quiet enjoyment.
Details of all the Green Travel Walks and Strolls Week are available on the website at www.southdownssociety.org.uk, or by post from the South Downs Society, telephone 01798 875073.
Walkers should wear stout footwear, bring a drink and a bite to eat, and a mac in case there’s a shower.
GREEN TRAVEL WEEK
29 AUGUST TO 5 SEPTEMBER 2009
Discover beautiful parts of the South Downs you never knew existed, and all by public transport. Everyone is welcome to join in and all walks are free. Please wear stout footwear, bring a drink and a bite to eat, and a mac in case there’s a shower. Fancy planning your own public-transport walks instead? Visit the public transport page of our website at www.southdownssociety.org.uk for ideas and information.
Saturday 29 Aug TWO VILLAGES AND A FERRY
Meet: Old Bosham (car park), 10.30am. 10½ miles
Public transport: Train to Chichester, then bus 56 from Chichester Bus Stn 10.09, Cathedral 10.12. Return bus from Bosham 15.40. Please confirm times before travelling
Highlights: Bosham Peninsula, traditionally managed meadow at Fishbourne, tiny village of Dell Quay: Chichester’s ancient landing place, Itchenor: the once a famous local shipbuilding centre, ferry across the Chichester Channel.
Other information: bring a picnic lunch, ferry £2
Sunday 30 Aug DITCHLING TO STANMER STROLL
Meet: Brighton Railway Station, for Breeze Bus (79) to Ditchling Beacon, 10.15am. 4 ½ miles
Public transport: after bus from station and walk, Breeze Bus (78) back to Brighton.
Highlights: Ditchling Beacon, the 2nd highest point on the South Downs and Stanmer Park, which has seen 6000 years of human activity.
Other information: Tea (Stanmer Tea Rooms) at end of the walk.
Monday 31 Aug SAXONS, DAM AND LOST VILLAGE
Meet: Berwick Railway Station, 10.45am. 5 miles
Public Transport: train, buses from Seaford, Lewes, Alfriston and Eastbourne
PUB (Yew Tree, Arlington) or bring a picnic to eat en route.
Highlights: Arlington Reservoir constructed in 1970 by a dam across the river Cuckmere, the Saxon church of St Pancras, and lost village
Tuesday 1 Sep SEVEN SISTERS AND BANOFFI PIE
Meet: Exceat Woodland CP, 9.30am, 13 miles
Public transport: Bus 12/12A from Brighton and Eastbourne
Highlights: Cuckmere Haven, first three of the Seven Sisters with coastal views, downland village of Jevington, Banoffi Pie’s birthplace, giant chalk figure of the Long Man of Wilmington.
Other information: Pub stop at the Eight Bells, and tea at end in cafe at Exceat
Wednesday 2 Sep TWO FACES OF MID SUSSEX
Meet: Hassocks Station (East side), 10.30am. 13 miles
Public transport: train or Bus 40/40X from Brighton & Cuckfield
Highlights: Sayers Common, Hautboyes and Danny House, the largest Grade 1 listed building in Mid Sussex, rented for Lloyd George and a number of Imperial War Cabinet meetings took place in the Great Hall.
Other information: pub stop at the Duke of York
Thursday 3 Sep ARUNDEL HEIGHTS
Meet: Arundel Station, 10am. 7½ miles
Public transport: train or Bus 700 from Brighton & Chichester
Highlights: Arundel Castle, the Waterwoods, Monarchs Way (Charles II’s escape route in 1651), views to Amberley and its twelfth century castle, South Stoke Saxon Church
Other information: lunch at Amberley in The Bridge, or the Tearoom or a picnic by the river. Return along riverbank – all flat, or catch the train back
Friday 4 Sept SOUTH DOWNS VIEWS
Meet: Pulborough Railway Station, 10.00am. 5 miles.
Public transport: train or buses 1 (from Worthing and Midhurst), 100 (from Burgess Hill), 101 (from Billingshurst)
Highlights: views of the chalk hills, and the Wey South Path.
Saturday 5 September MOUNT CABURN FLOWERS
Meet: Lewes Mountfield Road (car park), 10.00am. 12 miles.
Public transport: Lewes station is a short walk from the start. Buses 28/29 from Brighton & Uckfield
Highlights: Mount Caburn and beautiful views of the Ouse
Valley, and maybe late-flowering rare orchids. Ringmer village, Barcombe Mills.
Other information: pub stop at the Royal Oak at Barcombe Cross