Free train travel opens up the stunning South Downs to youngsters from across London and the south east
The conservation charity, the South Downs Society, and train operator, Southern, today (10 November 2008) announced they are teaming up to enable thousands of youngsters to enjoy the South Downs area of outstanding natural beauty.
The South Downs Society has devised four great walks from stations in the South Downs, and Southern is providing free off-peak travel for schools and youth groups. All the walks are full of interesting things to see and do on the way, and are described, with maps, on hard-wearing laminated sheets, ideal for use by adults and youngsters.
Southern’s Chris Hudson said: “We are delighted to be able to help the South Downs Society enable youngsters to enjoy the breathtaking South Downs by providing free off-peak travel to and from the stations associated with the walks. Not only will this initiative encourage young people to pursue a healthy lifestyle, it will also introduce many youngsters to train travel for pleasure – something we are especially keen to do.”
Jacquetta Fewster, a spokesperson for the South Downs Society, said: “The South Downs is a unique landscape. People have enjoyed the area since time immemorial. We want to make sure today’s youngsters get to explore this beautiful landscape, and thanks to this new scheme, they will.”
85 youngsters from Hurstpierpoint and Crawley were the first to put the scheme to the test recently. After a train ride to Glynde Station, the children walked the two miles to Lewes, over the landmark hill Mount Caburn.
Talking about the day, nine year old William from the Hurstpierpoint Gymnastics Club said “I really think I’ve achieved something. I never thought I’d get to the top of Mount Caburn.” Other comments from club members included six year old Laura who said: “I didn’t realise you could see so far from one place.” And seven year old Ellie, commented: “I’ve never been on a train before. It’s really smooth and more comfortable than a car. You can still talk with all your friends in one place.”
From the Crawley Cub Scouts, nine year old Max said “I enjoyed the hike. The bits that I liked about it were sprinting down the very steep hills, the train ride was good, but the bit I like most was having lunch with the Cub pack!” Comments from other Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from Crawley ranged from “awesome”, to “when can we come again?” and “I want to go further next time.”
The four walks are: Hassocks circular (4.5 miles), Berwick circular (4 miles), Southease circular (4 miles) and Glynde to Lewes (2 miles). Soon there will be a fifth: Amberley to Arundel (4.5 miles).
To qualify for the free walk descriptions and train travel, all schools and youth groups need to do is affiliate to the South Downs Society, which costs £15 for schools and youth groups. The free train travel is available on off-peak services on Southern and each school or youth group is entitled to two free South Downs trips each year.
